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Do you crave a sweet treat that perfectly balances crunch and gooeyness? Look no further! My Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are the answer. With rich flavors and a touch of salt, they are hard to resist. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps to create these delicious cookies. Plus, I’ll share tips for choosing the best ingredients and making them just right. Let’s dive in and bake something amazing!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of buttery cookies with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt creates a mouthwatering flavor that is both sweet and slightly savory.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a crispy edge with a soft, chewy center, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even different flavored chips for a unique twist on the classic cookie.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make crispy salted caramel cookies, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel chips
– ½ cup sea salt flakes (for topping)
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a vegan option.
– Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
– Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
– Use egg replacers like flax eggs if you want to make it egg-free.
– For gluten-free cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Tips for Choosing High-Quality Ingredients
Select the best ingredients for great flavor:
– Choose high-quality unsalted butter for a rich taste.
– Look for pure vanilla extract, not imitation, for better flavor.
– Use fresh eggs for the best texture and taste.
– Select caramel chips that melt well and have a rich caramel flavor.
– Opt for coarse sea salt flakes; they add a nice crunch and balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Kitchen
Start by getting your kitchen ready. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your cookies bake evenly. Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps your cookies not stick. You can also gather your ingredients so everything is easy to find. This includes butter, sugars, eggs, and caramel chips.
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s mix the dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Do this for about 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together. Finally, gently fold in the caramel chips. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
Baking and Cooling Process
It’s time to bake! Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart for even baking. Before you put them in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on the dough balls. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma as they cool!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your crispy salted caramel cookies, follow these tips:
– Use softened butter. This helps create a light and fluffy dough.
– Cream the butter and sugars until they look pale. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
– Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. Mix just until combined to keep them soft.
– Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up without getting too hard.
Storing Leftovers for Freshness
To keep your cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:
– Place cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and delicious.
– Use parchment paper between layers of cookies. This prevents them from sticking together.
– Store the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat and moisture to keep them fresh longer.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies taste great on their own, but here are some fun ideas:
– Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie pairs well with cold ice cream.
– Drizzle extra caramel on top for a sweet touch. This adds flavor and makes them look fancy.
– Enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk. The flavors blend perfectly together, making a nice treat.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives a chewier texture.
- Use High-Quality Caramel Chips: Opt for premium caramel chips for richer flavor. They melt beautifully and ensure that every bite is deliciously sweet.
- Check for Doneness: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. Remove them when the edges are golden brown, and the center still looks slightly underbaked for the best texture.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer freshness. Just let them cool completely before sealing.

Variations
Adding Different Mix-Ins
You can make these cookies even more fun by adding different mix-ins. Try adding nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for a nice crunch. You can also use chocolate chips for a sweet twist. If you love fruit, consider adding dried cranberries or cherries. These additions add flavor and texture, making each bite exciting.
Making it Gluten-Free
To make these cookies gluten-free, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum, as it helps with texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the amount. Each flour type has different properties, so you may need to experiment to find the right texture.
Customizing with Flavored Caramels
For a unique taste, try using flavored caramels. Sea salt caramel adds a nice touch. You can also find caramel with hints of vanilla or chocolate. These flavors can change the whole cookie experience. Just make sure the caramel you choose melts well. This way, you keep that gooey, delicious inside.
Storage Info
How to Store Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your crispy salted caramel cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from getting stale. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies. This helps avoid sticking. Try to eat them within a week for the best taste.
Freezing Cookies for Future Use
You can freeze these cookies for future enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just thaw it at room temperature.
Best Containers for Cookie Storage
The best containers for cookie storage are glass or plastic with tight seals. Glass jars look great on your counter too! If you choose plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. These containers keep your cookies fresh and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. However, it may change the cookie’s taste. The sea salt flakes might make the cookies too salty. If you choose salted butter, skip the added salt in the recipe. This way, you keep the balance of flavors right.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week. Store them in an airtight container. They can also keep longer in the fridge, up to two weeks. For extra freshness, layer the cookies with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
What are some recommended brands for caramel chips?
Some great brands for caramel chips include Guittard and Nestle. Both brands offer quality and taste. You can also look for local brands at specialty stores. If you prefer a unique flavor, try dark chocolate caramel chips. They add a nice twist to your cookies.
This blog post covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for making crispy salted caramel cookies. Quality ingredients are vital for flavor. I shared tricks for storing cookies to keep them fresh. You can also customize the recipe with different mix-ins and storage options. Remember, baking can be fun and creative. Enjoy your cookie journey and feel free to experiment with flavor
Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies
Delicious cookies with a crispy edge and a soft center, packed with caramel chips and topped with sea salt.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel chips
- ½ cup sea salt flakes (for topping)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Gently fold in the caramel chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Before baking, sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt flakes on each cookie dough ball.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the cookies on a decorative plate with a few extra caramel chips scattered artfully around them for an elegant touch. Optionally, drizzle with additional melted caramel for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Keyword caramel, cookies, dessert, sweet
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