Introduction
There’s something truly magical about cookies, especially when they’re adorned with a rich, buttery caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Welcome to the irresistible world of Salted Caramel Cookies! These sweet treats offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with a soft, chewy center bursting with gooey caramel and chocolate chips. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that promises to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, chopped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a wonderful texture.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the tantalizing vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped caramel candies, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned, giving you that perfect contrast of texture.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top of each one to enhance the sweet flavors. It’s pure magic!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for maintaining their chewy texture.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies! Also, don’t worry if your cookies spread out a bit; it just means they’re going to be even more delicious. If you prefer your cookies a bit thicker, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugar, it’s important to achieve a light and fluffy texture, as this will impact the overall texture of your cookies. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to ensure even distribution of the baking soda and salt, preventing any lumps in your final cookie dough. Lastly, remember to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly—this allows them to firm up just the right amount before transferring them.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but if you do, you may want to skip the added sea salt for sprinkling.
What can I substitute for caramel candies? Feel free to use chocolate-covered caramel candies or even toffee bits for a different twist!
How should I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies and enjoy them later.
Conclusion
Now that you have this delightful recipe for Salted Caramel Cookies in your hands, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Each bite promises a delightful crunch, a soft gooey center, and a sprinkle of magic from the sea salt. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!