Looking for a treat that balances sweetness and a touch of salt? These salted caramel cookies are the perfect dessert to satisfy your cravings. With soft, chewy centers and a luscious caramel topping, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce and sprinkling with sea salt.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Also, use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or swap out the caramel sauce for homemade caramel if you prefer.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much.
- Baking at a too-high temperature can burn the bottoms.
- Using old baking soda can result in flat cookies.
- Skipping the sea salt can diminish the flavor balance.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, increase the amount of caramel sauce.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain the flavor balance.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
You can make caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan until golden brown, then adding heavy cream and stirring until smooth.
Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading, as well as using cold baking sheets.
What can I do with leftover caramel sauce?
Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in the fridge and used as a topping for desserts, pancakes, or even in coffee drinks.
Conclusion
These salted caramel cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With their chewy centers and rich caramel topping, they make for a perfect treat any time of day. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with friends and family!
Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
