Oh, get ready for a sweet treat that’s bound to make your taste buds dance – I’m talking about my Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies! These are not just any cookies; they are like little bites of heaven that combine the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness. Trust me, once you make these, they will become the star of your dessert table – and possibly the preferred choice for friend gatherings or family game nights.
My love for these cookies started during a casual get-together with friends. I decided to whip up something special, and after a few tweaks and tests, I nailed it! The first time I brought them out, you could hear a collective “Wow!” as everyone took a bite. The combination of gooey caramel tucked inside a soft, buttery cookie, with just a sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top – it’s like a little party in your mouth! You may even find yourself licking the bowl (yes, it’s totally acceptable when no one’s watching).
What’s in Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
Butter: You can’t go wrong with good ol’ unsalted butter! It gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor that makes them irresistible. I prefer to use high-quality butter like Kerrygold for that extra touch of decadence.
Brown Sugar: This is what gives our cookies that lovely, chewy texture and adds a lovely caramel flavor. Light brown sugar works just fine, but dark brown sugar can give a richer taste.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! This balances out the richness of the brown sugar and adds that lovely crispiness when baked.
Egg: This is our binder! It helps to hold everything together and creates a nice, tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: I always use pure vanilla extract for the most flavor – you really can taste the difference. It adds an aromatic sweetness that is simply irresistible.
Baking Soda: Just a pinch of this helps our cookies rise a bit, giving them that perfect little puff.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of our cookie dough. It provides the structure needed to create those delightful cookies.
Salt: A pinch in the dough for balance, and then some flaky sea salt sprinkled on top brings everything together perfectly.
Caramel Candies: This is the star of the show! I usually go for chewy caramel candies like Kraft or Werther’s Originals, but make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for the best results.
Is Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Good for You?
Well, we can’t pretend that cookies are health food, but what we can do is indulge responsibly! These cookies have a few redeeming qualities worth noting:
Butter: Full of saturated fat, but it’s also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Just remember moderation is key!
Brown Sugar: While it does add sweetness, it also contains some minerals like calcium and magnesium that are stripped from refined white sugar.
Eggs: They provide protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium.
That said, let’s be real – these cookies are made to be enjoyed. Life is too short not to celebrate with a delicious cookie or two (or three)!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel candies, chopped
– Flaky sea salt, for topping
– Servings: About 24 cookies
How to Make Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped caramel candies gently. Don’t get too vigorous here; we don’t want to melt the caramel just yet!
6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Before baking, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for that perfect sweet and salty contrast!
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the middle still looks a little soft – they will firm up as they cool.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Secrets for Perfect Cookies!
– If you like your cookies chewy, remove them from the oven while they’re still slightly under-baked and let them continue cooking on the baking sheet.
– Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for an extra richness – because really, does more chocolate ever hurt?
– If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop out the dough and freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just toss them in the oven from frozen—just add a couple more minutes to the bake time.
You guys, I cannot recommend these cookies enough! They’re perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a treat. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so feel free to share your cookie-making adventures. Happy baking, friends! 🍪
