Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, offering an irresistible crunch with a rich caramel flavor. These cookies have a delightful contrast between their crisp edges and slightly chewy centers, making them a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent treat with your coffee, a unique dessert for gatherings, or just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. The combination of buttery caramel and a touch of sea salt creates an addictive balance that will keep you reaching for more.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Caramel candies
• Heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Caramel: Chop the caramel candies into small pieces and melt them with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
7. Add Caramel: Gently fold in the cooled caramel sauce, swirling it into the dough without fully mixing it in to create a marbled effect.
8. Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
10. Finish with Sea Salt: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Spiced Twist: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm caramel flavors.
• Chewy Version: For a softer texture, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent my caramel from becoming too hard in the cookies?

To prevent hard caramel bits, ensure that the caramel is properly melted with heavy cream to create a soft texture before adding it to the dough.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, but make sure it’s a thick caramel sauce rather than a thin syrup to avoid overly sticky cookies.

Why are my cookies too soft instead of crispy?

Make sure to bake the cookies long enough until the edges turn golden brown. Cooling them completely on a wire rack also helps maintain crispiness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping and baking.

What’s the best way to get even cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly and ensure uniform baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

How do I get a stronger caramel flavor?

You can add a teaspoon of caramel extract to the dough or mix in more caramel swirls.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free version.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread excessively. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading.

Can I add sea salt before baking instead of after?

Yes, but the salt may dissolve slightly during baking, so adding it afterward ensures a more pronounced flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch that makes them hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Try out different variations to customize them to your taste, and enjoy every bite of their caramel goodness!

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