Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Sweet moments often begin with an unexpected salted caramel cookie that surprises everyone.

Crunchy edges and soft centers make this treat irresistible.

Baking magic happens when simple ingredients combine perfectly.

Warm kitchens buzz with delightful anticipation as sugary aromas fill the space.

caramel lovers understand how a single bite can change everything.

Each cookie promises a delectable adventure that melts right into your memories.

Let these incredible cookies become your new favorite indulgence.

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies with the Perfect Bite

  • Quickest Comfort Treat: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes for a speedy sweet solution that satisfies sudden dessert cravings.
  • Foolproof Baking Adventure: Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and delivers professional-looking results every single time.
  • Salt-Sweet Symphony: The unexpected sea salt sprinkle transforms ordinary cookies into a gourmet experience, creating a delightful flavor balance that tingles taste buds.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour these crispy caramel cookies, making them ideal for after-school snacks, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings.

Salted Caramel Cookies (Crispy) Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cookie base, high-quality unbleached flour works best.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture with caramelized edges.
  • Butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps create a tender, crispy cookie texture, preferably unsalted room temperature butter.
  • Caramel, Vanilla Extract: Brings deep, complex sweetness and smooth caramel undertones to the cookie.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie.
  • Baking Soda, Sea Salt: Balances sweetness, helps cookies rise, and adds a sophisticated salty crunch, flaky sea salt recommended for topping.

Salted Caramel Cookies Baking Tips

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Gold

Stir in these luscious wet ingredients:
  • Melted caramel
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything becomes a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a silky-smooth cookie dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out small rounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave some breathing room between each cookie.

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for golden, crispy edges that promise crunchy deliciousness.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Finishing Touch

The moment the cookies emerge from the oven, shower them with flaky sea salt.

This magical touch will elevate the cookies from good to absolutely mind-blowing.

Let the cookies chill on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Resist the temptation to devour them immediately – if you can!

  • Gently warm caramel to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and even incorporation into the cookie dough for rich, consistent flavor.
  • Flatten dough balls slightly before baking to achieve maximum crispiness and uniform golden edges.
  • Add sea salt immediately after baking while cookies are still hot to help salt crystals adhere and enhance the sweet-salty balance.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum to maintain cookie structure and texture.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain crispness and prevent them from becoming too dry or hard.

Salted Caramel Cookies Keep Fresh

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking. Cookies remain fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
  • Restore crispy texture by warming cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds for a softer result.
  • Allow frozen or refrigerated cookies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore original texture and brings out subtle caramel and salt flavors.

Sweets That Pair With Salted Caramel Cookies

  • Pair with Caramel Macchiato: Brew a rich, creamy caramel macchiato that mirrors the cookie's sweet, buttery notes. The espresso's warmth and caramel swirls complement the cookie's delicate saltiness perfectly.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside these crispy cookies. The cool, velvety texture creates a delightful contrast with the cookie's warm, crunchy profile.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Liqueur: Pour a chilled salted caramel liqueur that echoes the cookie's sophisticated sweet-salty flavor. This adult beverage enhances the dessert's luxurious caramel undertones.
  • Complement with Toasted Almond Milk: Enjoy a glass of slightly warmed, toasted almond milk that adds nutty depth. Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture harmonize beautifully with the cookie's crisp texture.

Salted Caramel Cookies With Crunchy Extras

  • Gluten-Free Caramel Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the cookie's rich caramel flavor.
  • Vegan Caramel Crunch: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free caramel sauce to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Salted Caramel Treat: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's signature crispy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Caramel Cookie: Use margarine or plant-based butter alternatives, and select non-dairy caramel sauce to accommodate lactose-intolerant cookie lovers.

FAQs

  • What makes these cookies crispy?

The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a caramelized exterior, while baking at the right temperature ensures a crisp texture. The melted caramel also contributes to the cookie’s crunchiness.

  • Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?

Flaky sea salt is recommended for its delicate texture and burst of flavor. Regular table salt won’t provide the same crisp, salty crunch that makes these cookies special.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. They should have a light, crisp appearance when done.

  • What's the secret to getting the caramel flavor right?

Using melted caramel directly in the dough ensures a rich, deep caramel taste throughout the entire cookie. This method infuses the entire cookie with a delicious caramel essence.

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Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Crispy salted caramel cookies bring pure bliss to dessert lovers, melding sweet and salty notes in a perfect harmony. Chocolate drizzles and caramel swirls create an irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring with a cold glass of milk.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 large egg

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (75g) caramel sauce or soft caramels, melted

Flavoring and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet to create a non-stick surface for the cookies.
  2. Utilize a mixing bowl to thoroughly blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency with a pale, creamy texture.
  3. Incorporate melted caramel, a single egg, and pure vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, whisking until all ingredients are seamlessly integrated and produce a glossy, uniform appearance.
  4. In a separate container, carefully combine flour, baking soda, and a delicate pinch of salt, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth, cohesive dough without overmixing.
  6. Delicately portion the dough into small, uniform rounds using a cookie scoop or spoon, positioning them with ample spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Transfer the cookie-laden sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden, crisp edges that indicate perfect doneness.
  8. Immediately upon removal from the oven, generously sprinkle flaky sea salt across the warm cookies to enhance their sweet-savory profile.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief moment to firm up, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

  • Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and deeper caramel undertones.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a thicker, chewier cookie.
  • Use high-quality caramel or homemade caramel sauce for richer, more authentic flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 166
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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