If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of sweet and salty, these Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are going to become your new obsession. Imagine a crisp, golden-brown cookie filled with warm, gooey caramel, and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect salty kick. These cookies are the perfect balance of flavors, and their crispy texture makes them impossible to stop eating once you start. They’re the ideal treat for any occasion—whether it’s a special dessert or a simple indulgence with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Perfect balance of flavors. The sweet caramel and salty finish create an irresistible combination.
Crispy texture. These cookies have that satisfying crunch, making them different from your typical soft cookies.
Easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these cookies in no time!
Great for sharing. These cookies are perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with loved ones.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. The full ingredient list is below!

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Caramel chips or chopped caramel candies
Sea salt flakes

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Caramel

Add the caramel chips or chopped caramel candies into the dough. Stir gently to make sure the caramel is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten and Sprinkle with Salt

Lightly flatten each cookie dough ball with your hand or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie for that perfect salty-sweet balance.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For an extra crispy texture, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. This helps them set and get that perfect crunch.
Use high-quality caramel chips or chopped caramel candies for the best flavor and melt. You can even use a mix of chocolate and caramel chips for a fun twist!
Adjust the sea salt. If you prefer a more prominent salty flavor, feel free to add a little more sea salt to each cookie before baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add chocolate! You can mix in some chocolate chips or chunks along with the caramel for a chocolate-caramel combo that’s sure to please.
Make them nutty. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and flavor contrast.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter and caramel chips to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge for a decadent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea—just the right balance of sweetness and crunch to complement your drink.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze: You can freeze the dough for later! Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

4 FAQs

Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel chips?
Yes, you can chop up caramel candies and use them in place of caramel chips. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they melt nicely in the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just scoop the dough and freeze it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I make these cookies without sea salt?
You can skip the sea salt if you prefer a less salty flavor, but I highly recommend it for the sweet-salty combo!
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.

Conclusion

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crispy. They’re easy to make, deliciously addictive, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint. Try them out and see just how irresistible they can be!

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat

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Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 18–24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups caramel chips or chopped caramel candies
Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Fold in the Caramel: Add the caramel chips or chopped caramel candies to the dough. Stir gently to evenly distribute.
Scoop and Shape the Cookies: Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Flatten and Sprinkle with Salt: Flatten the dough balls lightly with your hand or spoon and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and crispy. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For extra crispiness, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack.
Use high-quality caramel chips for the best melt and flavor.
Adjust the sea salt according to your preference for the salty-sweet balance.