Easy Salted Caramel Cookies – Chewy, Gooey, and Irresistible
There’s something magical about combining sweet and salty in a dessert. Salted caramel has become a staple in bakeries around the world, and it’s easy to see why—gooey caramel centers, a chewy cookie exterior, and a pinch of flaky sea salt create a flavor explosion in every bite.
These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies bring that bakery magic into your home kitchen. Perfect for holidays, cozy weekend baking, or gifting to friends, they’re a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t require advanced baking skills.
Why Salted Caramel Cookies Are a Must-Try
Salted caramel cookies aren’t just another cookie—they’re a decadent experience. The buttery dough melts into a soft, chewy bite, while the caramel surprise in the center oozes out when warm. The sprinkle of flaky sea salt highlights the sweetness, creating the perfect sweet-salty balance.
They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for:
- Bake sales and holiday gifts
- A cozy treat with coffee or tea
- Impressing guests without stress
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 20–24 soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars – In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.
- Shape Cookies with Caramel – Scoop 2 tbsp dough, flatten slightly, place a caramel in the center, cover with more dough, and roll into a ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on lined baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Add Flaky Salt – While cookies are still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Cool & Serve – Allow cookies to cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Cookies
- Use soft caramels—hard caramels won’t melt properly.
- Slightly underbake for gooey centers.
- Don’t skip the flaky sea salt—it elevates the flavor.
- Let cookies cool briefly to avoid burning from hot caramel.
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to wet mixture and mix into dough.
- Scoop 2 tbsp dough, flatten slightly, place caramel in center, cover with dough, roll into a ball.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.
- Cool 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack or serving plate.
Notes
Variations
- Chocolate-Caramel Cookies – Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
- Rolo Stuffed Cookies – Swap soft caramels for Rolos for chocolate-caramel indulgence.
- Espresso Salted Caramel – Add ½ tsp espresso powder to dough for subtle coffee flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a hot latte, chai, or cocoa for the ultimate cozy dessert.
- Serve at holiday gatherings or bake sales—they’ll disappear fast!
- Wrap 2–3 cookies in parchment for giftable treats.
