Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Balanced

Name: Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup caramel chips; ½ cup chocolate chips (optional); ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. Soft, tender, and rich with pockets of caramel, these cookies balance sweetness and salt perfectly. The optional addition of chocolate chips introduces another layer of richness, making each bite an irresistible experience.

Baking these cookies at home brings bakery-style results with minimal effort. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or thoughtful gift, they are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and satisfyingly indulgent. With proper techniques and attention to ingredient quality, even novice bakers can achieve cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced.

Salted caramel has emerged as one of the most celebrated flavor trends in contemporary baking. It combines the sweetness of caramel with a subtle savory edge from salt, creating depth and complexity in desserts. Cookies, being one of the most beloved baked goods, naturally pair with this flavor profile.

In modern kitchens, home bakers increasingly aim for bakery-quality results with simple techniques. This Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies recipe exemplifies that approach. By carefully layering ingredients, controlling dough temperature, and applying proper baking methods, these cookies achieve a professional finish while remaining approachable for home preparation.

Appeal

These cookies appeal to multiple types of bakers and dessert lovers:

Families and children who enjoy soft, chewy sweets
Home bakers seeking bakery-quality results with simple ingredients
Dessert enthusiasts who crave a rich, indulgent flavor experience
Gift givers looking for visually appealing, tasty cookies

The combination of buttery dough, sweet caramel, optional chocolate, and flaky salt provides a textural and flavor contrast that elevates the eating experience, making them suitable for any occasion.

Flavor Profile

Sweetness: From granulated sugar, brown sugar, and caramel chips
Saltiness: Flaky sea salt enhances and balances the sweetness
Buttery richness: Softened butter delivers indulgence
Warm, aromatic undertones: Vanilla rounds out the flavors
Optional chocolate: Adds depth and richness

Each cookie bite is soft and chewy, with gooey pockets of caramel and a slight crunch from the edges and salt, creating a multidimensional taste experience.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Layering

This recipe layers flavors carefully:

Brown sugar: Adds chewiness and a subtle molasses flavor
Caramel chips: Provide gooey sweetness
Sea salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness
Vanilla: Provides depth and warmth
Chocolate chips (optional): Introduce richness and complexity

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious cookie that is indulgent without being overpowering.

Technique

Creaming butter and sugars: Incorporates air, creating a soft, tender texture
Gradual mixing of dry ingredients: Prevents overworking the dough, maintaining chewiness
Chilling the dough: Reduces spread and enhances flavor development
Baking at 350°F: Ensures even cooking, golden edges, and a soft center

Cooking Logic

The cookie’s structure relies on the right balance of leavening, fat, sugar, and temperature. Baking soda helps the dough spread slightly and rise, while brown sugar locks in moisture. Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top not only enhances flavor but also provides a visual contrast that signals indulgence.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert / Snack / Bakery-Style Treat
Cuisine: American / Baking

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour

Provides structure. Properly measuring flour is crucial to prevent dense cookies. Spoon and level for accuracy.

Baking Soda

Leavening agent that allows cookies to rise slightly while maintaining chewiness.

Salt

Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Flaky salt on top creates bursts of savory contrast.

Unsalted Butter

Softened butter ensures a tender texture and rich flavor. Using unsalted allows control over overall saltiness.

Granulated Sugar

Adds sweetness and contributes to crisp edges.

Brown Sugar

Adds moisture, chewiness, and subtle caramel notes due to molasses content.

Eggs

Bind ingredients and contribute to structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs incorporate better.

Vanilla Extract

Adds aromatic depth and rounds out the flavors of the cookie.

Caramel Chips

Provide gooey, molten pockets of sweetness. High-quality chips enhance flavor.

Chocolate Chips (Optional)

Add richness and complement the caramel flavor.

Flaky Sea Salt

Sprinkled on top to balance sweetness and highlight caramel notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Chips

Fold in caramel chips and optional chocolate chips carefully.

Step 6: Portion and Chill Dough

Scoop dough onto prepared sheets and chill 30 minutes.

Step 7: Sprinkle Salt

Top each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool

Cool on sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Texture and Flavor Profile

Interior: Soft, chewy, tender
Edges: Slightly crisp and golden
Caramel pockets: Gooey and sweet
Salt: Subtle crunch and flavor enhancement

Tips for Best Results

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes
Use high-quality caramel chips
Avoid overmixing to preserve texture
Sprinkle salt immediately before baking
Use room-temperature eggs for even incorporation

Variations

White chocolate caramel cookies
Add nuts for crunch
Use brown butter for nutty undertones
Double chocolate with caramel chips
Make vegan using plant-based butter and caramel

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with milk or coffee
Pair with ice cream for dessert
Use as holiday gifts or cookie platters
Include in party dessert spreads

Storage and Reheating

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Freeze unbaked dough up to 2 months
Reheat baked cookies in 300°F oven for 5 minutes

Nutrition Overview (Per Cookie)

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 2.5 g
Fat: 10 g (Saturated Fat: 6 g)
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 120 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and dairy-free caramel chips.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes, dough can be chilled or frozen before baking.

How do I make them extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar than granulated and do not overbake.

Can I substitute chocolate chips?
Yes, white or dark chocolate works, or omit entirely.

Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies are a bakery-style indulgence made simple. Soft, chewy, and packed with gooey caramel and subtle salt, they are perfect for gifting, dessert, or daily treats. With proper technique, ingredient quality, and attention to flavor balance, these cookies become a signature recipe for any home baker seeking classic indulgence.