Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe: Chewy & Irresistible

Dessert Cookies Viral

 Jump to Recipe ↓

Picture taking a bite into a warm, freshly baked cookie and discovering a molten pool of rich golden caramel hidden right inside. Baking at home should feel like an absolute celebration, and nothing brings that magic into your kitchen quite like standard Easy Baking Cookies. From the moment the sweet sugar starts caramelizing on your stove to that irresistible buttery aroma filling your house, this treat is guaranteed to turn ordinary weeknights into extraordinary memories. It is hands-down one of those Recipes To Bake Desserts that family and friends will beg you to make for every gathering!

Finding the perfect balance between crispy golden edges and a pillow-soft center can be tricky, but this recipe nails it every single time. By combining brown sugar depth with a delicate hint of sea salt, these Easy And Delicious Cookies deliver a bakery-level experience without any complicated culinary tricks. When you break one open, you get that dreamy pull of Gooey Caramel Cookies that is practically made for sharing on social media. Once you master this foolproof Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe, your cookie jar will never stay full for long.

Pro Tip: Ensure your caramel center is thoroughly cooled and firm before wrapping it inside the dough—this prevents leaks and creates that perfect molten center!

If you are looking to expand your home baking game with elevated Caramel Baked Goods, this dessert is the ultimate starting point. Crafting these heavenly Homemade Salted Caramel Cookies allows you to control the richness and customize your favorite additions like chocolate chunks or sea salt flakes. You will love how effortlessly these Homemade Caramel Cookies come together using simple pantry essentials you already have on hand.

Whenever those late-night sweet cravings hit or you need impressive Sweets To Make for holidays and parties, keep this recipe handy. The combination of sweet caramel and savory salt makes every single bite completely addictive. Get your baking sheets ready, set your timer, and prepare to fall in love with the ultimate cookie perfection!

✦ ✦ ✦

Salted Caramel Cookies

Chewy, Gooey & Irresistibly Sweet-and-Salty

★★★★★ 4.9 from 58 reviews

Prep30m

Cook12m

Total42m

Yield18 Serv

LevelEasy

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• As needed salted caramel (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 1/4 cup water (for caramel)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (for caramel)

Instructions

1

For homemade caramel: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring just until dissolved. Once boiling, stop stirring and swirl the pan occasionally until it turns a deep amber color (8–10 minutes). Meanwhile, gently warm 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small pan until steaming. Remove the amber syrup from heat, carefully whisk in the warm cream mixture (it will bubble vigorously), and mix in 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Pour into a bowl and cool completely until thick and scoopable.

2

Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup light brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

3

Incorporate 2 large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until combined.

4

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.

5

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together without overmixing.

6

If using optional chocolate, gently fold 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula.

7

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

9

Take 1 1/2 tablespoons of chilled dough and flatten it into a disk in your hand. Place 1 teaspoon of cooled, thickened caramel in the middle, wrap dough around it, and seal completely so caramel cannot leak out. Repeat with remaining dough, placing balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

10

Bake one tray at a time for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown while centers remain soft.

11

Finish immediately by sprinkling flaky sea salt over the top of each hot cookie right out of the oven.

12

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to set completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the salted caramel from leaking out while baking? The key to making perfect Gooey Caramel Cookies is ensuring your caramel sauce is completely cooled and thick before filling the dough. When shaping your Homemade Salted Caramel Cookies, pinch all the dough seams securely around the caramel center so no cracks remain. Can I make this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the dough balls filled with caramel and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. This makes them ideal when you are looking for convenient Easy Baking Cookies to prep ahead for parties or events. How should I store these caramel baked goods to keep them soft? Store your Homemade Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a small piece of bread for up to 5 days. The bread absorbs moisture, keeping these Easy And Delicious Cookies deliciously soft and chewy!

Joana

Viral Desserts Expert

Joana is the creator and writer behind Joana’s Recipes, a passionate food blogger since 2018. She shares easy viral desserts and simple, delicious meals designed for busy home cooks and everyday family life.

Share :