When I first bit into these Salted Caramel Cookies, I was sitting at my kitchen counter on a rainy afternoon, craving something sweet but comforting. What surprised me immediately was how the sweet caramel and gentle sea salt played off each other — it was like a little flavor party happening in every bite. The chewy caramel pockets inside the buttery cookie dough created this unforgettable balance that made me pause and just savor the moment.
These Salted Caramel Cookies instantly felt like a warm hug in dessert form, embodying everything I love about home cooking — approachable, cozy, and made to be shared. They fit perfectly with my philosophy of simple recipes turning an ordinary kitchen into a place full of comfort and connection.
My relationship with these cookies quickly became a favorite. I’d bake a batch whenever life needed a little extra sweetness, knowing they’d bring smiles and sparkle to the day. Today, I’m genuinely excited to share this homemade salted caramel cookies recipe with you. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and will give you that same joyful, satisfying feeling that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you’re a caramel lover or someone new to the salted caramel cookie world, this recipe is here to fill your kitchen with comfort and delicious moments.
If you love these Salted Caramel Cookies, you might also enjoy the chewy salted caramel cookies full of melty caramel goodness at Displaced Housewife or the perfectly balanced salted caramel chocolate chip cookies recipe by Grandbaby Cakes. And for more caramel delights, try my Samoa Caramel Apple Slices—they bring that same sweet, buttery vibe to a whole new creation.
Ingredients

This Salted Caramel Cookies ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort every time! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (The secret to amazing Salted Caramel Cookies is using real butter over margarine for richer flavor)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (adds that deep, caramel-y note)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Look for pure vanilla for warm, authentic sweetness)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies (this is where the magic happens!)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (for those iconic sea salt caramel cookies moments)
You can find the best ingredients for this Salted Caramel Cookies at your local grocery store or specialty markets for caramel bits. If you want to splurge on one Salted Caramel Cookies ingredient, make it caramel candies — they melt beautifully and give you those irresistible chewy caramel pockets.
For a twist, try swapping light brown sugar with dark brown sugar if you want a deeper molasses flavor. If you’re sensitive to dairy, you can use a vegan butter substitute, but remember, the buttery richness is key here. Store your caramel bits in an airtight container before baking so they stay perfectly soft but not sticky.
This simple, approachable ingredient list makes homemade salted caramel cookies achievable for any fellow food lover ready to bring that cozy caramel delight home. If you want to experiment, Modern Honey’s Salted Caramel Cookies page offers a few customization versions worth checking out.
Let’s Make This!
Ready to turn that delicious caramel cookie dough into real, chewy salted caramel cookies? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch fresh from the oven in no time!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip this step—it ensures your Salted Caramel Cookies bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. This usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Your Salted Caramel Cookies start right here with a creamy base.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything blends smoothly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Sift if you can—that makes your caramel cookie dough lighter and easier to work with.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Overmixing here will make your Salted Caramel Cookies tough.
- Fold in the caramel bits gently. This is where your cookie dough gets that special caramel burst. Don’t let them melt here; save the magic for the oven!
- Scoop dough balls about the size of a tablespoon, placing them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball for that sea salt caramel cookies signature finish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. This timing is from my kitchen tests—don’t be tempted to overbake; those chewy salted caramel cookies are about softness!
- Let your Salted Caramel Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They firm up as they cool but stay beautifully chewy inside.
Here’s a helpful tip for Salted Caramel Cookies success from my trials: Refrigerating the caramel cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading—especially on warmer days.
If your cookies flatten too fast, chilled dough will rescue that signature chewy texture. And don’t worry about caramel bits melting unevenly—this is natural and means you’re about to enjoy gooey caramel pockets!
While your Salted Caramel Cookies are baking, take a deep breath and enjoy that sweet, buttery aroma filling your kitchen. It’s part of the comforting experience that makes these cookies so special.
For more caramel cookie dough adventures, check out this caramelized baked banana slices recipe I love—they bring caramel magic to new treats.
Serving & Presentation

The moment you serve these Salted Caramel Cookies, you’ll notice something wonderful: faces light up with anticipation. To maximize enjoyment, serve the cookies slightly warm, paired with a glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee. The creamy pairing complements the buttery caramel perfectly.
For a fun gathering or family movie night, arrange these sea salt caramel cookies on a rustic wooden tray or a pretty plate layered with parchment paper. Sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt right before serving to enhance that sweet-salty dance on your palate.
This Salted Caramel Cookies creates the sweetest moments at family dinners and holiday celebrations alike. Once, at a casual weekend brunch, my family couldn’t stop commenting on the chewy salted caramel cookies — their surprised smiles told me all I needed to know.
Leftovers are wonderful too! Store your homemade salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra indulgence, warm them up slightly in the oven or microwave to revive that melty caramel feeling.
If you’re feeling creative, experiment with seasonal tweaks. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or swap in chopped pecans for fall vibes. The orange clove cookies I shared recently capture that same cozy spirit and could make charming companions at the holiday table.
Don’t forget to check Modern Honey’s sea salt caramel cookies ideas for elegant plating and serving tests that complement this classic recipe beautifully.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this Salted Caramel Cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the caramel cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready, scoop and bake fresh for the best chewy salted caramel cookies experience.
Q: What if I don’t have caramel bits?
A: Soft caramel candies chopped into small pieces work wonderfully. If neither is available, try swapping in chocolate chips for a different but still delicious twist. Displaced Housewife’s chewy salted caramel cookies recipe gives great advice on caramel options.
Q: How do I know when my Salted Caramel Cookies is perfectly done?
A: Look for golden edges with centers slightly underbaked. They’ll firm as they cool. The subtle softness is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q: Can I freeze the caramel cookie dough?
A: Yes! Freeze dough balls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How important is the flaky sea salt sprinkle?
A: It’s what takes these homemade salted caramel cookies to the next level—the contrast creates a flavor that stays memorable. But if you don’t have flaky sea salt, a pinch of regular salt still works fine.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
A: For vegan versions, try plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute. For gluten-free, swap the flour with a 1:1 baking flour blend. Testing those variations can take patience but they can be delightful kitchen projects.
Q: Why do my Salted Caramel Cookies spread too much?
A: This usually means the dough is too warm or the butter was too soft. Chill your caramel cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to control spread.
The community has shared so much love for this recipe! Many tell me their first bite was just like mine—surprisingly delicious and satisfying. If you want more chewy caramel cookie dough ideas, also look at Grandbaby Cakes’ inspired salted caramel chocolate chip cookies for another take on this classic.
Why This Salted Caramel Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
This Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is everything I stand for: simple, comforting, and made for sharing joy in every bite. The rich caramel pockets, balanced by a touch of sea salt, create a cookie that’s as approachable as it is special.
My Salted Caramel Cookies Success Tips:
- Chill your caramel cookie dough for better texture and less spread.
- Don’t overbake—pull them out when edges are golden, centers soft.
- Use quality caramel bits; it really makes a difference in flavor and chew.
Over time, I’ve created variations I love:
- Adding chopped toasted pecans for a nutty crunch
- Swapping caramel bits for caramel sauce drizzled on top after baking
- Infusing the dough with a hint of espresso powder for subtle depth
The version with pecans tends to get the most smiles at family gatherings!
I encourage you to make this Salted Caramel Cookies part of your baking repertoire. You’ll find it’s a recipe that’s not only easy but creates beautiful memories, just like it did for me. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy these homemade salted caramel cookies and the moments they inspire in your kitchen.
Please share your baking stories and photos—there’s nothing quite like exchanging homemade salted caramel cookie joy with fellow food lovers!
For more caramel-centered baking inspiration, you’ll also want to visit my Samoa Caramel Apple Slices here and treat yourself to that charming caramel twist.
Here’s to turning everyday baking into something truly comforting. Happy baking, friends!
Salted Caramel Cookies
Delight in these soft and chewy Salted Caramel Cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For extra gooey caramel pockets, press a small caramel candy into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking.