Indulge in homemade Salted Caramel Cookies, a perfect blend of soft sugar cookies infused with chewy salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, butter, and Werther’s Chewy Caramels.
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was a magical place where the sweet aroma of baked goods filled the air. One of her specialties was Salted Caramel Cookies. Each bite brought a rush of nostalgia, blending the classic sugar cookie with a twist of creamy caramel and a dash of sea salt. These cookies became a symbol of warmth and love in our family, a tradition I proudly carry on.
What makes these Salted Caramel Cookies truly exceptional?
- Homemade Goodness: The recipe offers the irreplaceable charm of homemade cookies, promising a fresh, preservative-free experience.
- Perfect Balance: The contrast between the sweet caramel and the hint of sea salt creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatility: Ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients Notes For These Salted Caramel Cookies:
Embarking on the journey of making Salted Caramel Cookies is an adventure in flavor and texture. Key ingredients like all-purpose flour provide the foundational structure, while light brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. Unsalted butter is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and Werther’s Chewy Caramels are the star, offering a luxurious caramel taste. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating these delightful cookies.
Step-By-Step To Make These Salted Caramel Cookies:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven and line baking sheets. This initial step sets the stage for baking success.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combining the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar creates the dry base for your cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Blending butter, sugars, egg, milk, and vanilla extract forms a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Forming the Dough: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, achieving a cohesive cookie dough.
- Shaping Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them on your baking sheets, leaving room for expansion.
- Creating Indentations: Press a buttered cup into each dough ball to make a well for the caramel.
- Baking: Bake until lightly colored, then cool on a rack.
- Preparing Caramel: Melt caramels with milk, then stir in salt for the perfect topping.
- Finalizing: Fill each cookie indentation with caramel and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Storage: Keep these delights fresh in an airtight container.
Storage Options:
After the caramel sets, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen, though this might slightly alter the texture. The key is to ensure they are well protected from air and moisture.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Alternatives: Use plant-based butter and a suitable vegan caramel option.
- Different Sugars: Experiment with various types of sugar like granulated or dark brown sugar for varying flavors.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts to the dough or as a topping for added crunch.
The aim here is to embrace the whimsical joy of baking, infusing humor, and light-heartedness into each step of creating these mouth-watering Salted Caramel Cookies. Remember, the key is not just in following the recipe, but in adding your unique touch of love and creativity! 🍪✨
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2/3 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar
- 1 large Egg room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Milk
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
For the Salted Caramel Topping:
- 21 oz Werther’s Chewy Caramels unwrapped (2 packages of 10.5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- Flaky Sea Salt for garnish
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Dry Ingredients Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar until well combined.
- Wet Ingredients Mixture: In a larger bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and well blended. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Dough Formation: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a consistent dough is formed.
- Dough Shaping: Shape the dough into balls approximately the size of a large golf ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them sufficiently apart.
- Creating Indentations: Press a small, buttered measuring cup or spoon into each dough ball to form a shallow indentation.
- Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are just lightly colored. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Caramel Preparation: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Finalizing the Cookies: Spoon or drizzle the melted caramel into the indentations of each cooled cookie. Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to set before serving or storing the cookies.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
