Oh my gosh, you guys! If there’s one recipe that never fails to put a smile on my face, it’s these **Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies**. Every time I bake them, I am immediately transported to my childhood where my mom would whip up delicious treats in our tiny kitchen. The aroma of brown sugar and vanilla wafting through the air was enough to bring the whole neighborhood to our door! And can we just take a moment to talk about that sweet, gooey caramel paired with a hint of salt? It’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds!
What I love most about these cookies is how ridiculously easy they are to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or skills to whip up a batch of these beauties. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a bake sale, or just because you’re craving something delicious. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
What’s in Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
Let me break down what you’ll need to bring these cookies to life:
Butter: The star of the show! I usually opt for unsalted butter because I like to control the salt levels. It adds that rich, creamy texture that’s simply divine.
Brown Sugar: This will give our cookies that lovely molasses flavor and chewy texture. Light brown sugar works beautifully, but if you want a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar is totally acceptable too!
Granulated Sugar: A little sprinkle of this, and we’ll have perfectly sweet cookies. It also helps achieve a nice crisp edge.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and lend a bit of fluffiness. I love using large eggs in my baking.
All-Purpose Flour: This is what gives the cookies structure. You can also swap in some whole wheat flour if you want a more wholesome touch!
Baking Soda: This little ingredient helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
Salt: We’re using it not only to balance the sweetness but also enhance the overall flavor. Just a dash goes a long way!
Vanilla Extract: The secret to elevating the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract if possible; it makes a world of difference!
Caramel Sauce: Talk about the star ingredient! You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Is Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Good for You?
Well, friends, let’s be honest—these cookies are a treat, and like all treats, they’re meant to be enjoyed in moderation. While we have a few nice ingredients, it’s best to savor these as an occasional delight rather than an everyday snack!
Butter: Sure, it contributes to flavor and texture, but it’s also high in saturated fats. Balance is key!
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar provides some minerals, it is still sugar at its core, so pack your sweet indulgence in moderation.
Eggs: They’re a great source of protein and essential nutrients, so they add some nutritional value to our sweet creation.
These cookies might not be a health food, but they’re made from love, and that counts for something, right? Enjoy them guilt-free on the special occasions or just when you’re in need of a sweet lift!
Ingredients
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ¼ tsp salt
– ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Sea salt for sprinkling on top
This recipe makes about **24 cookies**, perfect for sharing (or not!).
How to Make Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep our cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—your patience will pay off here!
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until it’s just combined. Yay, we’re almost there!
5. Gently fold in the caramel sauce until it’s swirled throughout the dough. Don’t be afraid to leave some streaks; it adds a delicious element!
6. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center will look slightly underbaked—that’s exactly what we want!
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips for the Perfect Cookie!
– If you want to elevate these cookies even further, consider adding some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful texture contrast.
– Make sure not to overbake! Cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after they’re out of the oven.
– For that chewy flavor, let them cool for an hour before enjoying (if you can wait that long!).
I absolutely can’t wait for you to try these **Easy Salted Caramel Cookies**! They’re the perfect sweet treat to add to your recipe collection, promising a delightful experience you’ll want to share with friends and family. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how they turn out!
