Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible cookie? Look no further! These caramel bits cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering homemade deliciousness without the fuss. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a satisfying sweet treat, these cookies will hit the spot. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups caramel bits (or chopped caramel candies)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just fine too.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Stir in Caramel Bits
Gently fold in the caramel bits. Resist the urge to devour them all before they make it into the dough!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey, and incredibly delicious caramel bits cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Caramel Bits Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this will ensure that it creams well with the sugars.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Caramel Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the caramel bits for an extra decadent treat.
- Sea Salt Caramel Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Nutty Caramel Cookies: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
These caramel bits cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). They're perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings while enjoying the pleasure of homemade cooking. Try them today and see why they’re destined to become a family favorite!