Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Then get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible salt caramel cookies! This recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newbies, promising a delicious and rewarding experience. These cookies combine the delightful chewiness of a classic cookie with the irresistible salty-sweetness of caramel – a truly heavenly combination. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy recipes for homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
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For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
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For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
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For Garnish: Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Do not stir. Swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns into a light amber color. This is a crucial step for achieving a smooth caramel, so be patient!
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!), whisking constantly until smooth. Be cautious as the mixture will be hot.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and sea salt until melted and fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- 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. Do not overmix.
- Once the caramel has cooled slightly, gently fold about ½ to ¾ of the caramel into the cookie dough. Reserve some caramel for drizzling later.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel over the top.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an extra touch of salty goodness.
Tips for Perfect Salt Caramel Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Let the caramel cool slightly: Adding hot caramel to the cookie dough can melt the butter, resulting in flat cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavours to meld and the cookies to hold their shape better.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will be enhanced by using high-quality ingredients.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delightful chocolate caramel combination.
- Different Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm, spiced twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
*Calories: 250-300 (This will vary depending on cookie size and ingredients used). This recipe is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! These quick dinner additions are also fabulous served with a cup of coffee or tea. Let me know in the comments how your salt caramel cookies turned out!