Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that's guaranteed to impress? Look no further! These salted caramel chip cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and chewy goodness. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a satisfying homemade treat without hours in the kitchen. Get ready to dive into the world of easy recipes and healthy baking (relatively speaking!) with this simple, yet decadent dessert. It's a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire – a delightful end to any meal!
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
- 1 cup salted caramel chips (or your favorite caramel chips)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
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 where a stand mixer shines, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works perfectly too!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet
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! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Caramel Chips
Stir in the salted caramel chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Bake for 10-12 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. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade salted caramel chip cookies!
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Chip Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This ensures that it creams well with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Variations:
- Dark Chocolate Caramel: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips along with the caramel chips for an extra decadent treat.
- Nutty Caramel: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Caramel: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy homemade dessert option. Remember that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your perfectly baked salted caramel chip cookies! They're the ultimate treat for any occasion. Share this amazing easy recipe with your friends and family; it’s guaranteed to become a favorite!