Are you craving a sweet treat that's both decadent and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These salted caramel cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, buttery goodness and a delightful salty-sweet kick. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your guests. Forget store-bought – these homemade cookies are so much better! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, even if dessert is the main event!
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 candies, unwrapped and chopped
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer – it ensures even mixing and a smooth texture. Don't rush this step!
Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
Incorporate the 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, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Add the Caramel:
- Stir in the chopped salted caramel candies. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for consistent caramel chunks in every cookie.
Bake to Perfection:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. They will spread as they bake.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this helps create a light and fluffy dough. You can soften butter quickly by cutting it into cubes and microwaving it for short intervals, checking frequently.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in 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 excessive spreading.
- Adjust the Salt: If you prefer a less salty cookie, use less salted caramel or opt for unsalted caramel candies and add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the caramel candies.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, autumnal twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Sugar: Approximately 18g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
These delicious salted caramel cookies are a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals—a delightful balance of indulgence and satisfaction. They're ideal for satisfying your cravings for delicious dishes while also being simple enough for homemade cooking beginners. These truly are some of the best recipes out there! Enjoy!