Sea Salt Caramel Cookies Recipe

If you love the perfect balance of sweet and salty in your desserts, then you are going to adore these Sea Salt Caramel Cookies. They combine the rich, buttery softness of classic cookies with decadent caramel swirls, crunchy toffee, and a hint of flakey sea salt that makes your taste buds sing. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try these Sea Salt Caramel Cookies, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies. From the creamy butter to the crunchy pretzels, every element brings something special to the mix.

• Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb while helping the cookies spread perfectly during baking.
• Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the caramel sauce beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that wonderful cookie crispiness around the edges.
• Eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s soft, chewy center.
• Thick caramel dip/sauce: Infuses the dough with creamy caramel goodness for that signature flavor punch.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure and chewy texture.
• Salt: Boosts all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, making them tender and light.
• White chocolate chips: Add creamy bursts of sweetness that melt in your mouth.
• Crushed pretzels: Bring a delightful crunch and subtle salty note that contrasts perfectly.
• Toffee bits: Provide buttery crunchiness and extra caramel flavor.
• Flakey sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it creates a beautiful finish and enhances the caramel’s richness.

How to Make Sea Salt Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and then use a stand or hand mixer to cream together the softened salted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars. This combination should be mixed until it’s light in color and the texture becomes fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, helping the cookies rise just right and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Caramel, and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mix is perfectly fluffy, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the thick caramel dip and vanilla extract. Mixing these in thoroughly creates a rich, caramel-infused dough base that will make these Sea Salt Caramel Cookies extra special.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring as you go, until a sticky dough forms. The baking soda will gently leaven your cookies, giving them a tender texture you’ll love.

Step 4: Mix in the White Chocolate, Pretzels, and Toffee

Now for the fun part: fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and toffee bits. Each spoonful of dough should be studded with these delicious ingredients, creating that irresistible balance of creamy, salty, and crunchy that defines Sea Salt Caramel Cookies.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Using a tablespoon or a #24 scoop, portion out 3-tablespoon rounds of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading. Generously sprinkle flakey sea salt atop each cookie — this finishing touch is what sets these cookies apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges and tops turn golden brown. Keep an eye out so the white chocolate doesn’t burn! Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the pan before moving them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Sea Salt Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance each Sea Salt Caramel Cookie with an extra pinch of flakey sea salt right after baking for a gorgeous shimmer and that signature salty finish. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce on top to make them look extra decadent and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk to balance their sweetness, or serve alongside a rich cup of coffee or espresso to complement the caramel notes beautifully. They also go wonderfully with vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into a dreamy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack Sea Salt Caramel Cookies between parchment paper in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon. You can also serve them warm on a platter with small bowls of extra caramel sauce and sea salt on the side for a fun DIY dipping station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for perfect grab-and-go snacks that don’t lose their charm.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for later, you can freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, freshly baked feel, pop the cookies into a microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the gooey caramel and soft cookie texture deliciously.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just add a little extra salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dough to maintain that perfect balance of sweet and salty in your Sea Salt Caramel Cookies.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, high-quality caramel dip or sauce like Mrs. Richardson’s is ideal because it blends smoothly into the dough without making it too runny, giving the cookies rich caramel flavor.

Can I substitute the pretzels with something else?

Definitely! If you want to switch it up, crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel and chocolate.

How do I prevent the white chocolate chips from burning?

Keep an eye on the cookies during baking, and if you find the chips are browning too fast, lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake a little longer for more even results.

Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?

They have the best of both worlds: chewy centers with golden, slightly crisp edges, accented by the crunch of pretzels and toffee bits throughout.

Final Thoughts

These Sea Salt Caramel Cookies are everything you never knew you needed in a cookie — perfectly soft, sweet with just the right salty kick, and packed with texture and rich caramel flavor. Baking them is straightforward, and sharing them with friends and family will earn you serious brownie points. So, pull out your mixing bowls and get ready to whip up a batch of these sensational cookies that will quickly become a beloved staple in your home.

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