White Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Treat yourself to the decadent combination of sweet and salty with these White Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy with bursts of creamy white chocolate and gooey caramel, they are finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or indulging in a cozy baking session, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients Overview

Unsalted Butter

Softened butter ensures a creamy and smooth batter, giving the cookies a tender texture.

Brown Sugar

Packed brown sugar provides a deep caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.

Granulated Sugar

For a balanced sweetness and slightly crisp edges.

Eggs

Essential for binding the dough and creating a soft, chewy consistency.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the white chocolate and caramel.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.

Baking Soda

Gives the cookies a slight lift, creating that perfect chewy texture.

Salt

Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

White Chocolate Chips

Creamy and sweet, these chips create delightful pockets of richness in every bite.

Caramel Bits

Little bursts of gooey caramel that complement the white chocolate beautifully.

Sea Salt

A final touch of salty sophistication that takes these cookies to the next level.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, flavorful dough.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and caramel bits, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Lightly sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a gooey treat.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill for Better Shape: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
• Rotate the Baking Sheet: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheet for even cooking.
• Adjust Salt Garnish: A little goes a long way; sprinkle sparingly for balance.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their gooey texture.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

3. Can I substitute dark chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor.

4. What can I use instead of caramel bits?

Chop soft caramel candies into small pieces.

5. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They are soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

6. Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 7-9 minutes.

7. What if I don’t have sea salt?

Use a pinch of kosher salt as a substitute.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

9. Can I add nuts?

Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition.

10. How do I know when they’re done?

Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers.

11. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

12. What’s the best way to soften butter?

Leave it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave in short 5-second bursts.

13. Can I skip the sea salt garnish?

Yes, but the salt enhances the flavors beautifully.

14. Can I use a hand whisk instead of a mixer?

Yes, but it may require more effort to cream the butter and sugar.

15. How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the baking sheet?

Ensure your baking sheet is well-lined with parchment paper.

16. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large mixing bowl to accommodate the dough.

17. What’s the best way to store baked cookies?

Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

18. Can I add spices?

Cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy flavor twist.

19. Why are my cookies flat?

Too warm butter or skipping chilling can cause spreading.

20. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.

20 Secrets for Cookie Perfection

1. Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temp for smooth blending.
2. Weigh Ingredients: Precision prevents dense or crumbly cookies.
3. Quality Chocolate: Use premium white chocolate for the best flavor.
4. Caramel Distribution: Fold gently to avoid melting caramel prematurely.
5. Salt Balance: Use flaky sea salt for a more delicate flavor.
6. Chill the Dough: Keeps cookies thick and chewy.
7. Bake in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
8. Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform size and even baking.
9. Don’t Overbake: Cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool on the Sheet: Prevents them from breaking while still hot.
11. Experiment with Add-Ins: Dried cranberries or orange zest pair wonderfully.
12. Mix Halfway: Pause mixing to scrape down the bowl for even incorporation.
13. Test Bake: Bake a single cookie to adjust time or temperature if needed.
14. Rotate Pans: Halfway through baking for even browning.
15. Don’t Skip Parchment: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
16. Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
17. Add Vanilla Beans: For an elevated flavor.
18. Cool Completely Before Storing: Prevents condensation in the container.
19. Pair with Milk: The ultimate classic combo!
20. Savor Fresh Out of the Oven: Because nothing beats a warm cookie.

Enjoy these cookies with family, friends, or as a well-deserved treat just for you