Caramel Cookies
If you’re looking for a treat that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, buttery goodness, and the delightful surprises of melted caramel, you’ve landed in the right place. These Caramel Cookies promise a decadent bite that will have you reaching for just one more. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. With each bite, you’ll taste the harmony of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, making these cookies a standout addition to your baking repertoire.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What truly makes these Caramel Cookies shine is the combination of flavors and textures. The blend of chocolate chips and caramel chips creates a delightful medley of sweetness, while the chunks of caramel candies bring a gooey, melty surprise inside each cookie. The balance of brown sugar and butter gives these cookies a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baking level!
The Ingredient Lineup
To make these delicious Caramel Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 ¾ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel chips
- 18 caramel candies, such as Werther’s, each piece cut into 6 segments
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start for a smooth baking experience.
Appliances & Accessories
For the best results when baking your Caramel Cookies, consider using the following appliances and accessories:
- Mixing bowl – A large bowl for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – For creaming butter and sugars together until fluffy.
- Baking sheets – Ensure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
- Cookie scoop – For uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
Cooking Caramel Cookies: The Process
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Caramel Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and coarse salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can yield tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Chips and Caramel
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, caramel chips, and the chopped caramel candies. This is where the magic happens—each cookie will be filled with gooey caramel goodness!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or store them for later!
Variations by Season
These Caramel Cookies are versatile and can be adjusted to fit seasonal flavors:
- Fall: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and some chopped pecans for a cozy autumn twist.
- Winter: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday treat.
- Spring: Mix in some lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Summer: Add a handful of toasted coconut for a tropical flair.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Baking is sometimes tricky, and even experienced bakers can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making Caramel Cookies:
- Not properly measuring flour: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Overmixing the dough: This can yield tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool on baking sheets helps them set and makes them easier to transfer.
- Not baking in batches: Overcrowding the baking sheet can result in uneven baking. Ensure there’s enough space for each cookie to spread out.
Save It for Later
These Caramel Cookies are perfect for sharing, but they also store well for later enjoyment. Here are a few tips to keep them fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough in individual scoops. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- For baked cookies, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They will keep for up to three months.
Helpful Q&A
Can I substitute the butter for a different fat?
Yes! You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor of the cookies.
What can I use instead of caramel chips?
If you can’t find caramel chips, you can substitute with butterscotch chips or simply use more chocolate chips.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, consider slightly underbaking them and increasing the brown sugar in the recipe as it adds moisture.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chips.
More from the Kitchen
If you’re eager to explore more delicious recipes, check out these favorites:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction for classic cookie recipes.
- Pinch of Yum for quick weeknight meals and desserts.
- Minimalist Baker for simple and wholesome recipes.
Save & Share
If you love these Caramel Cookies, be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, or just indulging yourself, these cookies will make the perfect sweet treat.
With their delightful blend of flavors and textures, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite. So gather your ingredients and start baking—the world of Caramel Cookies awaits you!
Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and coarse salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, caramel chips, and the chopped caramel candies.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough in individual scoops for longer storage.
- For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
