The Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat

If you love the combination of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt, these Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies will be your new favorite indulgence. They’re thin, buttery, and packed with rich caramel flavor with just the right amount of crunch. Perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying as an afternoon snack!

The Story Behind These Addictive Cookies

Caramel has always been one of my go-to dessert flavors, and I wanted to create a cookie that captured that deep, buttery sweetness while staying light and crispy. These cookies have thin, crunchy edges and a slightly chewy center, making them absolutely irresistible.

The secret? A combination of brown sugar and melted caramel baked to perfection, then finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate flavor contrast. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re always a hit!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Butter – Provides richness and helps achieve that perfect crisp texture.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar enhances the caramel notes, while granulated sugar helps with crispness.
Caramel Sauce or Soft Caramels – Melted and incorporated into the dough for a deep caramel flavor.
Egg – Helps bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and enhances the caramel.
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cookies, keeping them light yet sturdy.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies spread and develop a crisp texture.
Sea Salt – A light sprinkle on top balances out the sweetness.

How to Make Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in melted caramel, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Scoop small portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for the Best Crispy Cookies

Use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
Don’t overbake – The cookies will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Let them cool completely – This enhances the crisp texture and helps the caramel flavor develop fully.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair perfectly with:

A cup of coffee or tea – The crispy texture complements a warm drink.
Vanilla ice cream – Use them as a crunchy topping or make an ice cream sandwich.
Drizzled chocolate – Add an extra layer of decadence by drizzling melted chocolate over the top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.
Reheating: If they lose crispness, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny to prevent spreading.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake them for an extra 1-2 minutes, and use a wire rack to cool completely.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips pair beautifully with the caramel.

Do I have to add sea salt?

No, but it enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

A Sweet and Salty Delight

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a party or just treating yourself, they’re sure to become a favorite. Let me know how you like them and any fun variations you try!

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 22–30 cookies (increased to 32-36) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are thin, buttery, and packed with deep caramel flavor with just the right crunch. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, they make the perfect sweet and salty treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the melted caramel, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
Shape and Bake:
- Scoop small portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days for freshness.
Freezing the dough balls and baking fresh cookies is a great option for later.
For extra crispiness, bake the cookies an additional 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg