Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies combine buttery dough with sweet caramel and crunchy toffee bits for a delightful treat. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Lightly sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt.
- Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts along with the toffee bits.
- Use dark caramel bits for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dough to avoid making the cookies too salty.
What if I can’t find caramel bits?
You can chop soft caramel candies into small pieces as a substitute, but be mindful that they may melt more during baking.
Print
Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies packed with crunchy toffee and caramel bits, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated twist. Ideal as a comforting treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup caramel bits
Topping
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Toffee and Caramel: Gently fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding sweetness and texture.
- Scoop Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel flavors and provide a delightful salty crunch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results to achieve a light and fluffy cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart helps them bake evenly and prevents them from merging together.
- Using flaky sea salt as a topping creates a delightful contrast with the sweet caramel and toffee bits.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- For chewier cookies, reduce baking time by a minute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salted caramel cookies, toffee cookies, caramel crunch cookies, homemade cookies, dessert recipe, sweet and salty cookies
