These Salted Caramel Cookies are a match in caramel + flaky sea salt + white chocolate chip Heaven. Not only do they taste amazing, but the recipe is incredibly easy (no need to soften butter or use a stand mixer).
My girls head back to school tomorrow and I’ve been trying to think up what first-day treats I should send with them for their teachers and their lunchbox. We’ve been obsessed with these Salted Caramel Blondies ever since I first made them a few weeks ago, but I didn’t want to make (and eat) a whole big batch so I decided to make them into cookie form!
My favorite things about that blondie recipe are 1) I don’t have to bust out my stand mixer, and 2) I don’t have to remember to soften my butter (the worst!). With those goals in mind, I created a small batch salted caramel cookie recipe that makes between 6-12 cookies. I use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop and make eight average-sized cookies.
There are several different techniques when it comes to making Salted Caramel Cookies. Some like to add the caramel bits into the batter. Some halve a soft caramel and stick it in the center of the dough. Some wait until after the cookies have been baked to drizzle it on.
Again, my goal here was SIMPLICITY. I didn’t want to be waiting around to drizzle the caramel on after they finished baking. (That method also makes them less stacking friendly for gifting.) I wanted it all done and in the oven as soon as possible, so I added my caramel to the cookie dough prior to baking.
The result was a delicious and easy small batch Salted Caramel Cookies recipe: chewy with crispy edges, soft and creamy caramel throughout, and full of white chocolate chip perfection.
What’s in Salted Caramel Cookies?
To make these sea salt caramel cookies, you’ll need the following:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg Yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White chocolate chips
- Caramel bits
- Heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies
- Make the cookie dough, making sure to fold in the white chocolate chips last.
- Microwave the heavy cream and caramel bits until smooth and combined.
- Scoop the cookie dough into 8 to 12 balls. Place on a baking tray.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookie dough balls.
- Bake until done.
- Once they’re out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the caramel cookies with flaky sea salt.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Can you? Yes. Would I? No. This recipe has been paired down purposefully to be a small batch recipe.
I make this recipe (with chocolate chips and without caramel) all.the.time after the kids go to bed because I can make it quietly (no mixer), only dirty one bowl (winning), and not be up all night, missing out on watching Netflix with my husband, while waiting for 4 dozen cookies to bake.
In all honesty, if you wanted a large batch of Salted Caramel Cookies (36-48 cookies) then I would just take my favorite chocolate chip recipe, swap in white chocolate chips, and drizzle those with caramel and top with flaky sea salt.
Obviously, I can’t guarantee your success with that because it will fully depend on what base cookie recipe you use. Happy baking!!
Tips for Make Salted Caramel Cookies
Don’t read “white chocolate” and immediately click away because you think you don’t like it. First of all, I’m also not a fan of white chocolate either. Least favorite of all the chocolates for sure, but when combined with the creamy caramel and flaky sea salt, magic happens! If you just can’t do it, feel free to sub in semi-sweet chocolate chips instead.
I used a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to make 8 cookies. You can make them bigger (6 cookies) or smaller (12 cookies) depending on the size of your scoop, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You will have caramel leftover. Feel free to eat it with a spoon or drizzle more on after the cookies bake. It’s also delicious over ice cream!
More Homemade Cookies:
- Brown Sugar Cookies
- Easy Thumbprint Cookies
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
- Chewy Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter , melted
- 6 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel bits (or 6 unwrapped caramels)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325ºF.
- In a small bowl, whisk the butter and sugar together.
- Add the vanilla and egg yolk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients, and stir until just mixed.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips. Set aside.
- Add the caramel bits and heavy cream to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until smooth and fully combined. Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly- not so much that it becomes thick and hard, but you don't want it piping hot either.
- Scoop the dough into 8-12 portions depending on how many cookies you want. They will spread some- so leave at least 1-2 inches between each scoop of dough.
- Use a spoon to drizzle caramel over each ball of cookie dough. (Note: You will have caramel leftover. You just want a thin drizzle on each ball of dough, don't try to coat the entire surface. See image above.)
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Do NOT overbake. They may look doughy on the inside- but they will continue to bake while they cool.
- Immediately top with flaky sea salt after removing from the oven.
- Cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- I use a 1.5in cookie scoop to make 8 cookies. You can make bigger (6 cookies) or smaller (12 cookies) depending on the size of your scoop, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- You will have caramel leftover... feel free to eat it with a spoon. 🙂 Or drizzle more on after the cookies bake.
Mimi
Saturday 25th of November 2023
Hey just wanted to say that I’ve been making this recipe for years now and these days I always have white chocolate in my pantry just for these cookies. I rarely have the drizzle because I use dairy so rarely, but they’re so good without too! In the winter I add just a dash of cinnamon. Definitely one of my favourite recipes I’ve found online. -Mimi from Finland
Suzanne
Saturday 15th of January 2022
I thought these the best cookie ever; wish I had not had one, but glad I had given away 10 or I would have consumed every one!
Charlotte
Monday 18th of January 2021
Great recipe! Make sure not to overbake and take 2/3 of the sugar, otherwise it's too sweet.
Dandre
Monday 12th of October 2020
Love this recipe and have made them several times. I always use jumbo eggs when baking and because this recipe makes them flat and chewy, I add an egg yolk. This results in a cookie that is just a bit cakey, which I prefer. Either way, they’re delicious and I’m always asked for the recipe.
Lisa
Wednesday 30th of September 2020
I did not succeed in the first time, a bit liquid but 2 next time... every came out so amazing! My daughter love helping me prepare and waiting for it done together! What's happy nights!