Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of buttery richness, toffee crunch, and just the right touch of saltiness, then you’re about to discover a new favorite. This Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe is pure magic in cookie form, marrying soft, chewy textures with pockets of caramel and toffee that deliver a delightful snap. Once you take your first bite of these golden beauties, you’ll be hooked on that incredible sweet-and-salty harmony that makes every crumb utterly irresistible. Trust me, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe every time. Each item plays an essential role, from the creamy butter lending softness to the caramel bits adding that mouthwatering gooey texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds light sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor to your cookies.
• 2 large eggs: One of the main binders that keeps everything perfectly together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure without toughness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and stay soft.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness subtly within the dough.
• 1 cup toffee bits: Adds delightful crunchy surprises in every bite.
• 1 cup caramel bits: Melts to create gooey pockets of caramel goodness.
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping: The final flourish that amps up the saltiness perfectly.

How to Make Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. A good start sets the tone for cookie perfection.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars Together

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is essential for that light texture and subtle sweetness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse warm, inviting aroma into your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended. This creates a uniform dry mixture to be added gradually to your wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. This keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in Toffee and Caramel Bits

Gently fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits, distributing them evenly throughout the dough so each cookie is filled with flavorful bursts and delightful crunch.

Step 7: Portion the Dough onto Baking Sheet

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow them room to spread as they bake.

Step 8: Add the Final Touch of Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This simple addition highlights the caramel and toffee’s sweetness, creating that signature salty-sweet combo.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them toward the end; this step is crucial for perfect texture.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removal from the oven before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely without losing softness.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a pinch of extra flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies right before serving intensifies the flavor and adds an elegant touch that makes these treats feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of homemade vanilla bean ice cream to complement their richness. For coffee lovers, a lightly brewed latte balances the sweet, salty notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer these cookies in a glass jar or arrange them on a festive platter garnished with a few caramel sauce drizzles for a striking presentation. They also make perfect edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane with a colorful ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, so you can enjoy their magic long after baking day.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, the cookie dough can be frozen before baking. Scoop dough balls onto a tray and freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven for a few minutes. This rejuvenates the gooey caramel and toffee, making it feel just out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute salted butter in this recipe?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter to have full control over the salt balance, especially since flaky sea salt is sprinkled on top.

What’s the difference between toffee bits and caramel bits?

Toffee bits are crunchy sweetened butter pieces, providing a hearty crunch, whereas caramel bits melt softer and add chewy pockets of caramel flavor in the cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.

How do I prevent the caramel bits from melting completely?

The caramel bits are designed to soften and integrate into the cookie, creating those irresistible caramel pockets rather than melting away, which adds to the cookie’s charm.

Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?

Absolutely! Their festive flavor and appealing texture make them a wonderful homemade gift. Pack them in decorative tins or jars to impress friends and family.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy that comes together in this Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe. Once you try it, these cookies will quickly become your go-to treat for sharing with friends, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying a moment of delicious bliss by yourself. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create cookie magic. You’re going to love every bite!

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