Caramel Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Gooey Goodness!

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked caramel cookies wafting from the kitchen. These soft, chewy, golden cookies are loaded with buttery richness and gooey caramel bits, making them a treat everyone will adore. They’re simple to make, require basic pantry staples, and are ready in under an hour. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a holiday, or just a cosy night in, these Caramel Cookies will become your new go-to favourite!

🧂 Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

👨‍🍳 Preparation:

1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in colour—about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for a soft and chewy texture, as creaming incorporates air into the dough.

2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix again until smooth and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.

3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

4: Add the Caramels

Fold in the soft caramel bits or chopped caramels gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Try to evenly distribute the caramels throughout the dough for consistent gooey pockets in every bite.

Tip: If your caramel bits are particularly soft or sticky, toss them lightly in a bit of flour before mixing them in to help them stay evenly spread throughout the dough.

5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This helps the flavours develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but chilled dough produces thicker, chewier cookies.

6: Preheat and Prepare

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

7: Scoop and Shape

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading. If desired, press a few extra caramel pieces into the tops of the dough balls for gooey tops.

8: Bake

Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centres still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking tray after being removed from the oven.

9: Add Sea Salt (Optional) and Cool

If you like a sweet-and-salty combo, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔥 Cooking Note:

Caramel can ooze out and harden on the baking tray edges. If this happens, just reshape the cookie with a spoon while it’s still hot or trim off the edges once cooled. Using parchment paper or silicone mats makes cleanup a breeze!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee.
• Stack a few cookies and wrap in cellophane as a homemade gift.
• Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert heaven.

💡 Tips:

1. Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
2. Don’t skip chilling if you want thick and chewy cookies.
3. Weigh your flour for the most accurate results—too much can make the cookies dry.
4. If your caramels are too firm after baking, store cookies in an airtight container overnight to allow the caramel to soften naturally.

⏱️ Prep Time:

15 minutes

⏱️ Chill Time (Optional):

30–60 minutes

⏱️ Baking Time:

10 minutes

⏱️ Total Time:

25–75 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate):

• Calories: 165
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 95mg

❓ FAQs:

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel candies?

A: Yes! Just make sure they’re soft and chewy, not hard caramel. Chop them into small pieces for best results.

Q: How should I store the cookies?

A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Absolutely. Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, and then store in a bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Q: My cookies came out flat—what went wrong?

A: This usually means the butter was too soft or melted, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Always chill your dough for thicker cookies.

🎉 Conclusion:

These Caramel Cookies are the ultimate answer for anyone craving a chewy, golden, caramel-loaded treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Sweet, buttery, and delightfully gooey, this recipe deserves a spot in your favourite-cookie rotation. Serve them warm for gooey centres or let them cool for the perfect chewy bite. Either way, one batch won’t be enough!

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