Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies

There’s nothing quite like biting into a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. Our Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies deliver exactly that—a chewy, gooey, and crunchy cookie that will keep you coming back for more. Packed with caramel and toffee bits, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies elevate the classic cookie experience into a gourmet treat.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gifting to friends and family, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. They combine the comforting texture of a classic homemade cookie with the decadent flavors of caramel and toffee, creating a truly irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies

• Sweet and salty perfection: The combination of gooey caramel, crunchy toffee, and flaky sea salt creates a harmonious flavor profile.
• Chewy and soft texture: These cookies are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, delivering a perfect bite every time.
• Quick and simple: Ready in just 27 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute treats.
• Gourmet flair: Caramel and toffee bits elevate these cookies above ordinary cookie recipes.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Made without meat products, suitable for vegetarians.
• Freezable for convenience: Dough or baked cookies can be frozen for future enjoyment.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 24 cookies. Ingredients are grouped for clarity.

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 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

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these cookies, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire rack for cooling
• Ice cream scoop or spoon for portioning dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly chewy and crunchy salted caramel cookies.

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or electric mixer.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time.
• Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Avoid overmixing to maintain soft, tender cookies.

6. Fold in Add-ins

• Gently fold in 1 cup toffee bits and 1 cup caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Portion Dough

• Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

8. Add Flaky Sea Salt

• Lightly sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt over the tops of each cookie for that perfect sweet-and-salty flavor.

9. Bake Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers are set.
• For gooier caramel centers, slightly underbake the cookies.

10. Cool and Serve

• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Extra gooey cookies: Underbake by 1–2 minutes for softer, caramel-filled centers.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Chocolate twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips with the toffee and caramel bits for an extra indulgent treat.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle additional caramel over cooled cookies for a decadent presentation.
• Nutty variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and depth of flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These cookies feature a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and salty flavors. The soft, chewy centers are complemented by crispy edges, with caramel and toffee adding richness and texture. The flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness, making each bite complex and satisfying.

Suggested pairings:

• A glass of cold milk for classic comfort
• Coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience
• Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a light contrast

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Unsaturated Fat	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	110 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly. Can be adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free using suitable substitutions.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cookie dough storage: Dough can be prepared and frozen for up to 3 months.
• Baking from frozen dough: Bake frozen dough at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
• Baked cookies storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-salting the cookies.

2. Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure toffee/caramel bits are dairy-free.

3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape.

4. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Absolutely! Adjust baking time accordingly; smaller cookies take less time, larger cookies require more.

5. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Step	Time Required
Prep ingredients	5 minutes
Cream butter and sugars	3 minutes
Mix wet and dry	4 minutes
Fold in add-ins	2 minutes
Portion dough	3 minutes
Bake	10–12 minutes
Cooling	5–10 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings.
• Pair with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
• Sprinkle extra toffee bits or caramel drizzle on top before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Caramel Crunch Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
2. Nutty Caramel Cookies: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
3. Mini Cookies for Lunchboxes: Use smaller dough portions for bite-sized treats.
4. Holiday Cookies: Add festive sprinkles along with toffee and caramel for seasonal fun.

Ingredient Spotlight

Caramel Bits

• Essential for gooey, sweet pockets within each cookie. Use high-quality caramel bits for best flavor.

Toffee Bits

• Add crunch and a buttery depth, complementing the caramel perfectly.

Flaky Sea Salt

• Elevates the sweetness and balances the richness, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Creaming butter and sugars: Do this until light and fluffy for a soft, tender cookie.
• Avoid overmixing: Ensures cookies remain soft and not dense.
• Chilling dough: Helps cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor development.
• Baking sheet rotation: Rotate halfway through baking for even browning.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cookie dough: Freeze in balls on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or freeze individually for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the oven for 3–5 minutes to revive softness.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Unsaturated Fat	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	110 mg

Expanded Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are a delightful combination of chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures, with sweet caramel, crispy toffee, and a touch of flaky sea salt that elevates each bite. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or a cozy treat at home, these cookies are versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.

Give them a try, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the perfect blend of gourmet flavor and classic cookie comfort. Once you taste them, these salted caramel cookies will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

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