Sea Salt Caramel Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Bakery-Style)
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty desserts, these Sea Salt Caramel Cookies deserve a spot on your baking list. Every bite combines a buttery, chewy cookie with pockets of melted caramel, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that enhances the rich caramel flavor without overpowering it.
These cookies come together with everyday pantry ingredients and bake in just 10–12 minutes, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays, bake sales, afternoon treats, or whenever you’re craving a warm homemade cookie.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft and chewy centers
- Rich buttery flavor
- Gooey caramel in every bite
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Equipment
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 1½ cups soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Before You Start
A few simple preparations will help you achieve bakery-style cookies.
- Bring the butter to room temperature so it creams smoothly with the sugars.
- Chop the caramel candies into small, evenly sized pieces for consistent melting.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
- Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Fine sea salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light, creamy, and fluffy.
Proper creaming helps create soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies less tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Caramel
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the chopped caramel candies into the dough until evenly distributed.
This helps keep the caramel pieces intact without overworking the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Portion the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls.
Arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:
- The edges are lightly golden.
- The centers still look slightly soft.
The cookies will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Finish with Sea Salt
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle each one with flaky sea salt while still warm.
The heat helps the salt adhere while enhancing the caramel flavor.
Step 10: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Sea Salt Caramel Cookies
Don’t Overbake
Slightly underbaked centers create the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Use Soft Caramel Candies
Soft caramel melts more evenly throughout the cookies, creating gooey pockets instead of hard chunks.
Cream the Butter Properly
Mixing the butter and sugars until fluffy adds air to the dough and improves the final texture.
Add Sea Salt While Warm
Sprinkling flaky salt immediately after baking helps it stick without dissolving into the cookies.
Space the Dough Evenly
Leaving enough room between cookies prevents them from spreading together during baking.
Let the Cookies Rest
The cookies continue setting as they cool, allowing the caramel to thicken slightly while remaining soft.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature: Up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
For that fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
- Cold milk
- Fresh coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Salted caramel ice cream
- Afternoon tea
They also make excellent additions to holiday cookie boxes and dessert platters.
