There’s nothing quite like the first bite into a batch of warm, homemade Caramel Cookies: soft in the center, golden around the edges, and loaded with gooey caramel bits that stretch with every nibble. This recipe captures all the sweet nostalgia of classic cookies and transforms it into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, sharing with friends, or looking to fill your home with the scent of caramel and butter, these cookies are reliably scrumptious. If you love the magic that happens when caramel and brown sugar come together, you are in for a treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Caramel Cookies are built from straightforward pantry staples, each one working together to achieve that flawless melt-in-your-mouth moment. Let’s peek at the lineup — the very foundation of that irresistible flavor and the chewy, golden texture you’re dreaming of.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The buttery base gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and beautifully subtle flavor.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Brown sugar adds moisture and a touch of molasses flavor that deepens the caramel vibes.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): A bit of white sugar balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough when baking.
- Large Eggs (2, at room temperature): Eggs bind everything together and add delightful softness to the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla boosts the caramelly notes and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Holds the dough together and provides structure for the perfect chewy bite.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread, ensuring a tender texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to amplify the sweet and highlight the complexity of caramel.
- Caramel Baking Chips or Chopped Soft Caramel Candies (1 cup): The star ingredient, infusing each bite with sticky, melty caramel pockets.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For a delightful crunch and a nutty complement to the sweet caramel, if you crave a little texture.
How to Make Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this not only ensures the Caramel Cookies will lift easily without sticking but also helps them bake evenly. A little preparation here means effortless cleanup and perfect cookies later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating that chewy, soft center—creaming incorporates air, which gives the cookies their lovely lift.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully incorporated. The eggs give the dough its structure and the vanilla sings backup to the caramel, adding warmth and depth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents any untasty baking soda pockets in your final cookies — a crucial but often overlooked detail.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender so the Caramel Cookies stay soft and light.
Step 6: Fold in Caramel & Nuts
Gently fold in the caramel baking chips (or chopped soft caramel candies) and, if you’re using them, the chopped pecans or walnuts. Every cookie gets nuggets of caramel and a hint of nutty crunch, making each bite surprising and wonderful.
Step 7: Scoop and Arrange
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dough rounds onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread and achieve crisp, golden edges with soft, gooey centers.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the centers look barely set. For extra gooey centers, pull them out right at 10 minutes — they’ll finish setting as they cool on the pan. If you want your Caramel Cookies to look bakery-beautiful, press a few extra caramel pieces on top just before baking.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This little rest helps them firm up just enough to handle, while still keeping that melt-in-the-middle texture that makes Caramel Cookies irresistible.
How to Serve Caramel Cookies
Garnishes
Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after the cookies come out of the oven for a beautiful contrast to the sweet caramel. Or, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top for a show-stopping finish that makes these cookies look as decadent as they taste.
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is, of course, a tall glass of cold milk, but these cookies also shine with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on the side. For coffee lovers, serve them with a strong espresso or cappuccino; the bitter notes are just perfect with the rich sweetness of Caramel Cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Caramel Cookies in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. For gatherings, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and mini cheesecakes. You can even crumble them over yogurt or pudding for a playful twist on a classic dessert topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy a sweet pick-me-up all week long!
Freezing
To freeze your Caramel Cookies, place completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls to bake fresh cookies on demand — just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before enjoying. This wakes up the caramel and makes the centers extra gooey, just like they were fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel chips or candies?
Caramel sauce tends to melt and run, which can lead to overly thin, messy cookies. For best results, stick with caramel baking chips or chopped soft caramel candies — these hold their shape and create perfect gooey pockets.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If parchment paper isn’t on hand, lightly greasing your baking sheets with a bit of butter or oil will help prevent sticking. Just keep a close eye as caramel can burn quickly on bare metal.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! The chopped pecans or walnuts are totally optional — feel free to leave them out if you prefer your Caramel Cookies pure and nut-free. The cookies will still be just as delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be a light golden brown and the centers should look barely set. If you like a gooier cookie, take them out at the lower range of baking time and let them finish setting on the tray.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this Caramel Cookies recipe doubles beautifully. Just give your mixing bowl plenty of space and be sure to rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even baking if you’re doing multiple trays at once.
Final Thoughts
Baking Caramel Cookies is one of those simple joys you’ll want to repeat again and again. There’s nothing better than sharing a plate of these sweet, gooey treats with friends — or savoring one (or two!) all to yourself. Gather your ingredients and give them a try; I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every buttery, caramel-studded bite!
Print
Caramel Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Caramel Cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. These chewy treats are loaded with caramel chips and nuts for a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup caramel baking chips or chopped soft caramel candies
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Fold in the caramel chips and nuts, if using.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can also press a few extra caramel pieces on top before baking for a prettier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
