The Perfect Caramel Cookies Recipe: Soft, Sweet & Irresistible

Caramel cookies spark pure culinary magic with their golden-hued allure and decadent charm.

Sweet memories flood back when these delectable treats emerge from the oven, promising comfort in every delicate crumb.

Buttery layers melt seamlessly, creating a symphony of rich, caramelized notes that dance across your palate.

Soft and chewy textures define these remarkable morsels, revamping ordinary ingredients into extraordinary sensations.

simple techniques revamp basic pantry staples into something truly spectacular, inviting home bakers to craft pure delight.

Subtle complexity emerges through careful balance of ingredients, elevating these cookies beyond mere snacks.

Indulgence awaits those willing to embrace this delightful baking adventure.

Simple Caramel Cookies: A Sweet and Easy Treat

• Savor Creamy Caramel Comfort: These cookies deliver a rich, buttery caramel experience that melts in your mouth, creating a warm, nostalgic feeling with every bite.
• Quick and Easy Baking Delight: Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, allowing you to whip up delicious treats in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Texture Perfection: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crisp golden edges and a soft, chewy center that provides a satisfying mouthfeel with each cookie.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Great for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or as a quick dessert that impresses without demanding complicated techniques, making these caramel cookies a go-to recipe for any casual occasion.

Key Ingredients for Simple Caramel Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that provides deep flavor and tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden caramel color and crisp edges.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth liquid that ensures rich, soft caramel consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a light, airy texture.

• Glass: Used for flattening cookie dough into uniform shapes.
• Baking Sheet: Flat surface for even baking and golden cookie bottoms.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool and set without becoming soggy.

How to Make Simple Caramel Cookies from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Base

Combine butter, sugar, cream, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium flame, stirring constantly until the mixture starts bubbling and turns smooth and golden.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

• Sifted flour
• Baking soda

Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Treats

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls using your hands. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a flat glass to gently press down and flatten each cookie.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 15 minutes, watching for edges to turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes until completely cooled and set. The cookies will become slightly crisp and develop a rich caramel flavor as they cool.

Tips for Perfect Simple Caramel Cookies

• Stir Continuously: Keep mixing the caramel mixture to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even texture.
• Check Consistency: The caramel should bubble gently and turn a rich golden color before adding flour.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Flatten Evenly: Press cookies with a glass bottom dipped in sugar for uniform shape and a slight sparkle.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to rest on the wire rack for at least 20 minutes to develop their perfect crisp edges and soft center.

Storing and Reheating Simple Caramel Cookies

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled caramel cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Layer cookies carefully between sheets to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to preserve freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Method: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months without losing their rich caramel flavor. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their soft, buttery goodness.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Restore their crisp edges and warm, gooey center by placing cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pairing Simple Caramel Cookies with Beverages

• Pair with Smooth Vanilla Latte: The rich, buttery caramel cookies find their perfect companion in a creamy vanilla latte. The smooth espresso cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and indulgent treat that will make your taste buds dance.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Amplify the caramel notes by serving these cookies alongside a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, crisp cookie, delivering a delightful sensory experience.
• Complement with Amber Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet amber dessert wine like Sauternes brings out the caramel's depth. The wine's honeyed undertones and subtle acidity perfectly enhance the cookie's rich, golden flavor profile.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Spiced Tea: A warming cup of cinnamon-spiced tea provides a gentle, aromatic backdrop to these caramel cookies. The spice adds a subtle warmth that beautifully highlights the cookie's sweet, buttery essence.

Creative Variations of Simple Caramel Cookies

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor. Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts into the batter before shaping the cookies.
• Sea Salt Caramel Classic: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to enhance the caramel's deep sweetness. The salt crystals create a delightful contrast with the sugary base.
• Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After cooling, melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies in elegant zigzag patterns. Refrigerate briefly to set the chocolate for a professional bakery-style finish.
• Spiced Caramel Warmth: Incorporate ground cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom into the flour mixture for a subtle, warming undertone that complements the caramel's rich profile.

Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel cookies deliver a rich, buttery experience that melts perfectly on your palate. Sweet crumbles from French bakeries inspire this simple recipe, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 9 tablespoons (135 grams) butter

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cream (or whole milk)

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Instructions

1. Combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, heavy cream (236.6 milliliters or ), and pure vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, bubbling caramel sauce.
2. Remove the caramel from heat and allow it to cool for approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring the temperature reduces enough to prevent potential flour clumping.
3. Gently fold sifted all-purpose flour and baking soda into the warm caramel mixture, mixing until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms with a uniform golden-brown color.
4. Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, portion the dough into uniform round balls approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in diameter, placing them 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Delicately press each dough ball using the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup, creating gentle circular impressions that will help the cookies spread evenly during baking.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and carefully position the baking sheet in the center rack, baking for 12-15 minutes until the cookie edges develop a rich, golden-brown hue.
7. Transfer the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
8. Allow the caramel cookies to cool completely for approximately 20-25 minutes, which helps them achieve a perfect crisp exterior and tender interior texture before serving.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Experiment with adding sea salt sprinkles on top before baking for a gourmet twist that elevates the caramel flavor.
• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for future baking by placing them on a tray and transferring to a freezer bag once solid.
• Check cookies at 12 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary in temperature and cooking performance.
• Allow caramel mixture to cool just enough to prevent flour from clumping, ensuring a smooth and consistent cookie dough.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 292mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 31mg