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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Salted Caramel Cookies

Salted Caramel Cookies

Courtesy of The Mercantile.

By Ree DrummondUpdated: Oct 4, 2024
Star FillStar FillStar FillHalf StarStar
3.7
3 Ratings
the pioneer woman's salted caramel cookies recipe
David Malosh
Yields:
25 - 30 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
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the pioneer woman's salted caramel cookies recipe

I apologize in advance for sharing this cookie recipe. Not because you won't like it, but exactly the opposite. Once you take a bite of these salted caramel cookies, you're going to crave them every minute of every day of every year for the rest of your entire life.

Trust me, I do.

These cookies are some you'll find in the bakery at The Merc, so if you live nearby, you can just head there and buy one (or one dozen). But if you live further away, you deserve to experience the pure utter bliss that is these cookies. They're slightly crunchy around the edges, and soft and chewy in the center—just like how all cookies should be. Browned butter makes them nutty and rich, and a thick drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes them over the top. What I'm saying is these caramel treats are my life and they'll be yours too. Here's how to make them!

What are the ingredients in salted caramel cookies?

All the usual cast of characters: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, and baking soda. Half of the butter gets browned to deepen the flavor of the cookies, and there's also brown sugar and vanilla which help do the same. Ribbons of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt finish 'em off. Yum!

Can you use store-bought caramel sauce rather than homemade?

Be my guest. You can certainly buy a jar of caramel from the grocery store and use it. The key is making sure the caramel is thick, though. You don't want runny caramel sauce or it'll run straight off the cookie. It needs to be thick so it sticks to the cookie.

How do you store salted caramel cookies?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. But wait to drizzle on the caramel and add the sea salt until just before serving!

Can you freeze salted caramel cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze very well. Bake them, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. Let the cookies thaw at room temperature, then drizzle on the caramel and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup

    salted butter

  • 1 cup

    packed light brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup

    granulated sugar

  • 2

    large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 1/2 tsp.

    vanilla extract

  • 2 2/3 cups

    all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp.

    baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • 2/3 cup

    thick caramel sauce, to serve

  • Flaky sea salt, to serve

Directions

    1. Step 1Melt 1/2 cup butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until the butter tums golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour the browned butter into a large heatproof bowl. Swirl the bowl gently to stop the cooking, then let cool completely, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, leave the remaining 1/2 cup butter at room temperature to soften.
    2. Step 2Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Add the softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl with the cooled browned butter and beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, about 1 minute.
    3. Step 3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the bowl and beat for a few more seconds. 
    4. Step 4Scoop and roll the dough into 1¼-inch balls. Arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are golden, 9 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. 
    5. Step 5Just before serving, drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
  • Salted Caramel Bundt Cake
  • Salted Caramel Cupcakes
  • Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies
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