Gooey Golden Caramel Cookies Recipe: Sweet Treats Made Simple

Warm, gooey caramel cookies recipe wafts through the kitchen like a sweet promise of comfort.

Golden edges peek out from the baking sheet, hinting at the decadent treat ahead.

Every baker dreams of that perfect balance between crisp and chewy.

These cookies carry a rich, buttery essence that melts on your tongue with each bite.

Soft caramel ribbons weave through a tender cookie base, creating irresistible pockets of sweetness.

The aroma alone draws hungry souls to the kitchen, promising pure indulgence.

One taste transports you to a world of nostalgic bakery bliss that begs to be shared.

Serve Simple Caramel Cookies for Any Sweet Moment

• Elegant Dessert Plate Pairing: Arrange cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious contrast of warm caramel and cool creaminess.
• Gourmet Coffee Companion: Serve these cookies with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, letting the rich caramel notes complement the robust coffee flavors.
• Holiday Gift Presentation: Package the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon, creating a homemade treat perfect for gifting to friends and family during special occasions.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Display the cookies on a vintage china plate with a selection of herbal teas, offering a sophisticated and sweet midday indulgence.

Store Caramel Cookies the Right Way for Next-Day Enjoyment

• Batch Magic: Whip up a double recipe and freeze half the dough for future cookie cravings, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Crisp Storage Strategy: Keep finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to maintain their delightful texture for 5-7 days.
• Freshness Hack: Add a slice of bread to your storage container to help cookies stay soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Temperature Wisdom: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy and less enjoyable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredient Lineup for Simple Caramel Cookies

• Butter: Adds deep, creamy richness and helps create a tender cookie texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Cream, Whole Milk: Softens dough and enhances moisture; fresh dairy provides the best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the cookie's overall taste; pure vanilla offers the most authentic flavor.

• Granulated White Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden-brown edges; look for fine, consistent crystals.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Introduces rich caramel notes and helps cookies stay soft; select moist, clump-free brown sugar.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cookie's foundational structure and ensures a perfect crumbly texture; unbleached flour works best.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly; ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal leavening.

Tools You’ll Want for Evenly Baked Caramel Goodness

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for melting and mixing caramel ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring caramel mixture without scratching the pan.
• Baking Sheet: Flat metal tray for arranging and baking cookie dough evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately portioning ingredients like sugar and flour.
• Wire Rack: Helps cookies cool and crisp up after baking, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Glass: Used to gently flatten cookie dough balls for perfect shape.
• Sifter: Ensures flour and baking soda are lump-free and evenly distributed.

Baking Instructions for Soft and Chewy Caramel Cookies

• Caramel Base

Combine rich butter, sweet sugar, smooth cream, and fragrant vanilla in a cozy saucepan. Gently dance the mixture over medium heat, watching it transform and bubble with delightful energy.

• Dough Creation

Allow the golden caramel to rest and cool slightly, then softly fold in delicate flour and a whisper of baking soda. The mixture will become a tender, promising dough ready for magic.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll the dough into playful little spheres, then use a glass to gently press each one into delicate circles. Arrange these golden treasures on a waiting baking sheet, ready for their moment of transformation.

• Baking Adventure

Slide the cookie sheet into a warm 350°F oven, letting the cookies dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown for about 15 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible, sweet aroma that promises deliciousness.

• Finishing Touch

Rescue the cookies from the oven and let them rest on a wire rack, allowing them to cool and develop their perfect, crisp-yet-soft texture. These caramel dreams are now ready to be enjoyed.

Ideas to Make Your Cookies Richer or More Buttery

• Soft butter works best when left at room temperature for easy mixing and smoother dough texture.
• Gently press cookie balls with a fork instead of a glass for a classic, rustic crackled appearance that looks homemade.
• After cooling, enhance cookies by drizzling melted chocolate or extra caramel sauce on top for a gourmet touch.
• Cookie dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing flexible baking times and deeper caramel flavor development.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to create a delicious sweet-and-salty balance that elevates the traditional caramel cookie experience.

Irresistible Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate chip caramel cookies blend sweet and salty flavors into an irresistible treat. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each delectable bite of classic comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 tbsps (135 g) butter
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp cream (or whole milk)

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Instructions

1. Caramel Preparation: Meld unsalted butter, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, effervescent caramel sauce with a rich golden tone.
2. Cooling and Dough Formation: Remove caramel from heat and let it cool for 5-7 minutes. Softly incorporate sifted all-purpose flour and baking soda into the warm caramel, creating a cohesive, slightly tacky dough with a uniform golden-brown consistency.
3. Portioning and Shaping: Craft uniform dough balls using clean hands or a cookie scoop, positioning them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a flat glass, creating delicate circular impressions to ensure even spreading.
4. Baking Process: Ignite the oven to 350°F and position the baking sheet on the center rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for edges to develop a deep golden-brown coloration that signals perfect caramelization.
5. Cooling and Serving: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to stabilize. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow complete cooling for 20-25 minutes, achieving an ideal crisp exterior and tender interior before indulging in these decadent treats.

Notes

• Quick Caramel Cooling: Let caramel cool 5-7 minutes to prevent flour clumping and ensure smooth dough consistency.
• Precise Dough Shaping: Use a cookie scoop or clean hands to create uniform 1-inch balls for even baking and professional-looking cookies.
• Glass Pressing Technique: Gently flatten dough balls with a flat glass bottom to help cookies spread evenly and create a beautiful, consistent shape.
• Cooling Critical: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for 20-25 minutes to develop perfect crisp exterior and tender interior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg