Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Crunch Cookies are a delightful treat combining buttery dough with the perfect balance of sweet caramel and crunchy toffee bits. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they offer a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy any cookie craving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 cup caramel bits
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Lightly sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt.
9. Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Try swapping caramel bits with chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• If you prefer less salt, reduce the flaky sea salt topping to a pinch or skip it entirely.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore softness if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

What can I substitute for toffee and caramel bits?

You can use chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or dried fruit if you don’t have toffee or caramel bits on hand.

Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

Delight in these Caramel Crunch Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery dough, sweet toffee, and rich caramel bits, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet and salty crunch. Ideal for cookie lovers who enjoy a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Topping

• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 cup caramel bits
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for your cookie dough.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits so they are evenly mixed without breaking them up too much.
7. Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
8. Add Sea Salt Topping: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet flavors with a salty crunch.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them from the oven when edges are set but centers appear slightly soft.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Toffee and caramel bits can be found at specialty baking stores or online if unavailable at local grocery stores.
• Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor contrast; if unavailable, use a fine sea salt but reduce quantity slightly.
• Optional: Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading and intensify flavor.

Keywords: Caramel crunch cookies, toffee cookies, caramel bits cookies, homemade cookies, sweet and salty cookies, holiday cookies