If you have a sweet tooth that loves a touch of salty crunch, then this Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies perfectly balance buttery caramel sweetness with a satisfying crunch from toffee bits and crushed pretzels, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that makes every bite unforgettable. Soft centers with just the right amount of golden edges make these cookies impossible to resist, whether you’re packing them for lunch, sharing at a party, or just indulging in a cozy moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that creates richness, to the toffee bits and pretzels that add delightful crunch, each component is simple but crucial. Let’s dive into what you’ll gather!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and essential moisture for soft cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a slight crisp on the edges.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings warmth and a subtle molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and keep cookies tender.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation that keeps the cookies beautifully soft yet sturdy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cookies lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds additional rise and fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup toffee bits: Infuse a buttery, crunchy caramel flavor throughout.
- 1 cup crushed pretzels: Introduce a wonderful salty crisp contrast.
- 3/4 cup caramel chips or chopped soft caramels: Melt into gooey pockets of caramel delight.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: Adds that irresistible finishing touch to amplify the sweet and salty combo.
How to Make Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is key as it aerates the dough, setting the stage for cookies with perfect texture.
Step 2: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, unified batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor that feels like a cozy hug.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, avoiding any pockets of uneven taste or texture when added to the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Mixing Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so aim for a homogenous dough without a beat more.
Step 5: Adding the Crunchy Goodness
Now, gently fold in the toffee bits, crushed pretzels, and caramel chips. Each of these elements gives the cookie its signature Salted Caramel Crunch cookie personality, delivering varied textures and bursts of flavor that keep every bite interesting.
Step 6: Baking the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without merging. Press them down lightly, then sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stopping when the edges turn golden and the centers are just set for that magical chewy-soft texture. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate serving, a light extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving intensifies the contrast between sweet caramel and salty crunch. For a festive twist, drizzle warm melted chocolate or a salted caramel sauce over the cookies for an irresistible look and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a creamy vanilla or salted caramel ice cream. The cool beverages and desserts balance the sweet and salty richness, making for a delightful snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or bringing these cookies to a get-together, stack them in a decorative jar tied with a pretty ribbon or serve them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce and crushed pretzels. For a party, offer them as part of a cookie bar with various toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sea salt flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, keep any leftover Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This maintains their perfect chewy texture and flavorful crunch without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, freeze scooped balls on a tray then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to three months—bake straight from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months, then thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives the soft caramel centers and fresh-baked aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pretzels with something else?
Absolutely! If pretzels aren’t your thing, try crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunch with a different flavor profile. Just keep the salty element to balance the caramel sweetness.
What type of caramel chips work best?
Both caramel chips and chopped soft caramels work well. If using soft caramels, freeze them first for easier mixing and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, though texture may vary.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap butter for a plant-based margarine and use flax or chia egg substitutes. Be sure to use vegan caramel chips or omit caramel and substitute with additional toffee bits or other mix-ins.
How do I get the perfect chewy texture?
Using a combination of baking soda and baking powder, plus not overbaking your cookies, helps achieve that ideal chewy center with golden edges that’s signature to this Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of baking a batch of these Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe cookies that smartly marry sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly satisfying. So go ahead, give it a whirl and watch these cookies disappear in no time with everyone asking for more!
Print
Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, combining buttery cookie dough with toffee bits, crunchy crushed pretzels, and rich caramel chips. Topped with flaky sea salt, they deliver a satisfying texture and irresistible taste perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins and Topping
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (preferably salted)
- 3/4 cup caramel chips or chopped soft caramels
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and producing tough cookies.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the toffee bits, crushed pretzels, and caramel chips or frozen chopped caramels, ensuring an even distribution without deflating the dough.
- Portion and Shape Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down each cookie slightly to flatten and enhance crunch.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie to create a delicious sweet and salty contrast.
- Bake Cookies: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use crushed salted pretzels for an excellent contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and toffee.
- If using chopped soft caramels, freeze them beforehand to prevent the caramel from melting into the dough and to minimize spreading during baking.
