If you’re craving that magical blend of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy in every bite, you’re about to fall in love. Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies have everything you could ever hope for in a treat: buttery toffee richness, gooey caramel, pops of salty pretzel crunch, and a perfect sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. These cookies deliver a bakery-style result from the comfort of your kitchen, and trust me, you’ll want to bake them again and again for family gatherings, bake sales, or late-night cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are all about simplicity meeting irresistibility. Each element brings its own charm, working together to create that unforgettable blend of flavors and textures. Don’t skimp or swap where it counts—you’ll taste the difference!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Delivers that rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base every great cookie needs.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps make every bite extra chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness while helping the cookies achieve golden, crisp edges.
- Large eggs: Give the dough structure and create that delightful, tender cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all of the sweet flavors and provides an aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation, holding all the delicious mix-ins together.
- Baking soda: Lends a touch of lift, resulting in a soft and chewy middle.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to add just the right amount of thickness.
- Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and deepens every flavor note.
- Toffee bits: Bring in buttery, crunchy pops that melt into glorious little pockets.
- Crushed pretzels: Deliver a salty crunch that’s the secret hero of these cookies.
- Caramel chips or soft caramel bits: Melt into gooey, sweet ribbons in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: A final flourish that elevates each cookie from “great” to “can’t-stop-at-one.”
How to Make Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a steady, even heat is key for perfectly baked cookies. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which not only prevents sticking but also ensures those crispy, caramelized edges we all covet.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream these together until the mixture is delightfully light and fluffy; this step introduces air and sets the stage for a soft, chewy cookie. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leaveners evenly, so every Salted Caramel Crunch Cookie rises and sets just right. Don’t skip this—lumpy flour is the mortal enemy of fabulous cookies!
Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Crunch
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until barely combined. Now for the fun: fold in the toffee bits, crushed pretzels, and caramel chips or soft caramel bits. Every spoonful of dough should look packed with goodies, promising layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Portion and Top with Sea Salt
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart—these cookies need a little elbow room to spread out and get those golden edges. Sprinkle each mound with a pinch of flaky sea salt—this is the absolute best part, so don’t hold back!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, watching for that telltale golden edge while the centers remain just set. If you like a chewier cookie, pull them a minute early; the magic continues as they finish setting on the hot pan. Let cool five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies
Garnishes
The crowning touch for any Salted Caramel Crunch Cookie is a final, generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt fresh out of the oven. For a fancier look, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toffee bits pressed into the top while still warm. Each garnish brings out the cookie’s contrasts—sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft—in every bite.
Side Dishes
Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk, but they’re equally fabulous paired with espresso, hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. If you want to make dessert a true event, serve them with scoops of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent treat that no guest can resist.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, stack a couple of cookies, tie with rustic twine, and tuck in a printable tag—instant gift magic! At parties, arrange the cookies on a platter with caramel sauce for dipping, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two for show-stopping ice cream sandwiches. Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies absolutely love to be shown off!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies fresh, store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay toss-in-your-lunchbox-perfect for up to five days, but be warned—they rarely last that long!
Freezing
For ultimate convenience, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies. Shape dough balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to three months. Or freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then stack with parchment for grab-and-go sweetness at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
If you love the gooey, just-baked experience, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes, or zap for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. This brings those caramel bits back to melty life and makes the kitchen smell heavenly all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the toffee bits with something else?
Absolutely! If toffee bits aren’t available, try chopped chocolate-covered caramels or butterscotch chips for a similar gooey-crunchy vibe in your Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If you find your cookies are spreading thin, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This slows melting and helps Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies keep their gorgeous, bakery-worthy shape.
What’s the best way to crush pretzels for this recipe?
Place your pretzels in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of bigger chunks and finer bits—this ensures every bite of Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies is extra-interesting!
Can I use regular salt instead of flaky sea salt?
You can, but nothing quite beats the pops of flavor from a good flaky sea salt. A light sprinkle of kosher salt works in a pinch for topping your Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
These cookies adapt beautifully with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just ensure your pretzels are gluten-free as well for Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies that everyone can savor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for cookies that tick every box—chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty—Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies belong at the very top of your baking list. They’re guaranteed to make any gathering more memorable or silence that sweet tooth on an ordinary day. Whip them up, share with friends, and don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested treat!
Print
Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies. Chewy caramel bits, crunchy toffee, and crushed pretzels come together in a buttery cookie dough, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a delectable treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups toffee bits
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup caramel chips or soft caramel bits
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Create Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients, then combine with wet mixture. Fold in toffee bits, pretzels, and caramel chips.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool before enjoying!
Notes
- For chewier cookies, underbake slightly.
- Swap caramel chips with chopped soft caramels for gooey pockets.
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