Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with these irresistible Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies. Combining the rich sweetness of caramel with the crunchy texture of toffee and a hint of sea salt, these cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Easy to make and packed with all the comforting flavors we love during the cooler months, these cookies will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Table of Contents
Why Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies Are a Must-Try
These Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies stand out for their unique combination of flavors and textures. The smooth caramel and crunchy toffee bits create a delightful contrast, while the touch of sea salt elevates the sweetness to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a fall gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re simple to make, even for beginners!
Ingredients
To make these Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides richness and helps create a soft texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookies’ softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Unbleached Flour: The base for the cookies, giving them structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Baking Soda: Assists in spreading the cookies as they bake, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Caramel Pieces: These melted caramel bits provide a gooey sweetness in every bite.
• Toffee Pieces: Add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft dough.
• Sea Salt (for garnish): Sprinkled on top for that perfect salty-sweet finish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you prefer to tweak the recipe for dietary reasons, here are a few swaps you can try:
• Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
• Egg: A flax egg or chia seed egg can be used to make the recipe vegan.
• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar are great alternatives for a refined sugar-free option.
• Caramel: You can find dairy-free caramel pieces, or make your own at home using coconut milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Incorporate the Caramel and Toffee: Fold in 1/4 cup of caramel and 1/4 cup of toffee bits. Save the rest for garnishing.
- Form the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. No need to roll them into perfect balls.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Shape the Cookies: Once out of the oven, immediately use a mason jar lid or cookie cutter to shape the cookies into a perfect circle while still warm.
- Cool and Drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. While they cool, melt the remaining caramel in the microwave and drizzle over the cookies.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining toffee pieces and a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. Let the caramel set, and your cookies are ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
To make sure your Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Soften, Don’t Melt: When softening the butter, make sure to microwave it for just 20 seconds. Avoid melting it completely to keep the right cookie texture.
- Work Quickly with Caramel: Caramel can harden quickly, so be sure to drizzle it on the cookies before it sets. If necessary, reheat the caramel in 10-second intervals to keep it pourable.
- Texture Matters: For soft cookies, don’t over-bake them. They should be golden brown on the edges but soft in the middle.
- Make Ahead: These cookies are great when made ahead. In fact, they taste even better the next day!
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies can be paired with a variety of beverages or enjoyed with other fall desserts. Consider serving them with:
- Hot Cocoa or Coffee: The richness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with a hot drink.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the sweet and salty flavors in the cookies.
- Fall Pies: Serve them alongside pumpkin or apple pie for a complete fall dessert spread.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the unbleached flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy Twist: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a rich caramel flavor, crunchy toffee bits, and a hint of sea salt. These cookies are easy to make, versatile, and ideal for any fall gathering or cozy treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll return to again and again. With their irresistible texture and taste, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of caramel for this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have caramel pieces, you can easily substitute them with any other caramel product such as caramel bits, homemade caramel sauce, or even caramel candies that have been chopped into small pieces. You can also use soft caramels for a chewier texture.
Can I make these Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies without toffee?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can omit the toffee pieces and just make salted caramel cookies. While the toffee adds a delicious crunch, the caramel alone provides plenty of flavor. You can even add chocolate chips or crushed nuts if you’d like to experiment with different textures.
How do I store leftover Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors settle. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
More Relevant Recipes
- Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Soft and Chewy Fall Treat
- Maple Pecan Cookies: A Fall Treat You Can’t Miss
- Chai Spice Cookies Recipe
Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet caramel, crunchy toffee, and a sprinkle of sea salt. These cookies are easy to make, perfect for fall, and a great treat for any occasion. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel pieces (divided)
- 1/2 cup toffee pieces (divided)
- Sea salt (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of caramel pieces and 1/4 cup of toffee pieces. Set aside the remaining caramel and toffee for garnish.
- Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. No need to roll them into balls.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Immediately use a mason jar lid or cookie cutter to shape the cookies while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Melt the remaining caramel and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Top with remaining toffee pieces and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
- Work quickly with the caramel before it hardens or reheat it in 10-second intervals if necessary.
- These cookies taste even better the next day!
- To make the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it by forming dough balls and storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they appear soft when they come out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
