How to Make Caramel Cookies That Will Make You Melt

Caramel cookies – just the name itself conjures up images of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a hint of salty sweetness. These little bites of heaven are surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’re a baking novice.

Whether you call them caramel cookies, caramel delights, or millionaire’s shortbread, one thing’s for sure: these treats are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your friends and family. So, are you ready to embark on a caramel cookie adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and preheat those ovens!

Irresistibly Delicious Caramel Cookie Recipe

This recipe will guide you through each step to create the perfect caramel cookies. They’re rich, decadent and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cookie Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and use an electric mixer or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Creating the Caramel Filling

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook until it turns a light amber color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously) and whisk until smooth.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt until melted and combined.
6. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked cookie base.

The Finishing Touch: Chocolate Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.

Cooling and Cutting

1. Allow the caramel cookies to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the caramel and chocolate have set.
2. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Caramel Cookie Success

• Don’t Overcook the Caramel: The key to a smooth and creamy caramel is to avoid overcooking. Keep a close eye on the sugar syrup and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a light amber color.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The type of chocolate you use for the topping will affect the flavor of the cookies. For the best taste, use high-quality milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
• Be Patient with Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before cutting to prevent the caramel from sticking to the knife. For best results, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Caramel Cookie Ingredients

Pouring Caramel Over Cookie Base

FAQs About Caramel Cookies

Can I use store-bought caramel for the filling?

While homemade caramel is always recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with store-bought caramel. Look for a good quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups for this recipe.

How do I store caramel cookies?

Store the caramel cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

My caramel turned out grainy. What went wrong?

Grainy caramel can happen if the sugar is not completely dissolved before the mixture comes to a boil or if the caramel is stirred too much during cooking. To prevent this, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and avoid stirring once the mixture boils.

Can I add nuts to the caramel cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even peanuts would be a delicious addition to these cookies. Sprinkle them over the caramel layer before pouring the chocolate on top.

Conclusion

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for making unbelievably delicious caramel cookies. Baking is a labor of love, and the joy these caramel treats bring is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for more tempting recipes, check out our guide on how to make butterscotch oatmeal cookies, or explore the world of dulce de leche cheesecake. Happy baking!