Is there anything better than the rich, buttery goodness of blondies combined with the salty-sweet magic of caramel? These Salted Caramel Blondie Cookies are a dessert dream come true! Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a decadent treat, or looking for a Pinterest-perfect recipe to share, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. 🍪✨
I recently made these for a cozy fall gathering, and they vanished within minutes. Even non-dessert lovers (yes, they exist!) couldn’t resist the gooey centers, golden edges, and the perfect sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If you’re ready to bake up something truly irresistible, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Blondie Cookies
Here’s what makes these cookies so special:
- Gooey Texture: Soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge.
- Sweet & Salty: The perfect balance of buttery caramel and flaky sea salt.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just a whisk and a mixing bowl.
- Pinterest-Perfect: Gorgeous golden cookies with caramel swirls and sea salt flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather for these golden beauties:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Substitution Suggestions
- No brown sugar? Swap for coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
- Want it gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Out of caramel bits? Try chocolate chips for a twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for the ultimate salted caramel blondie cookies:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Add the Caramel
Gently fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramel pieces. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—this is perfect!
5. Shape & Bake
Scoop out 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
6. Sprinkle with Sea Salt
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cookies for a dramatic effect.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Holiday Flair: Sprinkle festive sprinkles on top for seasonal celebrations!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These cookies are best served warm with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot coffee. If you’re making them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven gooeyness, zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds!
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Pinterest-Perfect Styling Tips
Want your cookies to shine on Pinterest? Here’s how to style them:
- Golden Glow: Capture them in natural light to highlight their golden edges.
- Sprinkle Drama: Show off that flaky sea salt close-up—it’s a major selling point!
- Stack it Up: Stack a few cookies with caramel oozing out for an irresistible shot.
- Seasonal Touch: Add a cozy backdrop like a knit blanket or fall leaves for autumn vibes.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! Share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your gooey, golden masterpieces. 🌟
FAQs About Salted Caramel Blondie Cookies
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have caramel bits, you can swirl in ¼ cup of thick caramel sauce into the dough before scooping it onto the baking sheet.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This could happen if your butter was too hot when mixed. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the sugars. Chilling the dough can also help prevent spreading.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2½ tablespoons water per egg), and ensure your caramel is dairy-free.
Ready to bake these Salted Caramel Blondie Cookies? Trust me, these golden treats will be the star of your dessert table. Happy baking! 😊