Sweet & Salty White Chocolate Caramel Gems

Irresistible Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly easy, delightfully chewy, and amazingly soft Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies. This recipe offers a decadent fusion of rich, creamy white chocolate and luscious, sophisticated salted caramel, creating a flavor symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re an experience in balanced indulgence. You simply won’t be able to stop at just one!

Whether you’re baking for festive holiday gatherings, a lively party celebration, or simply satisfying a personal craving for the perfect blend of sweet and salty, these cookies are an absolute triumph. They offer a comforting yet exciting flavor profile, making them a go-to treat for any occasion, promising to bring joy with every bite.

Dive Deeper into the World of Caramel Delights

If you’re as passionate about the rich, buttery flavor of caramel as we are, then you’re truly in for a treat! We’ve got even more sensational caramel creations waiting for you to discover and enjoy:

  • Explore our collection of 16 Sensational Caramel Apple Recipes, perfect for autumn festivities or a refreshing twist on classic desserts.
  • Indulge in our selection of 16 Decadent Chocolate & Caramel Gooey Desserts That Rule, where chocolate and caramel unite in blissful harmony.
  • For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, don’t miss these super gooey Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Delicious Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies recipe hero shot

Why These Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies Are an Absolute Must-Bake

Seriously, these are destined to become some of the best cookies you will ever bake. They are generously loaded with an irresistible combination of salted caramel chips, premium white chocolate chips, and an optional touch of extra, melty caramel bits, all lovingly blended into a soft, chewy dough. They stand proudly alongside our beloved Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies and our festive Pumpkin White Chocolate Cookies as true baking favorites.

The Enduring Allure of Salted Caramel in Baking

Salted caramel has captivated palates worldwide, and for very good reason! If you haven’t yet experienced the enchanting magic of Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies, now is absolutely the time to embrace this sensational flavor trend. This recipe doesn’t just add caramel to a cookie; it takes your traditional white chocolate chip cookie recipe to an entirely new dimension of flavor, texture, and pure indulgence.

The beauty of salted caramel lies in its ability to elevate sweetness. The subtle hint of sea salt perfectly cuts through the richness of both the caramel and the white chocolate, preventing the cookies from being overly cloying. Instead, it creates an addictive, complex balance that leaves your palate delighted and leaves you craving just one more. This exquisite combination of sweet and salty notes never fails to impress and satisfy, making these cookies a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering or quiet moment of personal indulgence.

The only real “risk” you run when baking these heavenly cookies is that your family and friends will likely be clamoring for a second (or even third!) helping before the first batch even has a chance to cool. They disappear almost as quickly as they’re baked, transforming any ordinary day into a special occasion. Get ready to bake a batch that will create cherished memories and leave everyone smiling.

Close-up shot of warm, soft Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Customizing Your Caramel Experience: To Bit or Not to Bit?

During our recipe development, we happily experimented with two different batches of these cookies: one batch generously incorporated additional, soft caramel bits, while the other relied solely on the salted caramel chips and white chocolate. The exciting news? Both versions were absolutely phenomenal!

If you desire an extra layer of soft, chewy, and gooey caramel pockets throughout your cookies, creating visually appealing streaks of golden brown, we highly recommend including the optional caramel bits. They not only enhance the texture but also contribute to a beautiful caramel coloration in the finished cookies. However, if you don’t have them on hand, or simply prefer a less intense caramel experience, rest assured that these cookies are utterly delicious and still deliver that signature sweet and salty harmony. The core combination of rich salted caramel chips and creamy white chocolate chips is what truly makes these cookies sing.

When it comes to the essential salted caramel component, we’ve found that Hershey’s Sea Salt Caramel Chips are absolutely swoon-worthy. These fantastic baking chips are not only packed with a smooth, creamy caramel flavor and a delightful hint of sea salt, but they are also proudly gluten-free and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Their quality ensures a consistent and delicious flavor in every batch. They’re incredibly versatile too! Feel free to sprinkle them into any of your favorite cookie or brownie batters for an instant flavor upgrade, or even melt them down to create a luscious sweet and salty glaze for cakes, tortes, and other baked goods. And yes, we admit, they’re pretty irresistible right out of the bag for a quick snack!

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies arranged on a plate
Close-up of a single Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookie on a surface

Freshly baked Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies cooling on a wire rack

The Ultimate Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookie Recipe: Your Guide to Baking Perfection

Ready to bake your very own batch of these truly delightful cookies? This comprehensive recipe provides everything you need to create perfect, chewy, and exceptionally soft cookies every single time. Follow these carefully detailed steps and ingredient measurements to achieve a bake that will impress everyone.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on your baking adventure for the perfect Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies, gather these key ingredients:

  • Unsalted butter: This is crucial for achieving the correct texture. Ensure it’s cool or at a firm room temperature, but never warm or completely softened.
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • 10 oz. bag HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips
  • White chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 ½ cups soft caramel bits (such as Kraft or available from Nuts.com)

Close-up of ingredients ready for Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Follow these simple yet crucial steps to bake a batch of heavenly, soft, and chewy cookies that will impress everyone:

  1. Prepare Your Baking Station: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (silpat). This crucial step ensures easy cleanup and prevents your precious cookies from sticking, leading to perfectly baked bottoms.
  2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the cool (or firm room temperature) unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well aerated. This process is key for achieving delightfully soft cookies. Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is just combined and the mixture looks airy.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overworking the flour can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough, dense cookies.
  4. Fold in the Goodies: With a spatula, gently fold in the HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips, the creamy white chocolate chips, and your optional caramel bits. Mix just enough to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough without overworking it. A fantastic feature of this recipe is that there’s usually no need to chill the dough unless it feels overly warm or sticky, meaning you can get to baking faster! Just like our popular ultimate super thick M&M chocolate chip cookies and these incredibly convenient Best No Chill Sugar Cookies!
  5. Scoop and Bake: Using your preferred cookie scoop (we recommend a generous ¼ cup scoop for beautifully large, bakery-style cookies), portion out uniform balls of cookie dough. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading without them merging into one giant cookie.
  6. Cooling Process: Bake for the recommended time, which will vary based on your chosen cookie size (please refer to our specific size and time guide below). Once baked to golden perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to set up properly and firm up before you carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoying them warm is a delightful experience!

Achieving Your Desired Cookie Size and Corresponding Bake Time

The beauty of homemade cookies is that you can customize them to suit your preference, whether you prefer dainty bites or impressively large treats. Here are our recommendations for different cookie sizes and their ideal baking times:

  • For Small Cookies (Perfect for Tasting Platters): Use 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden, and the centers are still slightly soft.
  • For Medium-Sized Indulgence (The Classic Cookie): Use 2 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes for a perfectly chewy center and golden-brown edges.
  • For Large, Bakery-Style Cookies (A Truly Impressive Treat): Use a generous ¼ cup of cookie dough per cookie. Bake for 14-16 minutes to achieve a beautifully soft, thick center with a satisfyingly crisp edge.

Stack of freshly baked Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Expert Pointers for Your Salted Caramel Cookie Baking Journey

Baking is both an art and a science, and a few key tips from experienced bakers can truly elevate your cookies from simply good to absolutely phenomenal. Pay attention to these details for consistently perfect results:

  • The Secret to Thick Cookies: Butter Temperature Matters Significantly: To ensure your cookies are beautifully thick and possess that desirable chewy texture, while avoiding them spreading too much and becoming thin or flat, the temperature of your butter is paramount. Always use butter that is either straight from the fridge (cool) or at a firm room temperature. It should never be melted or even overly softened to the point of being greasy. Cooler dough spreads less rapidly in the oven, directly resulting in a thicker, more satisfying cookie. If, after mixing, your dough feels overly warm or sticky, simply pop it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. For those craving extra thick cookies, we highly recommend scooping all the dough balls onto a baking sheet and then “flash-freezing” them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This quick chill dramatically helps them hold their shape even better in the hot oven!
  • Precision in Flour Measurement: A Game Changer: Incorrect flour measurement is one of the most common culprits for various baking mishaps, leading to either dry and dense or overly cakey cookies. Always measure flour correctly to achieve the perfect cookie texture. Here’s the standard, most accurate method:
    1. First, “fluff up” the flour in its bag or canister. Use a spoon or fork to lightly aerate the flour, breaking up any compaction that may have occurred.
    2. Next, gently spoon the flour into your dry measuring cup. Pile it loosely until it forms a small heap above the rim of the cup.
    3. Finally, use the flat side of a knife or any straight edge to carefully level off the excess flour across the top of the measuring cup. This method ensures you get the exact amount needed without accidentally packing down the flour, which can add significantly more flour than intended and result in dry, crumbly, or dense cookies.
  • For even more comprehensive and insightful cookie baking tips, ranging from ingredient substitutes to common troubleshooting, be sure to check out our detailed guide!

Preparing Ahead: Freezing and Refrigerating Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookie Dough

Making cookie dough in advance can be a huge time-saver and allows for fresh-baked goodness whenever you desire! This particular cookie dough is excellent for both refrigeration and freezing:

  • Refrigerating Dough: If you’re not quite ready to bake immediately after mixing your dough, simply place it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. In fact, chilling the dough for at least 24 hours can often deepen the flavors and improve the texture of the baked cookies.
  • Freezing Dough for Long-Term Storage: For extended storage, you can freeze this cookie dough for up to a year without compromising its quality. We recommend scooping or rolling the dough into individual balls (as if you were about to bake them). Arrange these dough balls on a sheet pan and place the pan in the freezer until the dough is completely firm. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to bake just a few fresh cookies at a time, whenever a craving strikes, making warm, homemade cookies accessible year-round!

Storing Your Baked Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Once your irresistible Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies are baked and cooled, proper storage will help maintain their deliciousness:

  • To keep your cookies wonderfully soft and flavorful, store them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent them from becoming soggy, ensure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them in any container.

More Irresistible Caramel Delights to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of caramel, you’re in good company! Here are more fantastic recipes featuring that beloved sweet and salty, or simply rich and buttery, flavor:

  • Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies: A delightful autumn treat combining fruit, spice, and caramel.
  • Best Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce: Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or enjoying by the spoonful!
  • Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: Layers of buttery cake and rich caramel make these bars irresistible.
  • Salted Caramel Pretzel & Peanut Butter Brownies: A symphony of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Baked Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies presented on a wooden cutting board

Ultimately, eating these exquisite cookies transcends mere snacking; it transforms into a delightful ritual. Imagine gathering around the table with cherished friends and family, sharing laughter and these warm, comforting treats. Or picture yourself simply enjoying a special, well-deserved moment of peace and indulgence on a cozy weekend afternoon. The irresistible combination of textures and tastes, from the chewy softness to the melting chips, ensures that every bite is a moment to savor, creating lasting happy memories.

We are confident that this salted caramel cookie recipe is truly set to become your all-time favorite batch of salted caramel cookies with white chocolate chips! We encourage you to give them a try, indulge in their magnificent flavor, and don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below!

Share your amazing baking creations and find more inspiration by connecting with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! We love seeing your delicious results!

Discover More Delectable Goodies to Impress!

Expand your baking repertoire and impress your guests with these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen:

  • Oatmeal Butterscotch & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Christmas Cowboy Cookies
  • Double Chocolate Banana Snack Cake
  • Cookie Dough Brownies
  • Caramel Frosted Brown Butter Brownies
  • Best-Ever White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
  • Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Banana Dream Cake Loaf
  • Homemade Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
  • Salted Caramel Mousse ROLO Cookie Cups
  • Chocolate Chip & Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cake
  • Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)
  • The Best Gooey Carmelitas

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies Recipe Card

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies hero image for recipe card

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Author: Kim Lange

Easy, chewy salted caramel white chocolate cookies with an amazingly soft texture! So yummy, you can’t stop at just one! These Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, and anytime you crave that delightful sweet and salty combination.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 24 Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cool or firm room temperature, do not use softened or warm butter)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 oz. bag HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 ½ cups soft caramel bits (like Kraft or from Nuts.com)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the cool unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is airy and well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  4. Gently fold in the HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips, white chocolate chips, and the optional soft caramel bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. There is no need to chill the dough unless it feels particularly warm; otherwise, you can proceed directly to baking.
  5. Using your preferred cookie scoop (a ¼ cup scoop will yield larger cookies), scoop out uniform balls of cookie dough. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to prevent them from merging during baking.
  6. Bake for the recommended time based on your chosen cookie size (refer to the notes below for specifics). Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. Afterward, transfer them carefully to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes on Cookie Size and Bake Time

Achieving Your Preferred Cookie Size and Bake Times:

  • For small cookies (1 tablespoon dough): Bake for 7-8 minutes.
  • For medium cookies (2 tablespoons dough): Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • For large cookies (¼ cup dough): Bake for 14-16 minutes.

Keywords

caramel, chocolate chip cookies, cookies, salted caramel, white chocolate, white chocolate chip cookies

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies on a holiday-themed background
Tall stack of Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies for a festive display
Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies with winter decorations
Plate of Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies ready to be served
Close-up of a Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookie showing its texture
Another perspective of stacked Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies
Assortment of Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies for a visual feast