Salted Caramel Christmas Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, blending rich flavors of buttery caramel and a hint of sea salt with a soft, chewy cookie base.
These cookies are characterized by their sweet and salty balance, making them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. Perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire, this recipe is aimed at bakers of all skill levels looking to impress family and friends with a treat that embodies the spirit of the season.
Feel free to adjust the quantity of sea salt for sprinkling based on your taste preferences!
Cooking Steps
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the center. Prepare a baking sheet (approximately 46 cm x 33 cm/18 in x 13 in) by lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and continue to mix until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.
Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of caramel bits (or soft caramels) using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5 cm (2 in) apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies should have a soft texture, and you should smell a sweet, buttery aroma.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sea salt (to taste). Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Allow the cookies to rest for an additional 5 minutes before serving to enhance their texture. The cookies will firm up as they cool, achieving a chewy consistency.
Variations
Pumpkin Spice Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and replace half of the butter with ½ cup (115 g) of pumpkin puree for a festive fall twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Substitute ½ cup (125 g) of the butter for creamy peanut butter and fold in ½ cup (90 g) of chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil and use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water) instead of eggs for a compassionate holiday treat.
Chocolate Mint Variation: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the wet ingredients and replace half of the chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips for a revitalizing holiday flavor.
Tips on plating and presentation
After experimenting with delightful variations of salted caramel cookies, it’s time to think about how to present them beautifully.
I love arranging the cookies on a festive platter, stacking them in groups of three, and drizzling extra caramel on top for flair. For a pop of color, I sprinkle a touch of sea salt and a few edible gold flakes. You can also use parchment paper to line the platter, giving it a rustic feel.
Adding a small card with a handwritten note about the flavors makes it personal. If you’re feeling adventurous, place the cookies in clear treat bags tied with vibrant ribbons, creating perfect gifts.
A little creativity goes a long way in making your salted caramel cookies truly stand out!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
While you savor your salted caramel Christmas cookies, you might want to contemplate pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate.
These beverages beautifully complement the sweet and salty flavors, enhancing your enjoyment.
I also recommend serving the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream for a luscious dessert experience.
For a more festive spread, a cheese platter with sharp cheddar can create a delightful contrast, balancing the sweetness.
If you’re hosting, consider offering mini gingerbread men or peppermint bark; their seasonal flavors add variety to the table and excite the taste buds.
Combining textures and flavors will make your holiday gathering even more memorable!
What drinks can I pair it with?
Pairing drinks with your salted caramel Christmas cookies can elevate your tasting experience even further.
I love to enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of rich, dark coffee. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweet caramel and balances the saltiness.
If you’re in the mood for something festive, a spiced chai latte adds warm spices that harmonize wonderfully with the cookies.
For non-coffee lovers, opt for a creamy vanilla milkshake; its sweetness enhances the cookies without overpowering them.
If you prefer something lighter, a glass of sparkling apple cider brings a crisp acidity that cuts through the cookie’s richness.
Each sip enhances the flavors, making every bite even more delightful!
Enjoy and cheers to delicious pairings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze the Salted Caramel Christmas Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze those cookies! I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature.
How Long Do the Cookies Stay Fresh?
They usually stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. I love to keep mine on the counter, but if you want them longer, freezing’s a great option!
What Is the Best Way to Store These Cookies?
I store my cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week this way. If I need them longer, I freeze them, wrapped tightly to maintain their flavor.
Can I Use a Different Type of Caramel?
Absolutely, you can use different types of caramel! I’ve experimented with soft caramel and even butterscotch. Just make sure it’s smooth enough to blend well; you’ll still achieve that delicious flavor combo. Enjoy!
Are There Any Nut-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?
Yes, I often use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter as nut-free alternatives. They provide a rich, creamy texture and work wonderfully in many recipes. Just double-check any allergies before sharing with others!
