Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Few desserts can compete with the irresistible combination of sweet caramel, buttery toffee, and a delicate touch of sea salt. These Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies deliver everything cookie lovers crave: crisp edges, soft centers, rich caramel flavor, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or everyday indulgence, this recipe creates cookies that taste like they came straight from a professional bakery.

What truly sets these cookies apart is the balance of flavors. The sweetness from caramel bits and brown sugar is perfectly offset by flaky sea salt, creating a depth of flavor that keeps you reaching for just one more. Whether you are an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy centers with lightly crisp edges
• Rich caramel flavor balanced with flaky sea salt
• Simple ingredients found in most kitchens
• Easy to customize with add-ins like chocolate chips
• Perfect for gifting, parties, or freezer-friendly baking

These cookies strike the ideal balance between indulgent and comforting, making them a favorite for both casual baking and special occasions.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding the purpose of each ingredient helps ensure consistent, bakery-quality results.

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to create a soft texture with just enough lift.
• Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the caramel and toffee flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and allows precise control over salt levels.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create crisp edges and a light sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.

Mix-Ins

• Toffee bits: Add buttery crunch and caramelized sweetness throughout the cookie.
• Caramel bits: Melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey caramel.
• Flaky sea salt: Finishes the cookies with a subtle crunch and savory contrast.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature butter for a smooth, creamy dough.
• Do not overmix once the flour is added; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies with less spread.
• Sprinkle sea salt immediately after baking so it adheres properly.
• Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Variations and Customizations

1. Chocolate Lovers: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
2. Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
3. Holiday Version: Mix in white chocolate chips and drizzle with melted caramel.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to different preferences while maintaining its signature flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
• Pair with hot coffee or espresso to enhance the caramel notes.
• Enjoy alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

These cookies are versatile enough to serve as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days, though cookies may firm slightly.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

For best results, allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Popular Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for later use.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Butter that is too warm or skipping the chilling step can cause excess spreading.

Can I skip the sea salt topping?
You can, but the sea salt is key to balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor.

Caroline

Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies

Soft and chewy cookies loaded with buttery toffee bits and melty caramel pieces, finished with flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 cup caramel bits
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• electric mixer or stand mixer
• measuring cups and spoons
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the toffee bits and caramel bits evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto the baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Drizzle melted caramel over cooled cookies for extra indulgence. For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. Chocolate chips can be added for a richer variation.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?