Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies

Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty

If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combination, these Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Packed with toffee bits, caramel squares, and chopped pecans, these cookies are the perfect blend of crunchy and chewy, with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (Dixie Crystals recommended)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (Dixie Crystals Extra Fine recommended)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¾ cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 cup caramel squares, cut into fourths (Werther’s chewy caramels recommended)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Flaky sea salt, optional

Directions:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside. If you plan on chilling the dough for a better texture, you can skip this step for now.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cookies the perfect texture and flavor.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted and slightly cooled butter to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or handheld mixer to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly. The melted butter adds richness and helps the sugars blend seamlessly into the dough.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until the dough is well mixed and smooth. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a warm, sweet flavor.

4. Fold in the Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in the toffee bits, caramel squares, and chopped pecans. For a prettier presentation, you can reserve a few of the toffee bits, caramel squares, and pecans to press on top of the cookie dough balls before baking.

5. Chill the Dough (Optional):
For thicker and chewier cookies, cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough allows the flour to absorb moisture, improving the cookie’s texture and flavor.

6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll two heaping tablespoons of cookie dough into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading. If you reserved extra toppings, press them onto the top of the cookie dough balls now for an extra touch of visual appeal.

7. Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy center with crisp edges.

8. Add Sea Salt and Cool:
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt, if desired. The sea salt enhances the flavors and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up, making them easier to handle and ensuring they hold their shape.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: Optional 2 hours
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes (without chilling)
• Calories: 250 kcal per cookie
• Servings: 24 cookies

Tips for Success:

• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory, but it does result in thicker, chewier cookies. If you have the time, this step is highly recommended.
• Caramel Tips: When cutting the caramel squares, lightly coat your knife with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. The key to perfect cookies is pulling them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft.

Final Thoughts:

These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. With their chewy centers, crunchy edges, and a burst of caramel flavor in every bite, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!

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