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Caramel Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

5 from 78 reviews

Delightfully chewy and buttery Caramel Oatmeal Cookies featuring the perfect blend of oats, toffee bits, and a gooey caramel center topped with a sprinkle of flaky salt for a sweet and salty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ cups old-fashioned oats

Add-ins & Toppings

  • ½ cup toffee bits
  • 14 soft caramels
  • Flaked salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: Place the butter and both sugars into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour to the wet mixture. Mix gently, stopping when some flour remnants remain to avoid overmixing.
  4. Add Oats and Toffee: Mix in the oats on low speed until just incorporated. Fold in the toffee bits carefully with a spatula.
  5. Assemble Cookie Dough Balls: Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, form cookie dough balls. Roll one soft caramel into a small ball and gently press it into the center of each cookie dough ball without pushing it too far inside.
  6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 2 to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place 6 to 8 cookie dough balls on each sheet.
  8. Add Flaked Salt: Sprinkle flaked salt on top of each cookie before baking.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with a little extra flaked salt for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and helps the caramel stay centered.
  • Use soft caramels for easy rolling and better melty centers.
  • Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven to avoid overbaking.
  • The flaked salt topping balances sweetness with a subtle salty crunch.

Keywords: caramel oatmeal cookies, chewy cookies, toffee cookies, sweet and salty cookies, homemade cookies, fall cookies