Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

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Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies – Chewy, Buttery, and Irresistibly Cozy

There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven. It’s the scent of comfort, of childhood, of holidays and home. These Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies capture all of that in one bite. They’re soft and chewy with hearty oats, studded with gooey caramel bits, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt that makes the flavors pop.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a cozy night in, or just because your kitchen needs a little warmth, these cookies are the perfect sweet-and-salty treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

  • Chewy and hearty – Thanks to old-fashioned oats and just the right bake time.
  • Sweet and salty – Caramel and sea salt are a match made in cookie heaven.
  • Easy to make – No chilling required, and ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for gifting – They travel well and look beautiful in a cookie tin.
  • Crowd-pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

This recipe makes about 30 cookies.

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling

Tip: If using chopped caramels, freeze them for 10 minutes before chopping to make it easier.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie scoop (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in:

  • 2 eggs, one at a time
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • 1½ cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add Oats and Caramel

Fold in:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramels

Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.

Step 7: Salt and Cool

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.

Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: Don’t skip the sea salt—it balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor.

Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: ~30 minutes
  • Yield: ~30 cookies
  • Calories: ~180 kcal per cookie (approximate)

Tips for Success

  • Use room temperature butter for easy creaming.
  • Don’t overbake—cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out.
  • Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm or cookies spread too much.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
  • Nutty Twist: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
  • Drizzle Finish: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

Perfect For…

  • Holiday cookie trays
  • Bake sales and potlucks
  • Afternoon coffee breaks
  • Cozy weekend baking
  • Sweet gifts from the kitchen

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug. With their chewy texture, buttery richness, and that irresistible sweet-salty finish, they’re bound to become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these cookies are a delicious way to make any day feel a little more special.

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