Name: Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (Softened); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Light); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1/2 cup Thick Caramel Sauce (Homemade recommended); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure recommended); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1 cup White Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Crushed Pretzels (Gluten-free option available); 1 cup Toffee Bits; 1 tsp Flakey Sea Salt (Coarse sea salt as substitute)

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As I strolled through the cozy aisles of my local bookstore, the aroma of freshly baked cookies caught my attention. It was the signature sweet and salty allure of the Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie that drew me in. I decided to recreate this indulgent treat at home, and voilà—these delightful Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies were born! With their soft, chewy texture and customizable sweetness, they are an absolute crowd-pleaser, destined to banish any cravings for fast food. Better yet, they are quick to whip up and easy to adapt—add more chocolate chips or toss in some crushed pretzels to make them uniquely yours! Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that captures the magic of those café moments? Let’s dive in!

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Why Try This Cookie Recipe?

Irresistible Sweet and Salty: Each bite of these cookies offers a delightful blend of sweetness from the caramel and chocolate, complemented by the savory crunch of pretzels.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for anyone, these cookies come together in no time, making them an ideal choice for those spontaneous baking moments.

Customizable Delights: Feeling adventurous? Switch things up with dark chocolate chips or add a handful of nuts for an exciting twist!

Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to please both family and friends.

A Bookstore Favorite at Home: Capture that cozy café vibe and satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy copycat recipe! If you’re in the mood for even more indulgence, try making these Caramel Chocolate Cookies as well.

Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat Ingredients

For the Dough

Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; ensure it’s softened for proper creaming.
Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a deeper flavor; light brown sugar works for a milder taste.
Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and enhances texture; essential for those chewy cookies.
Eggs – Binds the dough and adds moisture; use large eggs for the best results.
Thick Caramel Sauce – Contributes a rich, sweet flavor; homemade caramel can be a delightful substitute.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; quality matters—go for pure extract if you can!
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; be cautious of overmeasuring to avoid heavy cookies.
Salt – Balances sweetness; crucial for elevating the flavor profile.
Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise and retain moisture; an essential component for texture.

For the Mix-Ins

White Chocolate Chips – Offers creamy sweetness; dark or semi-sweet chocolate can be used for a bolder flavor.
Crushed Pretzels – Adds a salty crunch; try gluten-free pretzels for a GF option.
Toffee Bits – Provides a sweet crunch; chocolate chips or nuts can be swapped in for variety.

For Topping

Flakey Sea Salt – For topping; this is key to achieving that perfect sweet-salty balance. Coarse sea salt is a suitable alternative.

This delicious rendition of the Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your cookie-making adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your dough is ready, it will bake evenly and perfectly every time. While the oven heats, gather your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prepare for the cookie assembly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy, showcasing a pale creamy color. This step is essential to incorporate air, which will help your Salted Caramel Cookies achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in your eggs, and add the thick caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, approximately 1-2 minutes. The batter should look smooth and slightly glossy. This is where the rich flavor of the salted caramel begins to shine through, creating a delectable base for your cookies.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being cautious not to overmix. The dough should be sticky and a little thick, perfect for molding into cookie shapes. This step has a big impact on the texture of your Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat.

Step 5: Mix in the Fun Add-ins
With the dough ready, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and toffee bits using a spatula. Ensure that each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Their wonderful textures and flavors will enhance your cookies, providing that delightful sweet and salty experience for every bite.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Each ball of dough should retain its shape and look slightly rustic. This step is crucial for ensuring that your Salted Caramel Cookies have the right form when baked.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flakey sea salt over the top of each dough ball. This enhances the sweet-salty flavor profile and gives each cookie an enticing finish. Ensure that you’re generous, but don’t overdo it—just enough to complement the sweetness without overpowering it.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Keep a close watch—the edges should be a golden brown while the center remains soft and slightly underbaked. This is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture that everyone loves in a Salted Caramel Cookie.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once the cookies are baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet. This will let them set a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen as you wait to dive into your delicious creations!

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How to Store and Freeze Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week; just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezer: Freeze the dough balls individually on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 8-12 months; bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: To revive leftover cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy their warm, gooey goodness—perfect for that sweet-salty fix with each bite of the Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat!

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and shaping the dough into balls, then refrigerating them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Additionally, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain just as delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy these treats, simply bake the refrigerated dough as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if using frozen dough. By prepping ahead, you save time on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or quality!

Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these delightful cookies to your unique taste!

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that adds richness to every bite. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Chocolate Lovers: Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor. This swap brings an exciting bittersweet balance to your cookies.
Pretzel Power: Increase the amount of crushed pretzels for an added salty crunch that enhances each bite. A little extra salty goodness never hurt anyone, right?
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a surprising burst of heat. This option is perfect for those who love a bit of spice with their sweet treats!
Caramel Indulgence: Swirl in extra caramel sauce just before baking to create gooey pockets of ooey-gooey goodness. The melted caramel will make these cookies irresistibly awesome.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Just make sure to check that your pretzels are GF, too!
Flavorful Boost: Experiment with adding flavored baking chips like peanut butter or butterscotch chips for an even richer profile. The combinations are endless and may even lead you on a delicious adventure!
Chewy Texture: For an ultra-chewy cookie, add an extra egg yolk or substitute one egg with a flax egg for a natural, plant-based option. Either choice enhances the texture beautifully.

And if you find you have some caramel left over, try drizzling it over these lovely Caramel Chocolate Cookies for extra indulgence!

What to Serve with Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat

There’s nothing quite like pairing your freshly baked goodies with delightful sides that elevate your snack time experience.

Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk balances the rich sweetness of the cookies and complements their chewy texture perfectly. Nothing beats the nostalgia of dunking a cookie in a glass of milk!
Fresh Fruit Salad: The vibrant flavors of a fresh fruit salad enhance the sweet and salty profile of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast. Think juicy strawberries, crisp apples, and tangy pineapple for a burst of brightness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luscious delight when combined with the warm cookies. The melting ice cream-soaked flavors bring harmony to every bite!
Espresso or Coffee: The boldness of a freshly brewed cup of espresso or coffee beautifully offsets the sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy snack or afternoon treat. A match made in heaven for any coffee lover!
Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that satisfies those extra sweet cravings. The combination of textures will keep you coming back for more.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each cookie creates a delightful treat that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect way to finish off a delightful dessert!

These thoughtful pairings will make your taste buds sing and take your cookie experience to new heights!

Helpful Tricks for Salted Caramel Cookies

Use Softened Butter: Make sure your salted butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, preventing clumpy dough and ensuring a smooth texture in your Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat.
Don’t Overmix: To avoid tough cookies, mix your dough just until combined after adding the flour. This keeps the cookies light and chewy.
Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are golden but the center remains soft. This step ensures the ideal chewy texture.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to experiment with chocolate chips or pretzels, but maintain a balance of sweet and salty for the best flavor experience.
Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this helps them set properly for that perfect bite!

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Barnes and Noble Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best salted butter for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your cookies, select high-quality salted butter that is fresh and slightly softened. Look for butter that has a rich yellow color; avoid any with dark spots or an off odor. I recommend using a brand you trust, as this will significantly enhance the overall taste of your Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat.

How should I store my Salted Caramel Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent them from drying out!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for future baking?
Very much so! Freeze the cookie dough by scooping out your dough balls and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored like this for up to 8-12 months. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What if my cookies turn out too soft or flat?
If your Salted Caramel Cookie Copycat is too soft or flat, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, double-check your flour measurement; overmeasuring can lead to excess moisture. If it’s warm in your kitchen, consider chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and improve texture.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, you can absolutely customize these cookies! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, just be sure to use chocolate chips and pretzels that are labeled gluten-free and nut-free. If someone has a specific allergy, double-check all labels for any potential cross-contamination prior to baking.

How long do the cookies last in the fridge?
Your Salted Caramel Cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, which helps to restore their delightful chewy texture and enhances the flavors for the ultimate indulgence.