If you’re in search of the perfect balance between sweet and salty, these vegan salted caramel cookies are just the thing.
They’re also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create your own vegan caramel sauce, whip up the cookie dough, and experiment with different variations to keep your cookie tray exciting.
Let’s dive in!
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Ingredients
For the Vegan Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sea salt (divided, ½ tsp for cooking and ½ tsp for sprinkling)
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup coconut oil (solid but softened)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
How To Make Vegan Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Make the Vegan Caramel Sauce
Start by making the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and ½ tsp sea salt. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Let the sauce cook for about 15–20 minutes or until it thickens and darkens in color. Once it reaches a rich golden brown hue, remove it from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems runny at first.
Let the caramel cool to room temperature while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
While the caramel sauce cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ¼ tsp sea salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat together the coconut oil, coconut sugar, and maple syrup until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies and Add Caramel
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Now, spoon about half a teaspoon of your cooled caramel sauce into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the caramel will spread slightly as the cookies bake.
Step 4: Bake and Sprinkle with Salt
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of each one. The combination of warm caramel and a touch of sea salt creates an irresistible flavor balance.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Store and Serve
Once the cookies have cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! These vegan salted caramel cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting, or just indulging with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to a month.
Topping Variations for Extra Flavor
To switch things up and add variety to your cookie batches, consider these topping ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan dark chocolate and drizzle it over the tops of the cookies for a chocolate-caramel combo.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the caramel centers for a tropical twist.
- Candied Pecans: Add a candied pecan to the center of each cookie to pair the caramel and salt with a crunchy, nutty topping.
- Spiced Sugar: Mix cinnamon and nutmeg with a bit of coconut sugar and dust the cookies after baking for a warm, spiced finish.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Salted Caramel Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Homemade Caramel: Making caramel from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than it looks! Keep an eye on the mixture as it simmers to prevent burning.
- Salt Selection: For the best flavor contrast, use flaky sea salt such as Maldon salt, which will enhance the caramel’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These vegan salted caramel cookies offer the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The combination of chewy cookie, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. Plus, the fact that they’re both dairy-free and gluten-free makes them suitable for those with dietary restrictions. You can easily prepare these cookies for holiday gatherings, gift them in decorative tins, or simply enjoy them yourself. Either way, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
