30-Minute Salted Caramel Almond Pistachio Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the rich sweetness of caramel pieces with crunchy almonds and pistachios, balanced by a hint of sea salt. The butter and brown sugar base creates a tender texture that perfectly showcases the mix of nuts and candy. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potluck desserts, or anytime you want a special treat that goes beyond basic chocolate chip. The combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors makes each bite satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freelow-carbgluten-free
May need extra egg to bind
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup caramels, choppedsugar-free caramels1:1sugar-free
Reduces sugar content significantly
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup pistachios, shelled
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy
- 3
Add egg and combine well
- 4
Mix in vanilla
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking soda
- 6
Slowly cream together flour mixture with butter and sugar mixture
- 7
Stir in caramels, almonds and pistachios
- 8
Scoop dough and drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet
- 9
Bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on your oven
- 10
Allow to cool and then remove to an airtight container
Tips
Chop caramels into small pieces so they distribute evenly and don't create large sticky spots that could burn
Don't overbake - cookies should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven
Store nuts in the freezer before using to keep them fresh and prevent them from going rancid
Good to Know
Keep in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or shaped into balls and frozen for up to 1 month
Best served at room temperature, pairs well with coffee or milk
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies
Avoid overbaking as cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Reduces sugar content significantly
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of regular butter?
Yes, but reduce the sea salt to 1/2 teaspoon to avoid oversalting the cookies.
What if I don't have caramel candies?
You can substitute caramel chips, toffee bits, or even make your own caramel pieces.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
They stay fresh for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature.