Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet caramel bits
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Sift the flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt directly into the wet mixture.
  4. Fold gently with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain; stop immediately to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Scoop approximately 1.5 tbsp of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one caramel bit in the center and wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a tight ball to seal the caramel completely.
  6. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are deep mahogany gold but the centers remain slightly soft.
  8. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the surface is still tacky.