These Miso Caramel Cookies are crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and packed with a complex blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Miso brings a savory depth to the caramel swirl, while almond flour adds a warm, nutty undertone reminiscent of brown butter. With eggless and dairy-free options available, these cookies are an exciting twist on the traditional sugar cookie, perfect for those seeking bold flavor combinations with a modern touch.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 flaxafaba egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp + 1 tsp aquafaba)

• 114 g (1 stick) butter (dairy-free if desired)

• 228 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar

• ½ tbsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp cardamom (optional, or substitute with nutmeg/cloves/ginger/cinnamon)

• 2½ tbsp (18 g) almond flour

• ⅔ tsp (3.3 g) baking soda

• 194 g (1½ cup + 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour

For the Miso Caramel:

• 1 tbsp (14 g) softened butter

• 1½–2 tbsp (27–36 g) miso paste (white, yellow, or red)

• 3 tbsp (40 g) dark brown sugar

Directions

1. Whisk together aquafaba and flax meal to make flaxafaba and let it thicken for 5–10 minutes.

2. In a bowl, stir together the softened butter, sugar, flaxafaba egg, vanilla, salt, and cardamom until well mixed.

3. Mix in almond flour and baking soda. Add all-purpose flour and fold until dough comes together.

4. Cover and refrigerate dough for 12–30 minutes.

5. While dough chills, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the miso paste, softened butter, and brown sugar in a separate bowl to make the caramel. Chill the caramel mixture.

6. Remove cookie dough from fridge. Spoon 3–4 blobs of miso caramel onto the dough and swirl lightly using a paring knife or chopsticks. Do not overmix to keep the marbled effect.

7. Scoop 3–4 tbsp (about 60 g) portions of dough and place on a lined baking tray, spaced 3 inches apart. Keep caramel on the top of each scoop to prevent burning.

8. Bake for 8 minutes, remove from oven, and tap tray on counter. Repeat tap after 2 more minutes of baking. Bake another 1–2 minutes or until cookies puff up. Total baking time is 12–14 minutes.

9. Let cookies cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients (Per cookie, approx. based on 12 cookies)

• Calories: ~250–270 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~35 g

• Fat: ~12 g

• Protein: ~2 g

• Sugar: ~20 g

• Fiber: ~1 g

• Sodium: Moderate (from miso and baking soda)

The Unique Charm of Miso in Baking

Miso, a fermented soybean paste deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine, might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind for cookies. But when used thoughtfully, it becomes a transformative addition. Miso brings out the natural sweetness of the caramel, much like salt enhances chocolate, but it also adds layers of umami complexity—something rare in most desserts.

The type of miso used—whether white, yellow, or red—can shift the intensity of the flavor. White miso, which is milder and sweeter, creates a subtle background note, while red miso offers a bolder, more savory contrast. No matter the type, miso elevates the caramel into something deeper and more decadent, adding a richness that resonates with every chewy bite.

Crisp, Chewy, and Swirled to Perfection

Texture is one of the unsung heroes of a great cookie, and this recipe nails it. The edges bake to a beautiful golden crispness, offering just the right amount of crunch, while the centers remain soft, gooey, and satisfyingly chewy. That ideal contrast comes from carefully balancing fats, sugars, and chilling the dough before baking.

Swirling the miso caramel into the dough creates visual drama and flavor distribution that keeps every bite interesting. The key is in not overmixing—the miso caramel should remain marbled rather than fully incorporated. This allows for pockets of sweet-salty intensity that melt slightly during baking, forming golden swirls across the tops of the cookies and crisped caramel edges around the base.

Almond Flour for Warmth and Depth

A small but impactful ingredient in these cookies is almond flour. Not only does it add subtle nutty undertones reminiscent of browned butter, but it also contributes to a more tender crumb. Almond flour adds richness without making the cookies greasy and enhances the warm flavor profile that plays so well with caramel and miso.

This ingredient brings a sophisticated depth to the cookies without needing additional flavoring agents. Combined with a hint of vanilla and the optional inclusion of cardamom or other warm spices, almond flour turns what could be a basic sugar cookie into a layered, nuanced treat.

Dairy-Free and Eggless Options Without Compromise

For those following plant-based or allergen-sensitive diets, these cookies offer incredible flexibility. The recipe includes a clever egg substitute known as flaxafaba—a combination of ground flaxseed and aquafaba (chickpea brine)—which binds the dough and adds moisture. This plant-based egg alternative performs beautifully in cookies, delivering structure and chew without altering the flavor.

Dairy-free butter can also be used with equally delicious results. Since the miso and caramel flavors dominate, any subtle differences in fat profiles go unnoticed. These swaps make the cookies not only accessible but enjoyable for a wider range of people without sacrificing the chewy texture or indulgent flavor.

Complex Yet Comforting Flavor Profile

The beauty of Miso Caramel Cookies is that they feel familiar yet exciting. There’s a comfort in the golden-baked exterior and soft interior that echoes the best of traditional cookies. But then the miso caramel hits your tastebuds, introducing a sweet-savory contrast that feels almost gourmet.

Each bite offers a blend of melted sugar richness, mellow butteriness, toasty nutty notes, and that uniquely salty umami kick from the miso. Optional cardamom or other spices add warmth and complexity, complementing the caramel and giving the cookie a layered, spiced finish without being overwhelming.

It’s a recipe that invites slow enjoyment, encouraging you to savor and discover new dimensions with each bite.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cookie

Achieving the perfect miso caramel cookie requires just a few mindful steps. Chilling the dough is essential—it helps firm up the fats so the cookies don’t overspread and also gives the flavors time to deepen. The caramel swirl should be added just before scooping to maintain distinct pockets of flavor.

Keeping the miso caramel toward the top of each cookie scoop is also important. This prevents the sugar in the caramel from burning on the baking tray and helps create those signature golden ripples across the tops of the cookies.

Tapping the tray midway through baking encourages the cookies to flatten slightly, enhancing their chewy texture and giving them that coveted bakery-style crinkle.

A Conversation-Starting Cookie

If you’re bringing these cookies to a party or bake sale, be prepared for questions—what is that flavor? Why are they so addictive? Miso Caramel Cookies have a magnetic quality that draws people in. They’re unexpected, exciting, and often become the topic of conversation.

They also make excellent gifts. Package them in parchment-lined tins or kraft boxes with a handwritten label explaining the unique ingredients, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’s heartfelt, sophisticated, and undeniably delicious.

Flavor Pairings and Serving Ideas

These cookies shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with beverages like green tea, chai, or a bold cup of coffee. Their salty-sweet balance makes them especially satisfying alongside creamy lattes or oat milk drinks.

You can serve them as part of a dessert board with chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, and other small bites, or even crumble them over vanilla or miso-infused ice cream for a layered dessert. However you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to become a memorable favorite.

Conclusion

Miso Caramel Cookies are a celebration of contrast and creativity. They take the familiar pleasure of a soft, chewy cookie and elevate it with rich caramel swirls, savory miso, and subtle nutty undertones. With their crisp edges, gooey centers, and mesmerizing marbled appearance, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

What sets these cookies apart is their depth. Each bite is a journey through sweet and salty, crunchy and soft, comforting and bold. They’re accessible enough for everyday baking yet unique enough to feel like something special. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, gifting a gourmet treat, or simply craving a cookie that’s anything but ordinary, Miso Caramel Cookies deliver every single time.