The Perfect Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories often emerge from unexpected kitchen salted caramel sugar cookies, sparking moments of pure delight.

Soft, golden edges hint at the magic waiting inside each delectable treat.

Butter melts into rich caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate crystals of salt whisper complexity into every sugary bite.

Crisp exterior gives way to a tender, chewy center that melts effortlessly.

Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting embrace.

Let the aroma guide you toward a culinary adventure that promises to surprise and enchant.

Why Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Are So Addictive

• Craft Culinary Magic: Create professional-looking cookies with simple techniques that transform basic ingredients into a gourmet dessert experience.
• Master Easy Techniques: Learn straightforward baking methods that even beginner bakers can confidently execute, ensuring delicious results every single time.
• Customize Your Delight: Personalize the cookies with optional garnishes and sea salt, allowing flexible creativity and making each batch uniquely yours.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve bakery-quality treats at home without complicated equipment or professional training, delivering stunning results that wow family and friends.

Everything Needed For Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component that provides the essential foundation for the cookie's texture.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base that delivers a classic, smooth flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior for the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture and structure to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar: The primary ingredient that transforms into a rich, amber caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the caramel sauce.
• Butter: Provides a luxurious, silky texture and deepens the caramel's flavor.
• Sea Salt: Offers a dramatic flavor contrast and sophisticated finishing touch to the cookies.

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth surface for cookie placement.

Step 2: Blend Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, mixing for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Blend in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until completely smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop uniform rounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookie edges turn golden brown and centers appear set but slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks, allowing them to firm up naturally.

Step 9: Create Caramel Sauce

Melt sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it transforms into a deep amber liquid.

Step 10: Add Cream To Caramel

Carefully pour in heavy cream, whisking vigorously to prevent crystallization and create a smooth caramel sauce.

Step 11: Finish Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Sea salt

Stir until fully incorporated and the sauce reaches a glossy, rich consistency.

Step 12: Drizzle Caramel

Once cookies are cooled, drizzle warm caramel generously over each cookie, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 13: Sprinkle Salt

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel-coated cookies for a dramatic flavor contrast and elegant finish.

Step 14: Optional Garnish

Add extra caramel sauce for additional indulgence and visual appeal.

Step 15: Let Caramel Set

Allow the caramel to set for 15-20 minutes before serving, creating a delightful hardened texture.

Tips For Sweet And Salty Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities, ensuring consistent cookie texture and taste.
• Soften Butter Strategically: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking, creating smooth, evenly mixed dough without overworking.
• Control Caramel Carefully: Watch sugar closely while melting to prevent burning, stirring gently and removing from heat when it reaches deep amber color.
• Salt Sensibly: Choose high-quality flaky sea salt for topping, distributing it sparingly to enhance caramel's rich flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
• Chill Dough Option: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, more stable cookies.

Tasty Takes On Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft, chewy texture.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while preserving rich flavor profile.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into cookie dough for added texture and complementary nutty undertones to caramel coating.

Best Pairings With Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Chai Tea: Complement the sweet caramel cookies with a warm, spiced chai tea that echoes the dessert's rich flavors and provides a smooth, comforting contrast.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Intensify the caramel experience by serving a scoop of premium salted caramel ice cream alongside the cookies, creating a decadent dessert duo that amplifies the sweet-salty profile.
• Serve with Espresso Martini: Elevate the indulgence with a sophisticated espresso martini, whose bold coffee notes and slight bitterness beautifully balance the cookie's sweet caramel coating and provide an elegant adult pairing.

How To Store Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Right

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious caramel and texture.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Place cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent caramel from melting or becoming too soft.

FAQ Guide For Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

• How do I prevent my caramel from burning?

Watch the sugar carefully while melting. Use medium heat and stir constantly. The moment it turns a deep amber color, remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. A heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly.

• What type of salt works best for this recipe?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon works perfectly. It provides a beautiful crunch and sharp saltiness that complements the sweet caramel. Table salt can work in a pinch, but won’t give the same textural contrast.

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible salted caramel sugar cookies blend sweet and salty perfection, creating a mouthwatering dessert that dances between indulgence and comfort. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and a sprinkle of sea salt promise delightful moments of pure cookie bliss you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt

Decoration:

• 2 tbsp flaky sea salt
• 1/4 cup additional caramel sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for even cookie placement.
2. Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until completely smooth and well-integrated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
6. Scoop uniform rounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookie edges turn golden brown and centers appear set but slightly soft.
8. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks, allowing them to firm up naturally.
9. For the caramel topping, melt sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it transforms into a deep amber liquid.
10. Carefully pour in heavy cream, whisking vigorously to prevent crystallization and create a smooth caramel sauce.
11. Add butter and sea salt to the caramel, stirring until fully incorporated and the sauce reaches a glossy, rich consistency.
12. Once cookies are cooled, drizzle warm caramel generously over each cookie, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
13. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel-coated cookies for a dramatic flavor contrast and elegant finish.
14. Optional: Garnish with additional caramel sauce for extra indulgence and visual appeal.
15. Let the caramel set for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing the topping to slightly harden and create a delightful texture.

Notes

• Prevent overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and soft, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and more consistent cookie texture.
• Select high-quality sea salt for the caramel topping to enhance the sophisticated flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg