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