The Irresistible Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe You Need

Sweet memories often spark when salted caramel sugar cookies arrive on our kitchen counters, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect textural symphony that melts hearts instantly.

Buttery notes dance with rich caramel undertones, inviting eager taste buds to explore this irresistible treat.

Salt crystals nestle playfully among sugary layers, delivering unexpected depth and complexity.

Baking becomes an art form when these cookies emerge golden and fragrant from warm ovens.

Simple ingredients transform into extraordinary delicacies that connect us through shared culinary joy.

You cannot resist the temptation of these heavenly morsels that beckon with their sweet and salty embrace.

Why Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Are A Sweet Treat With A Twist

• Create Irresistible Caramel Cookies: These delightful treats combine sweet caramel and sea salt for a mouthwatering flavor explosion that will make everyone crave more.
• Master Baking with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can achieve professional-looking cookies without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for Sharing and Gifting: Portable, delicious, and visually appealing cookies make fantastic homemade gifts or crowd-pleasing desserts for gatherings with friends and family.
• Customize Your Baking Experience: Versatile recipe allows for easy modifications, letting bakers add personal touches like extra caramel drizzle or different salt variations to suit individual tastes.

What You Need For Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides tender texture and deep flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that contribute to the cookies' caramelized taste and soft consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that helps create the cookie's perfect shape and texture.

• Eggs: Essential binding agents that help hold the cookie dough together and provide richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's overall taste profile.
• Caramel Sauce: A sweet, golden ingredient that introduces extra moisture and complex flavor notes.

• Sea Salt Flakes: A crunchy, savory topping that balances the cookie's sweetness and adds gourmet complexity.
• Powdered Sugar: A delicate dusting that provides a subtle sweetness and attractive visual finish.

Easy Steps For Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for a smooth cookie landing zone.

Step 2: Whip Up The Butter Blend

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 3: Add Liquid Magic

Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and caramel sauce, stirring until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, stirring carefully to avoid creating tough cookies. Mix until the dough looks uniform and silky.

Step 5: Chill The Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute rest. This helps develop deeper flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too wildly.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Rounds

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough. Roll into perfect little balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Flatten Cookie Balls

Use your palm to gently press down each cookie ball, creating a slightly flattened shape.

Step 8: Sprinkle Salt Surprise

Scatter sea salt flakes across the cookie surfaces for a delightful flavor twist.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers look soft and tender.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove cookies from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Once cooled, dust cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Add another sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra pizzazz.

Step 12: Store With Care

Tuck cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 delicious days.

Tips For Better Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Prevent Cookie Spread: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Salt Balance Technique: Sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly across cookie surfaces to create a perfect sweet-and-salty flavor profile that enhances overall taste.
• Soft Cookie Secret: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft to ensure a chewy, tender texture.
• Moisture Preservation: Store cookies in an airtight container with a small piece of bread to keep them soft and fresh for up to 5 days.
• Mixing Mastery: Use room temperature butter and cream it thoroughly with sugars to create a light, fluffy base that guarantees tender cookies.

Fun Variations On Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select a plant-based caramel sauce for a dairy-free alternative.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough before chilling, adding extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile to the cookies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and brown sugar with coconut sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Snacks That Go With Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• Sip Bourbon Whiskey: Enhance the caramel's richness with a smooth, amber bourbon that echoes the cookie's deep, warm undertones and adds a subtle warming sensation.
• Match with Vanilla Latte: Create a harmonious blend where the coffee's creamy sweetness balances the cookie's sea salt crunch, elevating both the beverage and dessert experience.
• Serve Alongside Dark Chocolate Mousse: Combine the cookie's buttery texture with a velvety chocolate dessert, letting the sea salt accent and intensify the chocolate's complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Double down on the caramel and salt theme, creating a decadent dessert pairing that amplifies the cookie's signature sweet-savory notes.

How To Store Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Right

• Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their soft texture and rich caramel flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful taste and texture for future enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 300°F, arrange cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes. This method restores their freshly-baked softness and revives the caramel's gooey warmth.

FAQs For Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

• What makes the sea salt crucial in this recipe?

Sea salt provides a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates the entire cookie experience by balancing sweetness with a subtle savory hint.

• Can I substitute brown sugar in the recipe?

Brown sugar is essential for creating moisture and deep caramel undertones, so substituting it might alter the cookie’s texture and flavor. If needed, use dark brown sugar for a more intense caramel notes.

• Why is refrigerating the dough important?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more developed and richer-tasting cookie.

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 42-44 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Salted caramel sugar cookies deliver pure bliss with their perfect balance of sweet and salty. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and caramel drizzle make these cookies an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Sweetening & Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sea salt flakes
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, even surface for your cookies.
2. Cream together softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract and caramel sauce until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
4. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing, which could lead to tough cookies.
5. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, rolling them into smooth balls and placing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Gently press down each cookie ball with the palm of your hand to create a slight flattened shape.
8. Sprinkle sea salt flakes across the cookie surfaces, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers appear slightly soft.
10. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
11. Once completely cooled, dust cookies with powdered sugar and finish with an additional sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
12. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintain a thick, chewy texture during baking.
• Adjust salt levels carefully, using high-quality sea salt flakes for bursts of flavor that complement the sweet caramel undertones.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions, keeping the same measurement ratios.
• Consider transforming these cookies into sandwich treats by adding a caramel buttercream filling between two baked cookies for extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg