If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty, rich and chewy, then this Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your next obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie that’s finished with a luscious drizzle of golden caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt to make every bite pure bliss. These cookies have just the right texture and flavor harmony to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe, it will be your go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great cookie starts with the right ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. They are simple, pantry-friendly staples that come together to deliver the perfect chew, sweetness, and that irresistible caramel finish.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that helps create tender cookies with a buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the slightly crisp edges.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder for all ingredients and adds richness.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Boosts the sweetness and gives depth with its warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie’s structure, ensuring a soft but stable dough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect texture.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift making the cookies tender.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Caramel candies or caramel sauce (10 candies melted or 1/3 cup sauce): The star ingredient to drizzle on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a crunch and a burst of saltiness to elevate every bite.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which helps create that soft, tender crumb we love in sugar cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mixing gradually prevents any clumps and ensures a consistent dough.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, roll them into balls, and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. This sizing helps the cookies bake evenly without flattening too much.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked—this ensures the perfect chewy texture when cooled.
Step 7: Cool Before Adding the Caramel
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack. This step helps them set and prevents breakage when adding caramel.
Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel and Sprinkle Sea Salt
Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle the melted caramel candies or sauce generously over each cookie. Finish with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to set before serving to get that perfect combination of sticky and salty.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To take these cookies to the next level, add a few small caramel pieces or mini chocolate chips on top along with the sea salt before the caramel sets. This adds texture and a little extra indulgence without overpowering the cookie’s delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert. The warm and sweet notes of the Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe complement these beverages and treats perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce and sea salt flakes nearby. Or wrap a few in parchment paper tied with twine as a charming homemade gift. Presentation can make these cookies feel extra special no matter the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will preserve their softness and the delicate flavor of the salted caramel topping.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies layered between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive soft, chewy texture, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F. This will slightly melt the caramel topping again, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting candies?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer a smoother drizzle, store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully. Just ensure it’s warm enough to drizzle but not too hot to avoid melting your cookies.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt? Can I use regular salt?
Flaky sea salt adds a delicate crunch and bursts of saltiness that regular salt can’t quite match. If you don’t have it, sprinkle a tiny pinch of fine salt sparingly or skip it altogether for a sweeter cookie.
Will these cookies be chewy or crispy?
These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges. The caramel topping adds a sticky, gooey layer that complements the tender bite perfectly.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake.
How do I know when to stop baking to keep the cookies soft?
Look for golden edges and centers that still appear slightly underbaked and glossy. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet as they cool, resulting in a perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe is such a delightful way to satisfy any cookie craving with a twist that feels both classic and decadent. I can’t wait for you to try these—whether for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, salty, caramel-laced bite!
Print
Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with a luscious drizzle of melted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Caramel Topping
- 10 caramel candies, melted (or 1/3 cup caramel sauce)
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough is cohesive.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain slightly underbaked for a soft texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with Caramel and Sea Salt: Drizzle the melted caramel candies or caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor. Let the caramel set before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for best creaming results.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain cookie shape.
- Adjust the amount of flaky sea salt depending on your preferred saltiness.
- If caramel candies are not melting smoothly, heat gently in short intervals to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
