Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe

Prepare to meet your new cookie obsession! Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies bring together buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies and a glossy crown of gooey salted caramel for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent. These cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty with each bite, making them a favorite for bake sales, holiday trays, or just a dreamy afternoon snack paired with coffee. With a sprinkle of sea salt atop silky caramel, they’re proof that the best cookies are a little bit naughty, a little bit nice, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each doing their part to create cookies with irresistible flavor and texture. From soft butter to sweet caramels, here’s what brings these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies to life:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cookies, yielding a soft-but-sturdy base for all that caramel.
• Baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cookies just the right amount of lift and chew.
• Baking powder: Adds a little extra rise for a lighter, slightly puffier cookie.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing the caramel flavor.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Delivers rich, creamy flavor and a perfectly soft crumb. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that classic sugar cookie texture.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together, giving the cookies a soft, chewy center.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—the secret to truly crave-worthy sugar cookies.
• Soft caramels (unwrapped): Melt down into a luscious caramel topping that’s the star of the show.
• Heavy cream: Blends with the caramels for a super-smooth, pourable caramel finish.
• Flaky sea salt for topping: The final sprinkle transforms these cookies from sweet treat to full salted caramel glory.

How to Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies bake evenly and remove easily, with perfectly golden bottoms and no sticky mess—just the way we like them.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until they’re thoroughly combined. This helps scatter the leaveners throughout the flour, so every cookie rises just right and tastes balanced. Don’t skip this quick step!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale—usually about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. This helps incorporate air, leading to cookies with perfect texture and just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat just until everything is well mixed. The egg binds your dough, while vanilla lends that classic cookie aroma you’ll notice even before they come out of the oven.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing on low or gently folding until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix—stopping as soon as the dough comes together keeps these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to form dough balls. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, then flatten gently with your palm for that classic sugar cookie look. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the centers are set—not overbaked, so they stay chewy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Salted Caramel Topping

While your cookies are cooling, place the soft caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly, watching as the caramels melt into a luscious, silky pool. When the mixture is smooth and glossy, you’re ready for the fun part.

Step 8: Top with Caramel and Sea Salt

Spoon a dollop of warm caramel onto the center of each cooled cookie, letting it gently spread. While the caramel is still soft, finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Give the caramel some time to set—then you’re ready to enjoy a batch of irresistible Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A little extra flair never hurt anyone! Try an extra pinch of sea salt, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or even a dusting of gold sprinkles for a party-ready finish. For an ultra-luxurious touch, a tiny dollop of whipped cream alongside each cookie can’t be beat.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cool glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate for a nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist. They also shine on a dessert platter with berries or fresh fruit, which brings a bright note alongside the rich caramel.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies high on a rustic cake stand, sandwich them with a layer of whipped cream between two cookies for dreamy cookie sandwiches, or nestle them in cupcake liners for a polished look. In cookie tins or clear bags tied with ribbon, they make delightful homemade gifts any time of year.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking and enjoy them at their best for up to 4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without caramel) in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add freshly made caramel on top. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for quick cookies on demand—just add a minute or two to the bake time straight from the freezer.

Reheating

If you want to refresh your cookies or soften the caramel, warm them in a 275°F oven for 3–4 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave. The caramel will melt slightly and the cookies will taste oven-fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce will work wonderfully. Just warm it slightly to make it easy to spoon over your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies.

What’s the best way to keep the caramel soft?

Storing the cookies in an airtight container helps the caramel stay soft. If your kitchen is especially cool, you can microwave the cookie for a few seconds to bring back the ooey-gooey texture.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Simply cover tightly and refrigerate. Let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so it’s easy to scoop.

Do I have to use flaky sea salt on top?

Flaky sea salt makes a big flavor difference, highlighting the sweet caramel and balancing richness. If you don’t have any, a small pinch of kosher salt will do, but don’t skip the salty finish entirely!

Can I make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious and just as caramel-laden as ever.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve experienced the sweet-salty bliss of Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to make them part of every special occasion and cookie craving. Don’t hesitate to share them—they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for your secret recipe. Grab your ingredients and get baking; you’re in for a seriously delicious treat!

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