Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you dream of buttery, chewy cookies oozing with gooey caramel and kissed with a sprinkle of sea salt, Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies could easily become your new baking obsession. They combine everything you love in a classic sugar cookie with that irresistible salty-sweet contrast, thanks to soft caramels hidden inside each bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap, surprising friends, or just treating yourself on a regular afternoon, these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies will have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to pull together a seriously special batch of cookies. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason—bringing buttery flavor, perfect chewiness, and that signature crackle on top.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and just the right amount of tenderness for the cookies.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise with that lovely, puffy center.
• Baking powder: Gives additional lift and makes the texture light and soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a rich, buttery cookie—a warm kitchen makes it cream fast!
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives your cookies that classic crackly sugar-cookie texture.
• Large egg: Adds structure and binds everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances both the caramel and the cookie dough flavors with a cozy aroma.
• Soft caramel candies (cut in half): Stuffed inside for a molten caramel surprise—choose the softest caramels you can find.
• Flaked sea salt (for topping): A light sprinkle after baking highlights the caramel and adds that signature salty finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps keep the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Give yourself plenty of room, because these cookies like to spread out and get cozy on the sheet.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl, and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these separately first ensures an even distribution, so every cookie rises just the right amount and has balanced flavor throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step takes about 2-3 minutes and is key for those soft, tender Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined—your dough should smell heavenly at this point!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or with a spatula until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This makes shaping cookies so much easier later on.

Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and gently flatten each one with your palm. Press half a soft caramel candy into the center, then fold and roll the dough around the caramel, sealing it completely. You want all that caramel magic to stay inside while baking!

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. Immediately sprinkle flaked sea salt on top of each hot cookie for that signature Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies flare. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish setting up.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking is non-negotiable—it highlights the caramel and makes each bite pop. You can also add a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch, especially when serving for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Pairing Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea brings out the toasty, comforting notes in the cookies. For a fun, kid-friendly treat, serve with cold milk or vanilla ice cream—the warm caramel centers go perfectly with cool, creamy sips and bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, stack cookies on a vintage cake stand and scatter a few extra caramel candies and salt flakes nearby for a festive look. Want a wow moment? Tuck the cookies into little treat bags or boxes—an adorable gift for friends and neighbors. They also make a stunning ice cream sandwich base when split and filled with extra caramel or chocolate chip ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, when the caramel is soft and gooey, but even after a day or two they’ll satisfy any late-night cookie craving.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze both the dough (already filled and shaped) or the baked cookies. Place the dough balls or baked cookies in a single layer on a tray to freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two if baking dough, or let baked cookies thaw at room temp.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, microwave a Salted Caramel Sugar Cookie for 5-10 seconds. This softens the caramel and revives the cookie’s irresistible texture. Enjoy promptly—especially with a glass of cold milk!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies can be made up to two days ahead and chilled tightly covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaping if it’s too firm to scoop.

What’s the best caramel for these cookies?

Choose soft, chewy caramel candies—they melt perfectly without turning hard or crunchy. Avoid hard caramels, which won’t create that lovely gooey center we’re after.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies spread more than you’d like, it could be due to too much butter or baking on a warm cookie sheet. Try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking next time, and always use a cool baking sheet for each batch.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced and avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?

Be sure to seal the cookie dough completely around each caramel, pinching any seams closed. Also, try not to flatten the cookies too much before baking. This helps create a perfect pocket of caramel inside every Salted Caramel Sugar Cookie.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about the sweet-salty magic of Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies that turns an ordinary day into a little celebration. If you love the flavors of rich butter, vanilla, and gooey caramel wrapped up in one cozy bite, these cookies are for you. Go ahead, give them a try—your kitchen (and everyone within smelling distance) will thank you!

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