If you have a sweet tooth that craves the perfect balance of rich, buttery goodness with a touch of indulgent caramel and a hint of salt, then this Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These cookies boast a tender crumb with just the right chew, highlighted by a luscious drizzle of melted caramel and scattered flaky sea salt that makes every bite an irresistible dance of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or to wow friends at your next gathering, these cookies deliver warmth, sweetness, and a little salty surprise that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that provides richness, to the sugars that add sweetness and help with browning, and the caramel that brings that signature gooey texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup softened butter ensures a creamy, rich base for the dough.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup packed lends a hint of molasses flavor and chewy texture.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for tender cookies.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons enhance the overall flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups form the structure of the cookies.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon helps cookies rise and spread just right.
- Baking powder: 1/4 teaspoon for a slight lift and lightness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Caramel candies or sauce: 10 caramel candies melted, or 1/3 cup caramel sauce, adding the luscious, sticky caramel finish.
- Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top, offering a perfect salty crunch that elevates each bite.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly with those beautiful golden edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll fall in love with.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, while the vanilla brings a comforting aroma and depth to the cookie flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mix ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, so your cookies bake up perfectly every time.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until you have a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough portions and roll them into balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet spaced apart to give them room to spread as they bake.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for golden edges with centers still looking slightly underbaked—this ensures a chewy, soft center rather than a dry cookie.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, drizzle melted caramel over each cookie, then sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Allow the caramel to set fully before digging in to enjoy that delightful salted caramel goodness.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding extra touches like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra flakes of sea salt on top. These little details make your cookies look professionally finished and add subtle textural contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic accompaniments like a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent treat, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these cookies at a party or gifting them, consider arranging them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine or nestled in a decorative tin. You can also sandwich a bit of softened caramel or whipped cream between two cookies for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying several days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the softness and warm aroma, microwave individual cookies for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked charm and makes the caramel delightfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, though it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness precisely, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning your cookies.
What type of caramel is best for this recipe?
Melting caramel candies work wonderfully for a smooth drizzle, but good quality caramel sauce is also a fantastic shortcut. Just ensure it’s not too runny so it sets nicely on top of the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps develop more flavor and prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
Why do the cookies need to be slightly underbaked?
Leaving the centers a bit underbaked ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy instead of crispy or dry. They continue to set as they cool, giving you that perfect texture.
Can I substitute caramel with another topping?
While the salted caramel is the star ingredient in this recipe, you could try chocolate drizzle or butterscotch sauce as alternatives. However, the unique salty-sweet balance comes best from caramel plus sea salt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a truly special cookie that brings warmth, gooey caramel, and the perfect salty twist together, this Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe is a game changer. It’s approachable, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—so gather your ingredients and get baking. I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time!
Print
Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies combine classic buttery sugar cookies with a luscious drizzle of melted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring they are fully incorporated for flavor and structure.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake 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.
- Caramel Drizzle: Melt the caramel candies or use caramel sauce, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt to finish. Let the caramel set before serving for a perfect sweet and salty treat.
Notes
- For better caramel drizzle, warm the caramel slowly to avoid burning.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Do not overbake cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
