Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and salty flavors. These cookies combine the classic, buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich, gooey goodness of melted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a touch of decadence and a satisfying salty kick that takes the flavor profile to a whole new level.

What sets these cookies apart from your traditional sugar cookie is the caramel infusion, which creates a luscious, sweet center in each bite. Topped with just the right amount of flaky sea salt, these cookies have an addictive quality that makes them hard to resist. Perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent, Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie dough pairs perfectly with the rich caramel, and the sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast that elevates the overall taste. The balance of sweetness from the caramel and sugar, with the subtle saltiness, creates a cookie that’s truly unique and satisfying.

The cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges, making them the perfect comfort dessert. They’re easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and the recipe yields a batch of cookies that will please a crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Caramel candies, melted (or caramel sauce)
Flaky sea salt for topping

Variations

Caramel Sauce: If you don’t have caramel candies, you can substitute with store-bought caramel sauce. Just be sure to use a thicker sauce so the cookies hold their shape.
Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cookies in addition to the sea salt.
Add Nuts: For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to the dough before baking.
Different Salt: If you don’t have flaky sea salt, you can use kosher salt, though the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same. Be sure to sprinkle it lightly.
Brown Butter: For a deeper, nutty flavor, you can brown the butter before using it in the recipe, adding another layer of richness to the cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls, rolling them between your hands to make smooth balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Add the Caramel

Melt the caramel candies in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth. Using a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball and fill it with about a teaspoon of melted caramel. If you’re using caramel sauce, drizzle a small amount into the center.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Top with Sea Salt

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, sprinkle them with a pinch of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm. This helps the salt adhere to the caramel and enhances the flavor.

Step 7: Serve

Once fully cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! The caramel should be soft and gooey inside, with a satisfying crunch from the sea salt on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. This helps create a smooth and fluffy dough.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated to ensure your cookies stay soft and tender.
Caramel Consistency: If you’re using caramel sauce, ensure it’s thick enough to stay in the center of the cookie. If it’s too runny, it may spread out too much while baking.
Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping into dough balls. This will help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly and look perfect every time.

How to Serve

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday, or simply a cozy afternoon treat. Serve them on their own, or pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience. These cookies also make a wonderful gift, so consider packaging them in a cute box or tin for a sweet homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, the dough can be frozen. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften the caramel and enjoy the fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Yes, you can use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies, but make sure the sauce is thick enough to stay in the cookie center.

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

3. What type of salt should I use for the topping?

Flaky sea salt works best for topping, but you can also use kosher salt in a pinch. Just be careful not to overdo it, as kosher salt has larger crystals.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Ensure that the caramel is melted and thickened before adding it to the dough, and make sure the indentation in the cookie is deep enough to hold the caramel.

7. Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, you can reduce the size of the dough balls for smaller cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid the cookies being too salty.

9. Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the dough for an added crunch and flavor.

10. How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty that is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. With soft, chewy cookies filled with gooey caramel and topped with a pinch of flaky sea salt, these treats are a perfect addition to any occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they offer a delicious twist on the classic sugar cookie and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.