Gloriously chewy, sweet, and a little bit salty, Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies take everything you love about traditional sugar cookies and elevate them with a shiny drizzle of buttery caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These cookies have it all: a soft and pillowy center, perfectly crisped edges, and a caramel topping that sets just right. They’re festive enough for a holiday cookie platter but simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon. If you’re ready to treat yourself to something truly special, look no further—these cookies are destined to become your new go-to favorite!

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies is refreshingly simple, with each item playing a starring role. These pantry staples come together to make a dough that’s soft, flavorful, and ready to support that luscious caramel topping.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, flour gives them structure while keeping the texture light.
Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise gently, resulting in that perfectly tender crumb.
Baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for softness in every bite.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing the caramel’s rich, buttery notes.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creamed with sugar, this creates a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness; it also makes the cookie edges deliciously crisp.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, giving the cookies that classic bakery aroma.
Milk: A splash of liquid keeps the dough tender and helps it spread just right in the oven.
Soft caramels (unwrapped): The star of the show—these melt into the ultimate chewy, golden caramel topping.
Heavy cream: Stirred with the caramel for a silky-smooth drizzle.
Flaky sea salt: A little sprinkle at the end transforms these cookies, infusing every bite with an irresistible hint of salt.

How to Make Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Letting your pans get ready before you start mixing means your dough doesn’t have to wait around later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps evenly distribute the leaveners and salt throughout the flour, which means your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies will bake up evenly with just the right lift and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer. Proper creaming gives your cookies a delicate, tender crumb and also helps with leavening.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk into your creamed butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated. The milk ensures your dough is soft and smooth, while the egg and vanilla add depth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms—try not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies super tender. If the dough feels a bit sticky, that’s perfect; it means your cookies will hold that wonderful chewiness.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough between your palms to make balls. Place each ball on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart, giving them room to spread out. Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. That slightly underdone center is the secret to their chewy magic!

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s worth the wait for cookies that hold their shape perfectly when topped with caramel.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Topping

While the cookies are cooling, place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and silky-smooth. Be patient and keep the heat low—this avoids burning and ensures your caramel stays glossy and pourable.

Step 9: Top with Caramel and Salt

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt while the caramel is still warm, so it sticks beautifully. Let the caramel set before serving, or, if you can’t wait, enjoy them while the topping is gooey and luscious!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle the cookies with a few extra salt flakes just before serving—this brings out both the sweetness and the buttery caramel. If you’re feeling festive, a light drizzle of bittersweet melted chocolate or a dusting of gold sugar crystals takes these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies to a truly elegant level.

Side Dishes

Serve your Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies with a big glass of milk, cozy mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert. These cookies also pair exceptionally well with fresh fruit slices or a tart lemon sorbet to balance their rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, stack the cookies and tie them with baker’s twine, or nestle them in a tissue-lined box. You can also set up a “cookie sundae” bar, allowing guests to top warm Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies with whipped cream, sprinkles, or even mini caramel chips for a truly interactive dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies will stay fresh and chewy when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For best results, layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent caramel from sticking and keep each one looking bakery-perfect.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the baked cookies—simply let them cool and set completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge overnight for cookies that taste freshly baked every time.

Reheating

For warm, gooey caramel, microwave each cookie for about 10 seconds before serving. If you want to refresh the batch, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (about 275°F) for 5 minutes; they’ll taste as if they just came out of the oven, caramel sparkle and all.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! A good homemade caramel sauce works beautifully here—just make sure it’s thick enough to set on the cookies and has that irresistible buttery undertone.

How do I prevent the caramel from sliding off the cookies?

Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling with caramel, and allow the caramel to cool slightly so it’s thick but still pourable. This helps it cling perfectly to each Salted Caramel Sugar Cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely—wrap the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 48 hours, or freeze it in dough balls for up to a month. Bake straight from the fridge or freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.

What’s the best way to get that beautiful salt sprinkle?

Use a flaky sea salt like Maldon (not table salt), and sprinkle it while the caramel is still warm so it adheres without melting away. It not only tastes amazing but also adds a delightful texture.

Can I make these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts. You may need to tweak the milk amount slightly, as some gluten-free flours absorb more liquid, but otherwise, the process is the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or just indulge in a batch of incredibly delicious cookies, it’s time to make a batch of Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies. The contrast of sweet, salty, and buttery caramel on a classic sugar cookie base is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy sharing (or savoring all by yourself!) your new favorite treat.

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies. Soft and chewy sugar cookies topped with a rich caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

Caramel Topping:

1/2 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
Mix the dough: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Bake the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the caramel topping: Melt the caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
Drizzle the cookies: Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sea salt.
Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

Notes

You can use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramels.
For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel before sprinkling salt.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American