Description
Delight in these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies featuring a soft, chewy texture with a perfect balance of sweet caramel and a hint of flaky sea salt. These classic sugar cookies are enhanced with rich caramel drizzles, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Topping
- 10 caramel candies, melted (or 1/3 cup caramel sauce)
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form a smooth cookie dough without overmixing.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden 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.
- Drizzle Caramel and Sprinkle Salt: Once cooled, drizzle the melted caramel candies or caramel sauce over the cookies and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt to add a perfect sweet and salty contrast. Let the caramel set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and airy texture.
- If caramel candies are not melting smoothly, warm them gently in short intervals microwave heating or use prepared caramel sauce.
- Allow cookies to cool properly before adding caramel topping to avoid melting and spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor profile but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
