Description
Delight in these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies featuring soft, chewy centers with a subtle crunch on the edges, topped with melted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty balance.
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
Caramel 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 ensure the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate these wet ingredients evenly into the creamed mixture.
- 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 salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a consistent cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and centers that remain slightly underbaked to ensure 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.
- Apply Caramel and Salt: Drizzle the melted caramel over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to set before serving to achieve the perfect salty-sweet finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- If using caramel candies for melting, melt them gently over low heat to prevent burning.
- Ensure cookies have slightly underbaked centers to remain soft and chewy after cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soften the caramel topping.
- For a richer flavor, sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt just before serving.
