Description
Delight in these Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and rich caramel drizzled on top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These soft and chewy cookies are lightly golden on the edges with a tempting underbaked center, finished off with decadent caramel that adds an indulgent twist to a classic sugar cookie.
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 together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring the mixture is well combined for flavor and structure.
- Combine 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.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly underbaked, producing a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add 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 create a delicious salted caramel topping.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft, chewy texture in the cookie centers.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for even baking.
- If using caramel candies, melt them gently to avoid burning. Alternatively, caramel sauce works well.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
