Description

Salted Caramel Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with homemade caramel and topped with flaky sea salt. These rich, soft-centered treats are a perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them irresistible for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

⅔ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Mix in vanilla.
Gradually add flour and salt; mix just until dough forms.
Chill dough for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets 2 inches apart. Press center of each with thumb or rounded spoon to create an indentation.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Re-press indentations if needed. Cool completely on sheets.
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until amber. Add butter, whisk until smooth. Slowly whisk in cream; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Spoon caramel into each cookie center. While warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let set before serving or storing.

Notes

Add cinnamon or cardamom to dough for a spiced version.
Top caramel with chopped nuts for extra texture.
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled caramel for a decadent finish.
Turn into bars by pressing dough into a pan and topping with caramel.
Skip salt for a fully sweet version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 170
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg