Indulge in the irresistible taste of Salted Caramel Cookies! These soft, buttery cookie cups are filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture and topped with a swirl of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat for any occasion.
Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and place in a muffin tin. Press down in the center to create a cup shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden.
While cookies are baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Once cookie cups are baked, remove from oven and immediately press centers down again if they’ve puffed up.
Fill each cookie cup with the cream cheese mixture, about 1-2 teaspoons each. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the filling. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack. Warm caramel sauce slightly if too thick, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a decorative swirl of caramel on top of each cookie. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
Refrigerate the cookies for at least 1 hour to set completely. For best texture and flavor, allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Health Benefits:
While these Salted Caramel Cookies are a delicious indulgence, they do offer a few benefits. The cream cheese provides calcium and protein, while the use of butter gives you a dose of healthy fats when enjoyed in moderation. However, this treat is best for satisfying your sweet cravings while maintaining balance in your diet, as it’s rich in flavors but should be consumed occasionally.
