Crisp golden butter cookies paired with a rich and creamy salted caramel filling—these sandwich cookies are irresistibly smooth inside with a satisfyingly crunchy texture outside. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these cookies provide an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any dessert craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies are a treat for both your sweet and savory cravings. The buttery crisp cookies provide the ideal base for the rich, velvety salted caramel filling, while the touch of sea salt elevates the caramel’s sweetness. The addition of melted white chocolate thickens the filling, ensuring it holds up well between the cookies. This delightful contrast of textures—the crunchiness of the cookies and the smoothness of the filling—makes each bite a truly satisfying experience. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted (for thickening)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
2. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into even circles.
4. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
5. For the caramel filling, heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture turns deep amber. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream, butter, and sea salt. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then blend in the melted white chocolate for stability.
6. Pipe or spoon the caramel onto half of the cookies and top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Let them set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 12 sandwich cookies.
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and setting time)

Variations

• Caramel Alternatives: You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or fruit preserves, to add a twist to the flavor.
• Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed nuts such as pecans or almonds into the caramel filling.
• Chocolate Cookies: Swap out the buttery cookies for chocolate cookies for a double chocolate caramel sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salted caramel sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can gently heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make both the cookies and the caramel filling ahead of time. Store the cookies in an airtight container and the caramel in the fridge. Assemble the cookies just before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

While homemade caramel offers better flavor and control, store-bought caramel sauce can be used in place of homemade caramel in a pinch. Just be sure to mix in the melted white chocolate to help thicken it.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?

Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to thicken the caramel. The flavor will change, but it will still taste delicious.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies before sandwiching them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Assemble the sandwiches once you’re ready to serve them.

6. How can I prevent the caramel from being too runny?

Ensure that you let the caramel cool slightly before adding the white chocolate. This will help thicken the filling. If it’s still too runny, refrigerate the caramel for a few minutes before using.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the texture and consistency of the dough before rolling it out.

8. Can I add more salt to the caramel filling?

If you prefer a stronger salty flavor, you can increase the sea salt to taste, but be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the sweetness of the caramel.

9. Can I make the dough and caramel the day before?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the dough and caramel a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready, simply roll and bake the dough, and assemble the cookies.

10. How can I prevent the caramel from seeping out?

To prevent the caramel from seeping out of the cookies, let it cool slightly before applying it to the cookies. Also, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before assembling.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich, buttery cookies and a silky, salted caramel filling. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty, these cookies are sure to satisfy any dessert lover. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a sweet moment on your own, these cookies are sure to impress with their flavor and elegance.

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