Frosted Caramel Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Soft buttery sugar cookies topped with smooth caramel frosting and a hint of vanilla.

# List of Ingredients:

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315 g)

02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225 g)

05 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)

06 - 1 large egg

07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g)

09 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar (220 g)

10 - 1/4 cup whole milk (60 ml)

11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

12 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (240 g)

13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

03 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; mix until fully combined.

05 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.

06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

07 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.

08 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

09 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and salt until dissolved and bubbling, approximately 2 minutes.

10 - Whisk in milk and bring to a gentle boil; remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

11 - Gradually whisk in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable; adjust consistency with milk if necessary.

12 - Spread caramel frosting over cooled cookies evenly and allow frosting to set before serving.

01 -

The way the soft, buttery cookies perfectly balance with the luscious caramel frosting feels like a secret indulgence shared between friends
It quickly became my go-to treat because it manages to be both impressive for special occasions and simple enough for a weekday delight

02 -

Mistiming the frosting step can make spreading frustrating; make sure your cookies are completely cool to keep the frosting smooth
Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before setting transforms the flavor and cuts through sweetness beautifully

03 -

Using softened butter at room temperature is crucial for the perfect cookie texture; too cold or melted butter changes the outcome
The secret to a smooth caramel frosting is to let the caramel cool slightly before adding powdered sugar; rushing this step causes a grainy texture