A delightful blend of sweet and salty, the Salted Caramel Swirl Cookie is the perfect indulgence for those who love a rich, buttery cookie with a luxurious topping. Featuring a soft cookie base, a creamy layer of frosting, and a generous swirl of silky caramel finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cookie recipe delivers everything you crave in a gourmet treat. The soft and chewy texture of the cookie base complements the smooth frosting and gooey salted caramel swirl. Each bite offers a balanced contrast between the sweetness of caramel and the sharpness of sea salt, making it a standout for both casual gatherings and elegant dessert spreads. Whether you’re making a batch for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese (for frosting layer)
Powdered sugar
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth to make the frosting.
Spread a layer of frosting onto each cooled cookie.
Pipe a swirl of caramel sauce over the frosting.
Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel swirl.
Let set before serving or store as instructed below.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra decadent layer.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for texture.
Spiced Cookie Base: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced note.
Homemade Caramel: Use homemade caramel for a more personalized touch and flavor depth.
Mini Version: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized party treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To serve, allow cookies to come to room temperature or enjoy them slightly chilled.
Avoid microwaving as it may cause the frosting and caramel to melt unevenly.

FAQs

What kind of caramel should I use for the swirl?

You can use store-bought thick caramel sauce or make your own. Make sure it’s not too runny for the swirl to hold its shape.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Add the frosting and caramel after thawing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone or a buttercream alternative, but cream cheese gives the best tangy balance.

Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.

What’s the best way to pipe the caramel swirl?

Use a piping bag with a small round tip or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off for control.

Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Yes, feel free to tint the frosting for a festive look, though keep it subtle to maintain elegance.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, just be sure they are fully set and stored in a cool environment when gifting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Swirl Cookie is a beautiful blend of texture, flavor, and presentation. With its rich caramel topping and touch of sea salt, it offers a gourmet experience in every bite. Whether enjoyed at a holiday gathering or as an everyday indulgence, these cookies are a true delight that will leave a lasting impression.

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These Salted Caramel Swirl Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel ribbons and a touch of sea salt—perfectly indulgent and irresistible!