Sweet Magic: Caramelized Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies with a mesmerizing caramelized sugar cookie delights secret await your taste buds.

Each golden-edged treat promises a moment of pure bliss.

Delicate edges crisp up with a rich, amber-hued surface that whispers of sweet indulgence.

The magic happens when simple ingredients mingle and transform into something extraordinary.

Warm kitchen aromas will dance around you as these cookies bake to perfection.

A sprinkle of sea salt adds depth to the caramelized sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors.

One bite promises to transport you to a world of comforting, nostalgic delight that begs to be shared.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Caramel Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft cookie texture, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, look for fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie structure, select fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use fresh room-temperature egg for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.
• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy frosting base, ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms cookie's foundation, sift to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Cornstarch: Helps create tender, delicate cookie texture, use fresh, non-clumpy cornstarch.
• Baking Soda: Provides slight lift and helps cookies brown, check for freshness by testing its reactivity.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, use fine-grain kosher salt.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting consistency, sift to eliminate potential lumps.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates crispy caramelized topping, use fine white sugar for even caramelization.

Equipment Needed for Caramel Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Large mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform, evenly-sized cookie balls.
• Parchment-lined cookie sheets: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
• Kitchen torch: Crucial for caramelizing sugar on top of cookies.
• Small bowl: Used for dipping frosted cookies in granulated sugar.
• Spatula: Helpful for mixing and scraping ingredients.

Instructions for Caramel Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Sugar Cookie Foundations

Begin by warming the oven to a cozy temperature. Blend butter and sugars until they transform into a dreamy, fluffy mixture. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until everything looks harmonious and smooth.

• Dry Ingredient Magic

Combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a separate container. Gently fold these powdery ingredients into the creamy base, creating a delectable dough that promises deliciousness.

• Cookie Transformation

Scoop small rounds of dough onto baking sheets. Press them gently to create beautiful circles. Slide the sheets into the warm oven, watching as they turn golden around the edges.

• Cooling Interlude

Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow them to reach room temperature, developing their perfect texture.

• Frosting Elegance

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a luxurious, creamy topping that will elevate these cookies.

• Sugar Coating

Sprinkle granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Spread a generous dollop of frosting on each cookie, then dip the tops into the sugar, creating a sparkling exterior.

• Caramelized Finale

Use a kitchen torch to gently melt the sugar, creating a crisp, glassy top that crackles with sweet intensity. Let the cookies settle before serving these show-stopping treats.

Tips & Add-Ins for Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Sweet Sugar Coating Magic: Sprinkle extra granulated sugar generously over cookies for added crunch and sparkly texture that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Experiment with different vanilla extract qualities – premium Madagascar or Mexican vanilla can dramatically enhance the cookie's aromatic profile with deeper, richer undertones.
• Temperature Precision Tricks: Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature naturally for 30-45 minutes before mixing, ensuring smoother blending and more consistent cookie texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or refrigerate for extended shelf life.
• Torch Alternative Method: If a kitchen torch isn't available, place caramelizing cookies under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispy sugar top.

Serving Caramel Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Sweet Brunch Pairing: Serve these caramelized sugar cookies alongside a warm cappuccino or freshly brewed chai latte for a delightful morning treat that balances the cookie's rich sweetness.
• Dessert Platter Presentation: Create an elegant dessert board with these cookies as the centerpiece, surrounding them with fresh berries, dark chocolate pieces, and a small bowl of extra caramelized sugar for guests to sprinkle.
• Tea Time Companion: Arrange these cookies on a vintage china plate during afternoon tea, complementing them with light cream cheese spreads or fruit preserves for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, adding a small handwritten recipe card for a personalized homemade gift that showcases your baking skills.

Storage for Caramel Sugar Cookie Crunch

• Smart Cookie Storage Solutions
• Airtight Container Strategy: Stack cookies between parchment paper layers in a sealed container to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Refrigeration Technique: Keep frosted cookies in a covered container inside the refrigerator for maximum preservation, extending shelf life to one week and maintaining their delicate texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookies stay delicious for 3 months – simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze uncooked for spontaneous baking. Store unbaked dough in a sealed container for up to 3 months, ready to bake whenever sweet cravings strike.

Crispy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Caramelized sugar cookie delights bring warm, nostalgic flavors from Southern kitchens to your dessert table. Crisp edges, golden centers, and rich caramel notes promise a sweet experience that connects generations of bakers.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm oven to 350°F (177°C) and layer two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Whip butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy, then blend egg and vanilla extract seamlessly.
2. Mixing Dough: Sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a uniform dough.
3. Baking Cookies: Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, lightly flattening each portion. Slide into preheated oven and bake 9-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
4. Cooling Process: Rest cookies on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transition to wire rack for complete cooling.
5. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, gradually blending powdered sugar and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Sugar Coating: Pour granulated sugar into shallow dish. Lavish frosting across cooled cookies, then delicately dip frosted surface into sugar for complete coverage.
7. Caramelization Finale: Use kitchen torch to transform sugar coating into a crisp, golden layer. Allow cookies to set briefly before serving, revealing a delicate, caramelized surface.

Notes

• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Sugar Torching Technique: Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from cookie surface, move constantly to avoid burning for even caramelization.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are soft but not melted for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Storage Strategy: Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg