Description
Irresistible Caramelized Sugar Cookie Delights bring golden warmth and sweet nostalgia to classic dessert traditions. Buttery, crisp edges and rich caramel notes promise a perfect companion for afternoon tea or midnight cravings you’ll savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Frosting and Topping:
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and airy, about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt by whisking. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
- Utilize a small cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared sheets. Gently press each dough ball to slightly flatten. Slide cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges.
- Once baked, remove cookies from oven and allow them to rest on the sheets for 2-3 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese until silky smooth. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency.
- Pour granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Generously spread frosting atop each cooled cookie, then delicately dip the frosted surface into the sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
- Immediately before serving, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar coating. The sugar will melt and transform into a crisp, golden layer. Allow cookies to set briefly before indulging.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing that guarantees perfect cookie texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the depth and richness of the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that creates an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie consistency.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape.
- Kitchen torch technique requires careful, slow movement to caramelize sugar evenly without burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 137
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg