Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies are the perfect treat for those who have a sweet tooth but still want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This delightful dessert combines the rich, buttery flavor of cookies with gooey salted caramel and can be made with healthier ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a snack that’s high in protein or a light dessert to satisfy your cravings, these cookies are a fantastic choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies

These Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies are not only delicious but also offer a healthy twist on your typical dessert. The recipe can easily be adjusted for those focused on weight loss or low-carb diets. With some clever ingredient substitutions, you can enjoy a lower-calorie version without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, these cookies are great for meal prep, allowing you to create a batch ahead of time and have a sweet treat ready when you need it. They serve as a wonderful high-protein snack, thanks to the almond flour, making them a great option for active lifestyles.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Equipment 1: Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is perfect for easily creaming the butter and sugar together, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie dough. It simplifies the mixing process and saves you time and effort.

Equipment 2: Baking Tray

A good-quality baking tray is vital for evenly baking the cookies. Make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Equipment 3: Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper not only assists with easy removal of the cookies from the tray but also ensures a non-stick surface, helping to keep the cookies intact.

Equipment 4: Saucepan

A small and medium saucepan are required for making the salted caramel sauce. They are essential for heating the cream and melting the sugars to achieve the right consistency for your caramel.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredient 1: Butter

1/4 cup (60 g) butter or browned butter (re-solidified), room temperature
Butter is a key ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Using browned butter can add a nutty depth to the taste.

Ingredient 2: Powdered Sugar

1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
This sugar is used to create a light and fluffy texture in the cookies. It helps dissolve quickly, making it perfect for cookie recipes.

Ingredient 3: Egg Yolk

1 (16 g) egg yolk, room temp
The egg yolk provides moisture and works to bind the ingredients together, creating a tender cookie.

Ingredient 4: Vanilla Extract

1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the cookies, enhancing their sweetness and making them more tempting.

Ingredient 5: Salt

1/8 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances their flavor.

Ingredient 6: Almond Flour

2 tbsp + 1.5 tsp (17.5 g) almond flour
Almond flour is a healthier alternative to regular flour, offering more protein and healthy fats. It also adds a lovely, nutty flavor to the cookies.

Ingredient 7: Cake Flour

2/3 cup (80 g) cake flour
Using cake flour contributes to the soft and tender texture of the cookies. It has less protein than all-purpose flour, which is ideal for baked goods.

Ingredient 8: Granulated Sugar

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
This sugar adds sweetness and creates a nice crisp edge to the cookies when baked.

Ingredient 9: Brown Sugar

2.5 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness to the cookies. The molasses content also gives a deeper flavor.

Ingredient 10: Glucose or Corn Syrup

2.5 tbsp (25 ml) glucose or corn syrup
These ingredients help create a smooth caramel consistency and prevent crystallization in the sauce.

Ingredient 11: Heavy Cream

5 tbsp (70 ml) heavy cream
Heavy cream enriches the caramel sauce, giving it a creamy texture while balancing the sweetness.

Ingredient 12: Whole Milk

2 tbsp (30 ml) whole milk
This provides additional creaminess to the caramel and softens its sweetness.

Ingredient 13: Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Extract

1/2 pod vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
Using vanilla bean gives an intense vanilla flavor with beautiful specks in the caramel sauce. If unavailable, vanilla extract works just fine.

Ingredient 14: Unsalted Butter

3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
Butter adds richness to the caramel, enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredient 15: Soy Sauce, Miso, or Kosher Salt

1 tsp soy sauce, miso or 1/3 tsp kosher salt
These ingredients enhance the umami flavor in the caramel, creating depth and complexity.

this Recipe

HOW TO MAKE Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter on speed 2 until smooth. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and mix on speed 4 until light and fluffy. Make sure to scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla until fully incorporated. This adds richness and flavor to the cookie dough, enhancing the overall sweetness.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add the almond flour and cake flour to the mixture. Start on low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase to medium just until the dough looks crumbly.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Bring the dough together with your hands into a ball. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat square. Wrap each square in parchment paper, plastic wrap, or place it in a ziplock bag. Roll each one into a square that measures 15.5 cm on each side and about 3 mm thick.

Step 5: Freeze the Dough

Place the dough squares on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the dough, making it easier to cut and handle.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

While the dough is freezing, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly.

Step 7: Cut the Cookies

Once the dough is firm, remove it from the freezer. To clean up the sides, carefully trim the edges of each square, about 1/2 cm. Slice the cookies into 5 cm squares and carefully transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookie sheet for 15-17 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once done, allow the cookies to cool completely before slicing or assembling.

Step 9: Prepare Caramel

Line a 15 × 15 cm pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over low heat until warm (do not boil).

Step 10: Cook Sugars for Caramel

In a medium saucepan, heat glucose and add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir gently until fully melted and golden brown, achieving a deep amber color.

Step 11: Create Caramel Sauce

Lower the heat and slowly add the warm cream and milk mixture in 2-3 portions, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the caramel reaches 125°C for a soft, stretchy, yet shape-holding texture.

Step 12: Finish Caramel

Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and soy sauce (or miso/salt) until smooth. Pour the finished caramel into the prepared pan. If you’re not using soy sauce or miso, sprinkle the top with fancy salt for an extra touch.

Step 13: Cool the Caramel

Chill the caramel in the fridge or freezer until firm enough to slice.

Step 14: Cut and Assemble

Warm and lightly oil a sharp knife, then cut the caramel slab into matching 5 cm squares. Sandwich one caramel square between two cookie squares, pressing gently together. If the cookie isn’t sticking to the caramel, lightly heat a spoon or offset spatula and melt the face of the caramel before pressing together.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• To make a healthier version of these cookies, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of granulated sugar.
• If you’re aiming for a low-carb option, you could replace the cake flour with a low-carb flour alternative.
• These cookies are perfect for meal prepping, as they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storage to prevent moisture build-up.
• Experiment with the caramel by adding different flavors such as espresso, bourbon, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a unique twist.

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies FAQ

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond flour and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the cookies gluten-free.

2. How should I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months.

3. Are these cookies low calorie?

While they do contain sugar and butter, you can make swaps to reduce calories, such as using less sugar or a sugar substitute while still enjoying a tasty treat.

4. Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies are great for meal prep. You can prepare the dough and freeze it or bake them ahead of time, allowing for quick grab-and-go snacks.

CONCLUSION

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies are a deliciously unique treat that impresses without the guilt. With healthier alternatives, they become a sweet snack that fits into a balanced diet. Whether you want a high protein meal to fuel your day or a lovely dessert to indulge in, these cookies have something for everyone. Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you create! Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies

Delicious sandwich cookies filled with gooey salted caramel, perfect for a guilt-free treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 17 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/4 cup 60 g butter, room temperature Browned butter can be used for added flavor.
• 1/3 cup 40 g powdered sugar Provides a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 pcs 1 egg yolk, room temperature Adds moisture and binds ingredients.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
• 1/8 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp + 1.5 tsp 17.5 g almond flour Healthier alternative to regular flour.
• 2/3 cup 80 g cake flour Contributes to a soft texture.
• 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar Adds sweetness and crisp edges.
• 2.5 tbsp 30 g brown sugar Adds moisture and deeper flavor.

For the Salted Caramel

• 2.5 tbsp 25 ml glucose or corn syrup Prevents crystallization in caramel.
• 5 tbsp 70 ml heavy cream Enriches the caramel sauce.
• 2 tbsp 30 ml whole milk Provides creaminess.
• 1/2 pcs vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract For intense vanilla flavor.
• 3 tbsp 45 g unsalted butter, room temperature Adds richness to the caramel.
• 1 tsp soy sauce, miso, or 1/3 tsp kosher salt Enhances umami flavor of caramel.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla until fully incorporated.
3. Add the almond flour and cake flour, mix on low then increase to medium until the dough looks crumbly.
4. Bring the dough together and divide in half. Shape each portion into a flat square, wrap, and roll into a square measuring 15.5 cm on each side.
5. Freeze the dough squares for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

Cookie Baking

1. Once the dough is firm, slice into 5 cm squares and transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray.
2. Bake for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely.

Caramel Preparation

1. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and milk until warm.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat glucose, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully melted and golden brown.
3. Slowly add warm cream and milk mixture, stirring constantly until caramel reaches 125°C.
4. Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla, and soy sauce until smooth. Pour into a prepared pan to cool.
5. Chill until firm, then cut into squares.
6. Sandwich caramel squares between cookie squares and serve.

Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For a healthier version, consider a sugar substitute. Great for meal prep!