Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe

Oh, you are in for such a treat with this Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe! I absolutely love how these cookies combine that delicate, buttery crumb with gooey, luscious salted caramel sandwiched right in the middle. When I first tried making these, I was hooked instantly — and honestly, once you whip up a batch, you’ll see why they become an instant family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a cookie that’s buttery, tender, and perfectly sweet — with that oozing salted caramel filling that steals the show. Whenever I shop for this recipe, I make sure to grab good-quality butter and fresh eggs, since they make such a difference in texture and flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter blends best for a tender and fluffy dough.
• White granulated sugar: Provides that crisp sweetness we want in a cookie.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Always opt for pure vanilla – it adds warmth and depth.
• Large eggs and egg yolk: For richness and structure; the yolk keeps these cookies soft.
• All-purpose flour: Plays a big role in the cookie’s crumb, so measure carefully.
• White sugar (for caramel): Simple granulated sugar transforms into that golden caramel magic.
• Water (for caramel): Helps dissolve the sugar evenly as it cooks.
• Unsalted butter (for caramel): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: This makes the caramel luscious and velvety.
• Flaky sea salt: The crowning touch that brings out the salted caramel’s brilliance.

Variations

I love playing around with this Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe depending on the season or my mood, and you should totally feel free to mix it up too! The basic formula is versatile, so experiment freely.

• Nutty Twist: Adding finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the dough adds a lovely crunch; my family goes crazy for this version.
• Chocolate Variation: Swapping part of the flour for cocoa powder makes a decadent chocolate linzer cookie that’s rich and festive.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptation: Using coconut sugar instead of white sugar brings a subtle molasses note for a lower glycemic option.
• Seasonal Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough spices things up perfectly in the fall or winter months.

How to Make Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Dreamy Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the butter, sugar, and salt in your stand mixer until it’s light and fluffy—this will take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because the air you incorporate here gives the cookies their delicate texture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined, so you don’t overwork the dough. Add the flour in two batches, mixing after each addition until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough.

Step 2: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Divide your dough into two discs and wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap. I usually chill mine for at least an hour, but honestly, the longer the better—even overnight works wonders. When ready, take one disc out, let it warm just enough to be rollable (around 10 minutes if it’s super cold), then roll it between parchment sheets to 1/8-inch thickness. Pro tip: chilling the rolled dough on a baking sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes makes cutting the shapes so much cleaner and easier.

Step 3: Cut and Bake Those Beauties

Use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out shapes—half of which should have a smaller cut-out in the center for that classic linzer peekaboo effect. I keep it simple with circles and stars to avoid frustration with delicate cutters. Bake them at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden color—and don’t forget to cool them on the sheet before moving to a rack!

Step 4: Create the Salty-Sweet Caramel Magic

In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in water over medium-low heat, then crank it up to high and let it bubble away until it turns a beautiful golden brown—watch closely because caramel can go from perfect to burnt rapidly! Add the butter—don’t be alarmed by the foam—and then stir in the cream and vanilla until silky smooth. This thickened caramel is what makes these cookies next-level amazing.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish with Flair

Dust those cookie tops with a generous snowing of powdered sugar—it really amps up the look. Flip the plain cookie bottoms over, spread a scant teaspoon of caramel onto each, and sprinkle with a teeny pinch of flaky sea salt for that flavor pop. Sandwich them together and voila—you have a little piece of heaven. These cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container if you can resist munching them all immediately!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I love sprinkling flaky sea salt over the caramel to bring that salty-sweet balance that’s absolutely addictive. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the assembled cookies for an extra touch that wows guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a milky chai latte. My go-to is setting them out alongside a simple hot chocolate, especially during cozy winter gatherings—everyone reaches for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve presented these cookies on rustic wooden boards dusted lightly with powdered sugar or carefully stacked in clear jars tied with ribbon for gifting—they make charming edible presents that always get compliments. For holiday parties, arranging them in a circle around a small bowl of extra caramel dip just invites everyone to indulge!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and maintain their soft texture perfectly for up to three days—though if you’re anything like me, that never lasts!

Freezing

Great news—you can freeze both the dough and the fully assembled cookies! I usually wrap the dough discs tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months. When I want cookies, I thaw the dough overnight in the fridge and bake fresh. Leftover assembled cookies freeze well too, just layer with parchment and thaw at room temp before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to revive the cookie’s softness and give that caramel a bit of warmth, I pop assembled cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’s like they’re fresh out of the oven, and the caramel becomes beautifully gooey again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies Recipe truly has a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about that tender cookie paired with rich caramel and the hint of sea salt that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or a friendly gathering, I promise you’ll wow everyone around you. Give this recipe a try — I’m rooting for your kitchen to fill with that irresistible aroma and your family to go crazy for these as mine does!

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