Salted Caramel Ginger Cream Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Ginger Cream Cookies are a perfect fusion of flavors and textures. The ginger cookies have the right amount of spice and softness, while the buttercream filling adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The homemade caramel sauce is decadent, and the sprinkle of flaky salt elevates the entire cookie with a salty-sweet finish. It’s a truly indulgent treat that combines the best of holiday spices and caramel goodness, making it perfect for any celebration or cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling cookies
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 egg

For the buttercream and assembly:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Flaky salt, for garnish

For the caramel sauce:

• 48 Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels (10.8 ounces), unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

For the cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add molasses and egg: Beat in the molasses and egg until combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Roll the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and are golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the buttercream and assembly:

1. Make the buttercream: Beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is fluffy and fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
2. Assemble the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of buttercream on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

For the caramel sauce:

1. Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the Werther’s Chewy Caramels with the water, heavy cream, and kosher salt. Stir occasionally until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.
2. Drizzle the caramel: Once the cookies are assembled, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the sandwich cookies, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top of each cookie for that perfect sweet and salty finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 12-16 cookies
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour (including assembly)

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and buttercream.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.

2. Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently before drizzling over the cookies.

3. Can I use a different type of caramel for the sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting Werther’s Chewy Caramels, but homemade caramel adds a richer flavor to the cookies.

4. Can I substitute the molasses in the cookie dough?

Molasses adds a distinct flavor and moisture to the cookies. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will differ slightly.

5. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in an airtight container and layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I make these cookies without the buttercream filling?

Yes, you can skip the buttercream and simply drizzle the caramel sauce over the baked cookies for a simpler version of this treat.

7. How can I make the cookies spicier?

If you want a stronger ginger flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

8. Can I use salted butter for the buttercream?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be cautious about adding extra salt to the buttercream or caramel sauce to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

9. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make the cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter in the cookie dough and buttercream with dairy-free butter or margarine. For the caramel sauce, use dairy-free heavy cream.

10. How do I store leftover caramel sauce?

Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently before using it again.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Ginger Cream Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, blending the spicy warmth of ginger with the rich sweetness of buttercream and homemade caramel sauce. The pinch of flaky salt on top perfectly balances the sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet, salty, and spicy goodness of these irresistible cookies!

Print