Name: Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 24 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft or Werther’s); Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the traditional snickerdoodle to a whole new level with the addition of soft caramel centers and a hint of sea salt. The combination of warm cinnamon, buttery dough, and melted caramel creates a cookie that’s both nostalgic and luxurious. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Cream of tartar
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Soft caramel candies (such as Kraft or Werther’s)
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for rolling.
Scoop out dough and flatten slightly. Place a caramel candy in the center and wrap the dough around it to seal.
Roll the stuffed dough balls in cinnamon sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.
Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes

Variations

Use homemade caramel sauce as a swirl instead of stuffed candy for a different texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper spice flavor.
Try using browned butter for a more intense, nutty aroma.
Replace the caramel with chocolate or peanut butter cups for a fun twist.
Make mini versions using smaller portions of dough and caramel bits.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave a cookie for 5–8 seconds to re-soften the caramel center.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Caramel sauce doesn’t hold up well when baked into the center. Soft caramel candies are best for the gooey middle.

Why do I need cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and helps activate the baking soda.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze the dough balls (before baking) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Do the caramels melt out of the cookies?

If sealed properly with dough, the caramel should stay inside. Pressing the dough tightly around the caramel helps prevent leaks.

What kind of caramel should I use?

Use soft, chewy caramels like Kraft or Werther’s. Avoid hard caramels which don’t melt as nicely.

Can I skip the sea salt?

Yes, but the touch of salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully. Use less if you prefer a milder contrast.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Don’t overbake them. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely. A hand mixer works just fine for creaming the butter and mixing the dough.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar and a bit of molasses, but brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes! These cookies are both beautiful and delicious, making them great for cookie boxes or holiday gifts.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles are the perfect blend of classic comfort and indulgent flavor. With gooey caramel centers, a soft cinnamon-sugar exterior, and a touch of sea salt, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.