Caramel Frosted Brown Sugar Cookies
The ultimate comfort food sensation, these Caramel Frosted Brown Sugar Cookies blend rich brown sugar and buttery softness with a decadent caramel frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Make them tonight!
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer
- Rimmed Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, slightly softened
- 1 1/3 cups Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2/3 cups Sour Cream
- 3/4 cup Chopped Pecans
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cut in chunks
- 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Hot Water
- 1 tablespoon Light Corn Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted after measuring
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Chopped Pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two baking sheets. You can either grease them lightly or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, sift together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together 1 1/3 cups of packed light brown sugar and 1 cup of slightly softened unsalted butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Next, lightly beat in half of the flour mixture. You want to mix until just combined. It’s okay if there are still a few lumps; we’ll take care of those soon!
- Now, add in 2/3 cup of sour cream and beat until the mixture is blended well. The batter will become creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour mixture, along with the 3/4 cup of chopped pecans, and beat until everything is well mixed. The dough should be thick and somewhat sticky.
- Using a 1/8-cup measure or an ice cream scoop, drop dough in even mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 1/2 inches between each cookie. Don’t forget to lightly flatten the tops using your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Place one sheet in the upper third of the oven and bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. The edges should be turning light golden brown, while the center remains just barely firm. Once done, let the cookies cool on the pans for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it turns slightly golden and smells fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and cook for an additional minute while stirring. This will help create a smooth frosting base.
- Next, stir in 2 1/2 tablespoons of hot water and 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Finally, vigorously stir in 1 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and the additional 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is completely smooth and well combined, adding 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Frost the cookies while the frosting is still warm; sprinkle with additional chopped pecans before the frosting sets. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with adding different nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for variety.
- Frosting alternatives: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought frosting instead of making your own.
- Serving ideas: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, but they also make a delightful afternoon snack!