Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies

By:

Sarah

Published:

October 13, 2025

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Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies are one of those sweet treats that feel fancy, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make. Imagine buttery shortbread paired with a luscious salted caramel filling that oozes out from between your cookie layers. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to indulge in that? These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also bring a bit of elegance to your dessert table. Whether you’re going all out for a holiday gathering or just enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to impress. With each bite, the combination of saltiness and sweetness creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Let’s get baking and make these heavenly Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies is genuinely rewarding, especially because of the careful balance they bring. The buttery shortbread melts in your mouth while the rich salted caramel adds that extra layer of indulgence. Plus, using quality ingredients takes the flavor to new heights. For instance, Amoretti’s Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste gives an extra depth that elevates the whole cookie experience.

It’s also important to chill the dough! This step ensures that your cookies hold their shape during baking, so you end up with perfectly structured treats that look just as beautiful as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies

There’s something truly special about these cookies that makes them a showstopper. The peek-a-boo caramel center is not only visually appealing but also makes them a conversation starter at any event. Each bite? It’s like a mini celebration as the sweetness dances with a hint of saltiness, making it a culinary delight you won’t soon forget.

These cookies are perfect for various occasions—from festive gatherings to simple afternoon teas with friends. They fit right in no matter the season or reason!

Ingredients

For the Salted Caramel:
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter, room temperature, cubed
½ cup (120 grams) heavy cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ tablespoon Amoretti Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Cookies:
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ tablespoon Amoretti Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste
2 ¼ cups (281 grams) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Prepare the Salted Caramel

Combine Sugar and Heat

First things first, let’s whip up that delicious salted caramel. Start by adding the granulated sugar to a saucepan set over low-medium heat. As the sugar begins to heat, stir continuously. After a bit, you’ll notice it clumping together before it melts into a smooth amber color.

Incorporate Butter

Once your sugar has melted, it’s time to add the butter! Carefully toss in the cubed salted butter, whisking until it’s fully mixed in. Just be cautious; that bubbling can be quite intense.

Add Cream and Flavor

Next, you’ll slowly stream in the heavy cream while whisking away. Keep stirring until everything is combined. Allow it to boil for 30-60 seconds total—then, take it off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, your salted caramel flavor paste, and the salt. Now let this mixture cool a bit, and transfer it to a heat-proof bowl. Pop it in the fridge to thicken while you prepare the cookie dough.

Make the Linzer Cookie Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, you’ll want to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. After a few minutes, it should become light and fluffy—this is the stage where you get that rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Mix in Egg and Flavor

Next up, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and salted caramel flavor paste. Mix well until everything is combined beautifully.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. When it’s all mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat on low-medium speed until you’ve formed a thick cookie dough.

Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is essential for the best results.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets

As the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your cookies.

Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, take it out and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about a ¼ inch thickness, making sure it’s even to ensure uniform baking.

Cut Out Cookies

Using a fluted cookie cutter, start cutting out your cookies. You’ll want to make some solid rounds and some with cute center cutouts. Arrange the solid cookies on one sheet and the cutout cookies on another, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

Bake the Cookies

Freeze Before Baking

Before you send these beauties into the oven, pop the baking sheets into the freezer for just a few minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! Place the solid cookies in the oven for 12-13 minutes and the cutout cookies for about 11-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden around the edges.

Assemble the Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies

Cool the Cookies

After baking, allow your cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once they’ve cooled, dust the top cookies with powdered sugar. This little touch not only adds extra sweetness but makes them look even prettier.

Fill with Caramel

Now comes the fun part! Pipe some of that lovely salted caramel onto the underside of the solid cookies. Take the cookies with the cutout and sandwich them on top. The caramel will peek through, but it’s all about that surprise when someone takes a bite!

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They’re also perfect for a festive platter, looking stunning alongside other holiday treats. Watch your guests’ faces light up as they take their first bite.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best cookies, remember to use butter that’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Chilling the dough properly is crucial, as it prevents spreading during baking and ensures your cookies keep their shape.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a delightful nutty flavor. Also, a sprinkle of sea salt on top of your caramel filling adds an extra flavor pop for anyone craving that sweet and salty combo.

Storage Tips

If there are any leftover cookies (which is doubtful!), store the assembled ones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just be careful; they might disappear quickly!

FAQs

1. Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
No, it’s best to use softened butter for the right texture in your cookies.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.

3. How long do salted caramel linzer cookies last?
They’ll stick around for about a week if stored correctly in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge before you roll it out.

5. What can I use instead of Amoretti Natural Salted Caramel Flavor Paste?
You can use a bit more vanilla extract, although it won’t provide quite the same rich flavor.

Creating these Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies is a rewarding experience sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Happy baking!