2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flaky sea salt for topping
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Scoop large dough balls (3 tbsp each). Flatten tops slightly.
Bake 12–14 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Frost cooled cookies, drizzle caramel, and sprinkle sea salt.
Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky.
For mini cookies, scoop 1 tbsp dough and bake for 8–9 minutes.
Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for neat frosting swirls.