Sea Salted Caramel Millionaire Cookie Cups – Buttery, Gooey & Irresistible

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers instant “wow” with surprisingly little effort, these sea salted caramel millionaire cookie cups are exactly what you need. Inspired by the iconic millionaire’s shortbread, they feature all the classic layers you love — a buttery base, a thick layer of rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping — but reimagined into soft, bakery-style cookie cups that are easy to hold and even easier to enjoy.

Each bite is pure indulgence. The tender cookie base cradles a gooey caramel center, topped with silky melted chocolate and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. That sweet-salty contrast is what makes these irresistible — the richness of the caramel paired with the slight crunch of salt creates a flavor that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”

These cookie cups are perfect for so many occasions: holiday dessert trays, bake sales, parties, gift boxes, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special at home. They look elegant and impressive, yet there’s no slicing, layering pans, or complicated assembly involved. One neat little cup gives you everything — buttery cookie, luscious caramel, smooth chocolate, and that signature pop of sea salt. Once you serve these, don’t be surprised when everyone asks you for the recipe.

A Luxe Dessert Born from Simplicity

From sheet pan to cookie cup — the evolution of a classic

Growing up, millionaire’s shortbread was something my grandmother made every Christmas — a classic British traybake with thick caramel, crumbly base, and a shiny chocolate top. But when I started baking with my own kids, I wanted something easier to serve, portion, and store.

So I reimagined it as sea salted caramel millionaire cookie cups — a soft cookie base pressed into mini muffin tins, filled with homemade caramel, and finished with melted chocolate. Same flavor, less mess. The result? A modern twist on tradition that’s still full of heart.

Why they’re totally addictive (and freezer-friendly!)

There’s something about the textures here that makes these cookie cups irresistible. The cookie shell is soft and slightly chewy, the caramel is smooth and buttery, and the chocolate? Just the right snap. And that final touch — a pinch of flaky sea salt — sends it over the top.

They’re also perfect for make-ahead baking. You can freeze the cups before or after filling, then defrost and serve with zero stress. Whether for holiday platters or everyday indulgence, these cookie cups are millionaires in taste — without the effort.

Ingredients & How to Make Sea Salted Caramel Millionaire Cookie Cups

Three decadent layers — all from scratch

To make these sea salted caramel millionaire cookie cups, you’ll prepare a soft cookie dough base, a quick stovetop caramel, and a simple chocolate topping. The ingredients are classic but come together in an impressive, bakery-style bite.

Ingrédients :

For the cookie base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the caramel:

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup (or honey)
• Pinch of salt

For the chocolate top:

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for shine)
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

You can use store-bought soft caramels if short on time — just melt with a splash of cream.

Foolproof steps for layering indulgence

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin.
2. Make the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Form the cups: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and press into each muffin cup to create a shell.
4. Bake for 9–11 minutes until lightly golden. The centers may puff — press gently with a spoon to re-form a cavity. Let cool completely.
5. Prepare the caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, syrup, and salt. Stir constantly for 6–8 minutes until thick and golden.
6. Fill each cookie cup with about a teaspoon of caramel. Let set 10 minutes.
7. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Spoon over caramel layer.
8. Finish with sea salt, then chill 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.

You’ll get crisp edges, gooey centers, and that perfect salty-sweet finish in every bite.

Flavor Twists & How to Store Millionaire Cookie Cups

Creative ways to customize your cookie cups

The base recipe for sea salted caramel millionaire cookie cups is rich and perfect as-is — but it also welcomes all kinds of creative twists.

• Nutty Millionaires: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the cookie dough for crunch, or sprinkle crushed toasted nuts on the chocolate before it sets.
• Espresso Infused: Stir ½ tsp espresso powder into the caramel layer for a mocha-like kick.
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry: Use dark chocolate for the topping and press a freeze-dried raspberry slice into each one before the chocolate hardens.
• Tahini Caramel: Stir a teaspoon of tahini into the caramel for a nutty, slightly savory depth that pairs beautifully with sea salt.
• Holiday Version: Add crushed candy cane or red/green sprinkles to the top for a festive finish.

The best part? These variations don’t require any extra time — just simple swaps and toppings.

Store them like a pro (or freeze for later)

These cookie cups store and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead — or hiding a stash just for you.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in a cool spot.
• Refrigerator: Keep chilled up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: Freeze filled cups (before or after chocolate topping) for up to 2 months. Separate with parchment to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

They’re perfect for cookie trays, party platters, or quiet moments when only something sweet, rich, and a little fancy will do.

FAQ

What are millionaire cookie cups made of?
They combine a buttery cookie dough base, homemade or melted caramel filling, and a layer of rich chocolate topped with sea salt.

How do you make sea salted caramel at home?
Heat sweetened condensed milk with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until thickened and golden — about 6–8 minutes over medium heat.

Can I freeze millionaire cookie cups?
Yes! Let them set completely, then freeze in layers with parchment between. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

What’s the best chocolate for caramel cookie cups?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best. For a softer bite, add a touch of coconut oil or butter when melting.