Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Deliciously decadent cookies featuring rich chocolate dough and a gooey salted caramel center.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are a treat for chocolate lovers, combining the sweetness of caramel with a hint of salt for a perfectly balanced flavor. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with gooey salted caramel
- Perfect combination of sweet and salty
- Soft and chewy texture with a delightful crunch
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are not just desserts; they are an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique flavor combination of rich chocolate and gooey salted caramel makes them a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or package them as gifts for friends and family. They can be enjoyed year-round, whether it's a summer barbecue or a winter holiday gathering. Their appealing look and irresistible taste make them the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly, consider using high-quality chocolate chips. The flavor and texture of the chocolate can elevate your cookies significantly. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. This will help maintain the chewy texture you desire. When wrapping the dough around the caramel, make sure it's completely sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
Another tip for achieving the best results is to chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be slightly underbaked for a soft center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool completely before storing them. They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a cool treat or thawed at room temperature.
For serving, consider drizzling some extra salted caramel on top or sprinkling a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful treat. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a memorable addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting the recipe!
Instructions
Make the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly. Once melted, add the butter and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool.
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of salted caramel in the center and wrap the dough around it, forming a ball. Repeat for all cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy your delicious salted caramel chocolate cookies!
Common Questions
One common question is whether you can make these cookies ahead of time. Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for even tastier cookies. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Another frequent inquiry involves substituting ingredients. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For those who prefer a less sweet experience, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and taste.
Pairing Recommendations
To complement the rich flavors of the Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies, consider pairing them with a robust coffee or a rich dark hot chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a balanced treat. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cookies adds a creamy contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
For a more adventurous pairing, serve these cookies with a dessert wine, such as a port or a late harvest Riesling. The sweetness of the wine will harmonize beautifully with the salty and sweet notes of the cookies, making for a sophisticated treat after a meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a time-saver.
→ How do I store leftover cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months before baking.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil as a butter substitute.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Deliciously decadent cookies featuring rich chocolate dough and a gooey salted caramel center.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly. Once melted, add the butter and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of salted caramel in the center and wrap the dough around it, forming a ball. Repeat for all cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g