Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel, topped off with a hint of sea salt. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel creates an irresistible taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, holiday, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are suitable for all events.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you need a sweet treat.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips to make these cookies your own!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie Sheets
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
- Cookie Scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These tools save time and effort when combining ingredients, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Mixing Bowls: A variety of bowl sizes helps keep your workspace organized while preparing different components.
- Cookie Scoop: This tool allows for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.
Ingredients
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe gives you light, crispy edges that are soft and fudgy in the middle, with a rich chocolatey, caramel taste, and sea salt flakes lightly sprinkled on top!
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
Mix-Ins
- 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Caramel Flavored Chips
Toppings
- Sea Salt Flakes (for sprinkling over top of cookies)
- Caramel Sauce or Dulce de Leche (optional, for drizzling over the top of cookies)
How to Make Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Adjust the oven rack to the 2nd level mark (just above center). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until thoroughly blended. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Switching your mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in your dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in both chocolate chips and caramel chips gently using a spatula.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I recommend using the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the tops of each cookie before baking to enhance flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. (Mine baked perfectly at 10 minutes.)
Step 8: Cool Down
Remove cookies from the oven:
1. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
2. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional Drizzle
For an extra touch:
Drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie if desired before serving.
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are best stored in an airtight container for up to one week—add a slice of bread to keep them soft! Enjoy this delicious treat anytime!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with Milk
- A classic pairing! Serve your cookies with a cold glass of milk to enhance the chocolatey goodness.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious dessert twist.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel
- For an indulgent treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a caffeine boost that complements the sweet flavors.
Gift in a Jar
- Layer broken pieces of cookies in a mason jar for an appealing and thoughtful gift idea.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside fresh fruit and other desserts for an eye-catching display.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Achieving the perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is easier than you think. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry ingredients until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be soft in the center but set around the edges.
- Experiment with Chocolates: Try using different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Berries: Serve strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements each bite.
- Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert by providing melted chocolate for dipping cookie pieces.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to balance out the rich flavors.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can provide a nice textural contrast alongside soft cookies.
- Caramel Flavored Yogurt: This creamy option pairs well with the caramel notes of the cookies while keeping it light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, it’s easy to encounter common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
-
Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to poor mixing and texture. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
-
Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined; this keeps them soft and chewy.
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Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour. Use a spoon to aerate it first, then spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
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Baking on a Cold Sheet: Placing cookie dough on an unheated sheet can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven and use parchment or silicone mats for even baking.
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Skipping the Sea Salt: The sea salt enhances the flavor of these cookies. Don’t skip this step; a light sprinkle on top makes a big difference!
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Storing Incorrectly: Leaving cookies exposed can make them hard. Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
- Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once frozen, transfer dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes for warm cookies.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies:
What makes these cookies double chocolate?
Double chocolate refers to using both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, resulting in an intense chocolate flavor that is irresistible.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips according to your preference.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should look set while the centers appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the wire rack.
Can I add nuts to my Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are great additions that enhance both texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover caramel sauce?
Store any unused caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about two weeks; just reheat before using!
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies offer a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures that everyone will love. They’re perfect for any occasion and allow plenty of room for customization—add nuts, swap chocolates, or drizzle more caramel! Try this recipe today, and enjoy these sweet treats fresh from your kitchen!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Each cookie features a luscious blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, creating a heavenly treat that’s crispy on the edges yet soft and fudgy in the center. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself at home. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel-flavored chips
- Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in chocolate chips and caramel chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool for five minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
