Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows are a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with gooey salted caramel, all encased in a soft pastry. These delightful bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and make an impressive dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)

Timing

Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 15 minutes for baking, and additional time for cooling and assembly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Filling

1. Heat Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
3. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Cook for an additional minute until smooth.
4. Season: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pillows

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into squares (about 2×2 inches).
3. Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of salted caramel in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to create a pillow shape, sealing the edges with a fork.
4. Bake: Place the filled pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate

1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
2. Dip Pillows: Once the pillows are cool, dip each one in the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each pillow.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting. Serve your Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows as a delicious dessert or treat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows (per pillow, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Pillow
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	22g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Flavored Caramel: Add a splash of vanilla or bourbon to the caramel for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for a different taste.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel for added crunch.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet and salty flavors of caramel. Perfect for sharing, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

FAQs

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salted caramel in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat before using.

Can I freeze these pillows?

Yes, you can freeze the uncoated pillows for up to 2 months. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.