Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie Recipe

Have you ever wondered why salted caramel has become a beloved flavor sensation in desserts? According to recent surveys, over 70% of dessert lovers prefer the delightful combination of sweet and salty, making it a trend worth exploring. If you’re among those who crave this delicious fusion, you’re in for a treat with our Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie Recipe. This recipe combines rich chocolate cookies with gooey salted caramel, creating an indulgent experience that is hard to resist.

Ingredients List

To create these mouth-watering cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Substitutions:

• Butter: Can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Chocolate Chips: Consider using white chocolate chips for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in soft cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined. The eggs add moisture and richness to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before placing the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the salted caramel flavor.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie Recipe a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Flour: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Sugar: Substitute half the sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas.
• Butter: Use Greek yogurt instead of butter to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative box as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
2. Not Chilling the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
3. Skipping the Sea Salt: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt; it enhances the flavor of the cookies significantly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your cookies fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can indulge in these delightful Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies that blend sweet and salty flavors perfectly. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! Subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q2: How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, increase the brown sugar slightly and reduce the granulated sugar.

Q3: Can I use homemade salted caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor.