Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a delightful treat. With crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies offer a rich blend of chocolatey goodness and caramel flavor, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will impress everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft center that melts in your mouth.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from prep to bake, you can whip up these treats in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
- Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce or dulce de leche for an extra indulgent touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a fluffy butter-sugar mixture without much effort.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry ingredients and creaming the butter mixture efficiently.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
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
- Sea Salt Flakes (for sprinkling over top of cookies)
Optional Topping
- Caramel Sauce or Dulce de Leche (for drizzling over the top of cookies)
How to Make Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust your oven rack to the 2nd level mark (just above center), preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using your stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Switching the mixer speed to low, gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in both chocolate chips and caramel chips gently.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size), drop dough by spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the tops of each cookie before baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375ºF. Check at around 8 minutes; mine baked perfectly at about 10 minutes.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove cookies from oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping
If desired, drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie once they have cooled slightly.
Step 11: Store Properly
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week when kept with a slice of bread to maintain their moisture.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various creative ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk can amplify their rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture.
Warmed and Topped with Ice Cream
- Heat up the cookies slightly and add a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the caramel flavor by drizzling more caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This makes them extra indulgent!
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and mini cheesecakes for variety.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve these cookies alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast that balances the richness.
In Gift Boxes
- Package them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family. They make delightful homemade treats for any occasion.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Perfecting your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
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Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading while baking.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on cooling.
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Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be complemented by several side dishes that enhance their sweetness and flavor profile. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue: Serve alongside warm chocolate fondue for dipping, making it an interactive dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add creaminess that pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a tangy contrast that works well with sweet cookies.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture and complements the soft, fudgy cookie center.
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Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavors while providing an energizing boost.
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Chocolate Mousse: This light dessert can provide an airy contrast to the dense cookie while keeping the chocolate theme alive.
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Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar where guests can customize their desserts with various toppings, including your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, and a few common errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the cookies tough. Once your dry ingredients are combined, mix just until incorporated.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using the wrong measurements can ruin your cookie’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack helps maintain their texture. Don’t rush this step for chewy cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
- Adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake for about 5 minutes for warm cookies.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies that may help you perfect your baking experience.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips based on your preference.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize them with different chocolates or nuts according to your taste. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as an afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy any craving. Give this recipe a try and delight in every bite!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe combines rich chocolate and gooey caramel flavors to create a dessert that is both soft and chewy with just the right amount of crispy edges. Each cookie is topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, enhancing the flavor profile and providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. With quick preparation and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this decadent delight in no time!
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 (lightly packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel flavored chips
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate and caramel chips.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
