Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies feature light, crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center. The addition of sea salt flakes enhances the sweetness, making them irresistible for dessert lovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent Flavor: These cookies offer a rich chocolatey taste complemented by sweet caramel and a hint of salt.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, family gatherings, or as an everyday snack; they never disappoint!
- Stays Fresh Longer: Store them in an airtight container, and they remain soft and tasty for up to a week.
- Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce or dulce de leche for an extra special touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make these cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars together until fluffy, ensuring a perfect cookie texture.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining dry ingredients separately before mixing them into the wet ingredients.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.
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
Chocolate & Caramel Additions
- 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Caramel Flavored Chips
- 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
Adjust your oven rack to the 2nd level mark (just above center), preheat the oven to 375ºF, then line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour.
2. Add unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Mix in baking soda and salt.
4. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using your stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract:
1. Continue mixing until well blended.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Switching the mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and caramel chips gently.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons size):
1. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets leaving about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cookie before baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes (mine baked for exactly 10 minutes).
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven:
1. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet.
2. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Step 10: Drizzle with Caramel (Optional)
For an optional but delicious touch:
Drizzle each cookie with caramel sauce or dulce de leche after cooling.
Storage Tips
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to a week alongside a slice of bread to maintain their softness!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
These cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their rich flavors. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or a snack, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing—dunking these cookies in a cold glass of milk enhances their fudgy texture and balances the sweetness.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert that combines chewy and creamy textures.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For those who can’t get enough caramel, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra sweet touch.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a beautiful dessert platter for parties or gatherings. Add fresh fruits and nuts for variety.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the chocolate and caramel flavors perfectly.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in decorative bags for guests to take home after events. It’s a sweet way to say thank you!
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out delicious every time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps them mix better, creating a smoother dough.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help prevent spreading during baking.
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Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid using too much, which leads to dense cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool contrast to warm cookies.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness and balance the sweetness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Mousse: Serve with rich chocolate mousse for an extravagant dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream provides lightness that pairs beautifully with these decadent cookies.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness.
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Nutella Dip: For chocolate lovers, serve with Nutella on the side for dipping!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 375ºF. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in cookies that are too soft or burnt.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and cocoa powder. Too much or too little can change the cookie’s texture significantly.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Let cookies cool on a wire rack after baking. This helps them firm up and enhances their flavor.
- Overmixing Dough: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and fudgy ones.
- Ignoring Sea Salt Flakes: Don’t skip the sea salt flakes on top. They enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
What makes Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies special?
These cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt, creating an irresistible treat.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on your taste preference.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour while following the rest of the recipe as is.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week at room temperature.
Can I add nuts to my Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add extra texture and flavor if you enjoy them in your cookies.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not just delicious; they offer versatility for customization. Try adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Whichever way you choose, this recipe promises warmth and joy with every bite!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience pure bliss with our Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. These cookies boast crispy edges and a fudgy center, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these easy-to-make cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking these luxuriously soft cookies has never been easier. Elevate your dessert game with this irresistible recipe that promises to satisfy every sweet tooth!
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 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 your oven to 375ºF and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate and caramel chips.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Sprinkle sea salt over each cookie before baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes; cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
