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, making it perfect for any occasion. With a crispy edge and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings. The sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the flavor profile, creating a mouthwatering experience. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
- Impressive Presentation: The drizzle of caramel sauce and sea salt flakes make these cookies visually appealing.
- Batch Friendly: This recipe yields 36 cookies, so you can share or save some for later!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a fluffy cookie dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
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 your oven rack to the second level mark (just above center). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat the unsalted butter along with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the butter mixture:
1. Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
2. Continue mixing until everything is blended smoothly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Switching your mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in both chocolate chips and caramel chips gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
1. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches apart between each cookie.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes to enhance flavor before baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place your trays into the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
After baking:
1. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping
For an added touch:
Drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie if desired.
Step 11: Store Properly
Store your delicious cookies in an airtight container for up to a week with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Enjoy your homemade Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether at a gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful dessert that’s both creamy and chewy.
Warm with Coffee
- Serve warm cookies alongside a cup of coffee. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cookies. This adds more sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
On Dessert Platters
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter for parties or gatherings. Their appealing look will entice guests, making them perfect for any occasion.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To ensure your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fudgy.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances flavors.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary; check your cookies at the minimum time to prevent overbaking.
- Add Sea Salt Generously: A good sprinkle of sea salt on top boosts flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.
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:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to warm cookies.
- Fresh Berries: Serve berries like strawberries or raspberries for a tart balance against sweet cookies.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can make each bite feel luxurious.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce provides an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and offer freshness alongside rich cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie for a sophisticated touch that balances sweetness.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee enhances flavors and provides a nice contrast to sugary treats.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nutty mix offers a satisfying texture contrast to soft cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your cookies turn out just right.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, fudgy ones.
- Not chilling the cookie dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Using old baking soda: Always check that your baking soda is fresh. Expired baking soda can affect rising and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough in balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covering it briefly to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies chewy?
To achieve chewiness, don’t overbake your cookies. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly undercooked.
Can I substitute ingredients in Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips or swap out the caramel chips for butterscotch chips based on your preference.
How long do these cookies last?
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored properly in an airtight container.
What can I drizzle on top of my cookies?
Caramel sauce or dulce de leche works beautifully as a drizzle on top of these delicious cookies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only rich and fudgy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, they are sure to impress!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly delight of Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, a perfect union of rich chocolate and luscious caramel. With their crispy edges and soft, fudgy centers, these cookies are a treat for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy night at home. The addition of sea salt enhances the sweet flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that everyone will adore. Simple to prepare yet impressive in presentation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert 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 (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 oven to 375ºF and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in chocolate and caramel chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 142
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 92mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
