Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures with crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will impress everyone with their luscious flavor and irresistible appearance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of double chocolate and salted caramel creates a rich taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this cookie recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or as an everyday snack. They also make fantastic gifts!
- Decadent Texture: Enjoy light and crispy edges with a soft, gooey middle that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable Options: Add nuts or swap out chocolate types to make these cookies your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help you achieve the perfect creamy texture for your butter and sugars quickly.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate dry ingredients from wet ones, ensuring even mixing.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: This ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
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)
- 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. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Prepare 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 hand mixer or stand 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.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Switching the mixer speed to low, gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips gently.
Step 6: Portion Out Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size), drop dough by the spoonful onto lined baking sheets leaving about 2 inches apart between each cookie.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cookie before baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375ºF. Mine baked perfectly at 10 minutes.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping
If desired, drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie before serving.
Step 11: Store Properly
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to one week with a slice of bread to maintain freshness.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
With a Glass of Milk
- The classic pairing of cookies and milk enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Choose whole or almond milk for a creamy experience.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert. Vanilla or salted caramel ice cream works beautifully.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- For an indulgent touch, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of each cookie before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries. This creates a visually appealing dessert spread.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for a sweet takeaway at parties or gatherings. They make great gifts!
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage. The warmth from coffee or tea complements the fudgy texture perfectly.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, follow these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a soft and fudgy center.
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Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape.
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Watch your baking time: Bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the cooling rack.
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Experiment with chocolate types: Try different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate, to vary the flavor profile.
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Add nuts for crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
While these cookies shine on their own, serving them with complementary dishes can elevate your dessert experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the intense chocolate taste and is a favorite pairing.
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Chocolate Mousse: Serve a small portion of light chocolate mousse as a sophisticated side that enhances the cookie’s chocolatey goodness.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a tangy contrast while keeping it indulgent and delicious alongside cookies.
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Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake can complement the sweetness of cookies while adding another layer of flavor.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Light whipped cream can be served alongside for those who enjoy an extra layer of creaminess with their dessert.
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Nutty Granola Clusters: Sweet granola clusters provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies, making it an interesting combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour or sugar can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies.
- Using cold butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies instead of the desired light texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that lose their soft, fudgy center.
- Not chilling the dough: If time allows, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies with a chewy texture.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking—either burnt edges or undercooked centers.
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 help maintain moisture.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; this will make them soft again.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer flavor to your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
How do I ensure my cookies are soft?
Make sure not to overbake them. The edges should be set, but the center may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
What if I don’t have caramel-flavored chips?
You can replace caramel chips with extra chocolate chips or add chopped caramel candies instead for similar flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their crispy edges and fudgy centers make them irresistible. Customize these cookies by adding nuts, different types of chocolate, or even spices like cinnamon for an extra twist. Enjoy baking and indulging!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, where rich chocolate meets gooey caramel and a touch of sea salt. These irresistible cookies feature crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion—be it a gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple sweet craving—these cookies are sure to impress with their luscious flavor and stunning appearance. Easy to make, they allow for customization, whether you want to add nuts or experiment with different types of chocolate. Get ready to bake a batch of these heavenly treats and treat yourself or your loved ones!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Caramel Flavored Chips
- Sea Salt Flakes (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined; fold in chocolate chips and caramel chips.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the 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: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
