Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With light, crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The rich chocolate taste combined with sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, ensuring that you can enjoy these decadent delights in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates a harmonious blend that is both rich and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you won’t need to be a baking expert to impress your friends and family.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges with a chewy center, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Versatile Treats: These cookies are great for holidays, parties, or just because! They also make wonderful gifts when packaged nicely.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to drizzle extra caramel sauce or add nuts for an even more personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your ingredients and tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve the perfect creamy texture for the butter and sugar mixture quickly.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients ensures proper mixing without clumps.
- Cookie sheets: They provide a flat surface for baking your cookies evenly, preventing burnt edges.
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. Then line 2 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.
2. Add unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Mix in baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using your stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. 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:
1. Continue mixing until well blended.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
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 using a spatula.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
Drop dough by spoonfuls leaving about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the tops of each cookie before baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 8-10 minutes at 375ºF (mine baked for exactly 10 minutes).
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove from oven:
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping
For an extra indulgent treat:
Drizzle the tops of each cookie with caramel sauce or dulce de leche if desired.
Step 11: Store Properly
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to a week—add a slice of bread to keep them fresh!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
These delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various treats to enhance the experience.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture balances the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream – For an extra kick, this flavor complements the cookies beautifully.
Serve with Milk
- Cold Milk – A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and richness.
- Chocolate Milk – For chocolate lovers, this is a perfect match to amplify the cocoa goodness.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Fruit Slices – Fresh fruits like strawberries or apples provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Brownies – Combining these cookies with brownies creates a decadent dessert experience.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel
- Caramel Sauce – A drizzle on top adds an additional layer of sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Dulce de Leche – This rich alternative gives a unique twist that fans of caramel will surely enjoy.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Perfecting your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies takes a little practice but is well worth it. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix your dry ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fudgy.
- Chill the Dough – If time allows, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for chewier cookies.
- Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Watch Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out for optimal softness.
- Use Quality Chocolate – High-quality chocolate chips enhance flavor and make a significant difference in taste.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
When serving Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some delightful options:
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness that contrasts nicely with the dense cookie.
- Fresh Berries – Sweet and tart berries like raspberries or blueberries offer a refreshing balance.
- Cheese Platter – Pairing with soft cheeses like brie can create a unique dessert experience.
- Espresso or Coffee – The bold flavors of coffee enhance sweet desserts, especially chocolate ones.
- Nutty Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars provide a nice texture contrast alongside the soft cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The salty-sweet combination makes for a fun snack alongside your cookies.
- Caramel Popcorn – For those who love caramel, this crunchy treat pairs perfectly with your cookies’ soft texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, even small errors can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can prevent the dough from mixing properly. Always let your butter and eggs sit at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and fudgy.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accurate readings.
- Neglecting to Chill the Dough: Chilling helps improve flavor and texture. If time allows, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking for better results.
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 keep them soft.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They will stay fresh for up to three months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies that may help clarify any doubts.
What makes Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies special?
These cookies are unique due to their rich chocolate flavor combined with gooey caramel bits, making every bite heavenly.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.
How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?
To achieve chewy Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, avoid overbaking them; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate and caramel chips.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Leftover cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different types of chocolate or nuts. The combination of rich chocolate and salty caramel is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge your sweet tooth with these Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and gooey salted caramel. With light, crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it family gatherings or festive celebrations. The decadent flavors are beautifully balanced with a hint of sea salt that elevates each bite, making them irresistibly delicious. Best of all, they’re simple to make, ensuring you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy these delightful treats fresh from the oven.
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 sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in chocolate and caramel chips.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets leaving space between each cookie; sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
