Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. With a delightful combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something sweet, these cookies will impress everyone. Enjoy the light, crispy edges and soft, fudgy center that make each bite irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate and caramel creates a rich taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can create these delicious cookies.
- Versatile Treat: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just an afternoon snack; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends—everyone loves chocolate and caramel!
- Store Well: Keep them fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, so you can enjoy them longer.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and 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: Ensures ingredients are mixed thoroughly to achieve the right texture.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps your ingredients organized while preparing the dough.
- Cookie sheets: Provides a stable surface for baking your cookies evenly.
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
Chips and Toppings
- 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 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 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: Mix in 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 Ingredients
Switching the mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips gently.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking 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.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt Flakes
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 around 8 minutes; mine baked for about 10 minutes.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove from oven:
1. Allow cooling on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping
For an extra touch:
– Drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie if desired.
Step 11: Store Your Treats
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to a week with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavors and delightful textures make them a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the flavor by drizzling extra caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
Pair with Coffee or Milk
- Enjoy your cookies alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
Create a Cookie Sandwich
- Place two cookies together with a layer of whipped cream or frosting in between for a delicious cookie sandwich.
Serve on a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter mixed with other treats like brownies or mini pastries to impress your guests.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Getting the perfect batch of Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is easy with these simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies and keeps them soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and results in thicker cookies.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt Generously: The salt enhances the sweetness and chocolate flavor, so don’t be shy when sprinkling it on top before baking.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances chocolate richness with creamy sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra decadent treat.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside for added fluffiness and texture.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake pairs well for brunch events where both sweet treats shine.
- Nutty Granola: Serve crumbles of nutty granola for added crunch and flavor alongside your cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites complement the chocolate and caramel flavors perfectly.
- Caramel Popcorn: For an additional crunch, serve some caramel popcorn on the side for textural contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can prevent your dough from mixing properly. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies soft and fudgy.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag packs it down, leading to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different; baking too long can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them a minute or two before the recommended time.
- Skipping the Sea Salt Flakes: Not adding sea salt flakes can diminish the flavor contrast in your cookies. A sprinkle enhances sweetness and adds depth.
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 retain moisture.
Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to three months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making these delicious cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked queries.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, using dark chocolate chips will enhance the chocolate flavor and create a richer taste in your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading, leading to thicker cookies.
Can I substitute caramel flavored chips?
Absolutely! You can use chopped caramel candies or even butterscotch chips as an alternative in your recipe.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only rich and indulgent but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or swapping chocolate types. Dive into this delightful recipe today!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a heavenly treat that every chocolate lover must try. With their rich blend of decadent chocolate, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt, these cookies create an irresistible flavor experience. They feature light and crispy edges surrounding a soft, fudgy center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy evenings at home—these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to make, they’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delightful dessert.
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 the oven to 375ºF and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and caramel chips.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes; they should look slightly underbaked in the center.
- Allow cooling on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 153
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 21mg
