Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a heavenly treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With light, crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe stands out for its indulgent taste and beautiful presentation, especially with a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a taste experience that’s hard to beat.
- Easy to Make – This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply enjoying at home with your favorite drink.
- Crowd-Pleaser – With 36 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share or enjoy throughout the week.
- Customizable – You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer – Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly creaming the butter and sugars.
- Mixing bowls – Essential for keeping your ingredients organized while combining them effectively.
- Baking sheets – Allows even baking; using parchment or silicone ensures easy removal of cookies without sticking.
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
Add-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
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 you can 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 and continue mixing until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine 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.
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 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375ºF (mine baked for 10 minutes).
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Step 10: Add Optional Drizzle
Drizzle the tops of each cookie with caramel sauce or dulce de leche if desired.
Step 11: Store Cookies
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to a week with a slice of bread.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The milk balances the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich! Add your favorite flavor of ice cream in between for a delicious dessert twist.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. The cream adds a light texture that complements the fudginess of the cookies.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For those who truly love caramel, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving. It enhances the sweet and salty flavors beautifully.
Alongside Fresh Fruit
- Pairing these cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast. The acidity from the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookie.
As Party Favors
- Package them in decorative bags as party favors for gatherings or events. They make for a thoughtful and tasty gift!
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To make sure your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies tender and chewy, avoiding toughness.
- Chill the dough (optional) – If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can improve flavor and texture by allowing ingredients to meld.
- Watch baking time closely – Since ovens vary, check your cookies at 8 minutes. Remove them when they look slightly underbaked for soft centers.
- Experiment with chocolate chips – Try different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts for varied flavor and texture combinations.
- Store properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness for up to a week.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is perfect alongside warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
- Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate mousse enhances the chocolate flavor while adding an elegant touch to your dessert spread.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness that balances out the sweet richness of the cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso – A hot cup of coffee or espresso pairs well, cutting through sweetness while enhancing chocolate flavors.
- Caramel Flan – This creamy dessert echoes the caramel notes in the cookies, providing a luscious finish that’s sure to impress.
- Nutty Granola – Crunchy granola offers texture and can be served as a topping on yogurt alongside your cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites deliver creamy goodness that contrasts nicely with the chewy cookie texture.
- Milkshakes – Blend up a thick milkshake—perhaps chocolate or caramel flavored—for a fun drink companion to your delicious treats!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for soft, fudgy cookies.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking times. Use an oven thermometer for accurate readings.
- Not using parchment paper: Skipping this step may lead to sticking. Always line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.
- Ignoring cookie spacing: Placing the cookies too close together can cause them to spread into each other. Leave at least 2 inches between each cookie scoop.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store 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
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 5 minutes for freshness.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.
How do I achieve the perfect texture?
To get soft and fudgy Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients and use room temperature ingredients.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference, as it will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them with a slice of bread to keep them fresh longer.
What if I don’t have caramel chips?
You can substitute with additional chocolate chips or melt caramel candies and fold them into the dough before baking if you prefer a gooey center.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With their light crispy edges and soft fudgy centers, they are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the chocolate types used. Try this recipe today and enjoy a treat that’s sure to please!
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. These irresistible treats combine rich chocolate and luscious caramel, creating a cookie experience like no other. With their crispy edges and soft, fudgy centers, they’re perfect for any occasion, from cozy movie nights to festive gatherings. A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a heavenly experience. Easy to make and adaptable for various dietary preferences, this recipe promises satisfaction for everyone at the table.
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 375°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in chocolate and caramel chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on wire racks before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
