Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
When it comes to decadent treats, nothing quite compares to the experience of biting into a warm, gooey Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookie. Each bite reveals a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, featuring rich dark chocolate, a luscious salted caramel center, and a comforting softness that evokes feelings of nostalgia and indulgence. This is not just any cookie; it’s an experience that transforms an ordinary day into something special. Whippable together in under an hour (thanks to some time in the fridge), these cookies are perfect for gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy while nestled on the couch with your favorite book or movie. Trust us, your sweet tooth will thank you.
Have you ever craved a cookie that gives you the best of all worlds?
Picture this: a beautifully crafted cookie with a luscious gooey center that’s both rich and sweet. How often do you find yourself daydreaming about the perfect combination of dark chocolate and salted caramel? It’s those cravings that inspire us to bake, to get our hands doughy and create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a tough critic or a chocolate lover, these Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies will have you salivating at the thought. You might even find yourself obsessively counting the minutes until the dough is ready to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fast and easy prep: With a handful of basic ingredients and minimal fuss, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time!
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Crowd-pleaser: Who doesn’t love a fresh batch of cookies? This recipe will leave everyone wanting more!
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Indulgent flavors: The combination of dark chocolate and salted caramel is a match made in heaven and perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
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Versatile base: You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences by swapping ingredients.
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Kid-friendly fun: Baking these cookies is a delightful bonding activity for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 18 chocolate-coated caramels, such as Rolos
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
These ingredients come together like a dream, creating a balance of sweetness and savoriness that will get your taste buds tingling. The buttery richness combines beautifully with the chocolate, while the rolled caramels promise bursts of gooey goodness with each bite. And let’s not forget the finishing touch of flaky sea salt, which elevates the flavor to a gourmet level.
Timing
The beauty of these Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies lies in their versatility. You can have them ready to serve in as little as 60 minutes. However, allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (or even up to three days) makes for an even better flavor and texture experience. The waiting time only adds to the anticipation of tearing off a piece of these deliciously warm cookies. Luxuriate over them at an elegant holiday gathering or indulge on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Step-by-Step
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and light in color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
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Add the large egg and pure vanilla, and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
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With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. The cookie dough will be thick at this point—don’t worry, that’s how it’s meant to be!
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Switch to medium-high speed and beat in the milk, followed by the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days. This step is crucial for developing that rich flavor and chewy texture!
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, divide it in half, and roll each half into a ball. Make a thumb indent into one ball, place a chocolate-coated caramel in the center, and press the other ball on top, sealing the sides.
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Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they’re 2-3 inches apart for spreading during baking. Lightly sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
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Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes until the edges appear set while the centers remain soft. If the cookies aren’t spreading, remove the baking sheet from the oven and bang it on the counter to encourage spreading then return to the oven for the remaining time.
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Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, pressing more chocolate chips into the tops while still warm, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Store any leftover cookies tightly at room temperature for up to 1 week (if they last that long!).
These steps create a mouthwatering cookie that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and caramel. Each bite promises a gooey, melted center and a beautifully crisp outer layer, only enhanced by that sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie, the Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies contain approximately 150-180 calories depending on your exact measurements and portions. Yes, they’re indeed a sweet, indulgent treat, but remember that every bite should be savored. An occasional indulgence like this is what makes life sweet!
Healthier Alternatives
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Low-sugar option: Swap out half the granulated sugar for a sugar substitute, and use a low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol in the recipe.
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Dairy-free swaps: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Ensure the chocolate chips used are dairy-free as well.
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Flour alternatives: For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert option that will impress guests. They make fantastic treats for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, and birthdays. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a richer beverage like hot chocolate to encompass all indulgences one might collect in a dessert experience!
Common Mistakes
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Overbaking: Too much time in the oven can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Remember, the centers should look soft; they will firm up as they cool.
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Texture issues: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature and properly creamed with the sugars. Under-creaming can lead to dense cookies.
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Messes: Cookie dough can be sticky, especially when you’re trying to stuff them! Flour your hands lightly to make handling the dough easier.
Storing Tips
These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, freezing portions is a great method. Freeze them raw before baking, then prepare them straight from the freezer; you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time. To thaw freshly baked cookies, just place them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, and enjoy them as if they were just baked.
Tempted? Bake It ASAP!
There’s something incredibly enchanting about the ritual of baking—especially when it involves the mouthwatering flavors of dark chocolate and salted caramel. You owe it to yourself to experience the delights of these Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies. Get your ingredients in order today, embrace the process, and savor every indulgent bite.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of chocolate for this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate chips depending on your preference. -
Can I prep the cookie dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it convenient for a last-minute baking session. -
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for set edges and soft centers—if the edges appear slightly crisp while the center looks puffed, it’s time to take them out. -
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a delicious gluten-free version. -
What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
Place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that gooey caramel again!
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent cookies filled with a luscious salted caramel center and rich dark chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 18 chocolate-coated caramels, such as Rolos
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and light in color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and pure vanilla, and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, beating just until combined.
- Switch to medium-high speed and beat in the milk, followed by the chocolate chips.
- Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, and make a thumb indent into one ball. Place a caramel in the center and press the other ball on top, sealing the sides.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared sheets, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 12-13 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
