Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Whenever I’m in the mood for something truly indulgent, I turn to my ultimate favorite: Chocolate Caramel Cookies. These cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate and the ooey-gooey goodness of caramel into one delightful treat. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water. Friends and family gathered around, eager to taste the sweet creations that were about to come out of the oven. Each bite is a bit of a surprise, with a soft cookie exterior giving way to a deliciously melted center filled with caramel. No matter the occasion, these cookies always bring joy!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
15 mins
15 mins
Medium
200 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, AIP, Low FODMAP
9 g
Electric Hand mixer or Stand mixer, Cookie sheet, cookie scoop, Whisk
Why This Chocolate Caramel Cookies Shines
There are so many reasons why I adore Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Here are just a few:
Decadent Flavor Combination
The marriage of chocolate and caramel is simply heavenly. Each bite bursts with rich flavors that are balanced perfectly. The chocolate dough is not overly sweet, while the caramel adds just the right amount of sweetness, making these cookies a perfect treat for any palate.
Perfectly Textured
These cookies have a delightful texture that you’ll fall in love with. The outside is slightly crunchy, while the inside remains chewy and soft, creating a stunning contrast. The way the caramel melts into the cookie makes for an irresistible gooey center that feels luxurious with every bite.
Fun to Make!
Baking these cookies is an adventure in itself. From mixing the butter and sugar to rolling the dough around the caramels, this recipe is not only easy but also incredibly enjoyable. It’s a great way to spend time with friends or family, creating a shared experience in the kitchen.
Customizable
One of the best things about Chocolate Caramel Cookies is their adaptability. You can choose to use different types of chocolate or even replace the caramels with other candies to suit your taste buds. This flexibility allows for endless variations on a classic recipe.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies never fail to impress. They’re always a hit with guests, who find themselves coming back for more. Plus, they make a fantastic gift when packaged nicely!
Leftover Magic
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), these cookies can be stored easily. They taste just as delicious the next day, and the caramel remains soft and gooey, perfect for a late-night snack or lunchbox treat.
Ingredient List for Chocolate Caramel Cookies
The secret to making incredible Chocolate Caramel Cookies lies within the ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need to create this mouth-watering treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 285 grams) – This provides the structure for the cookies, giving them the right balance between chewy and soft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup, 150 grams) – Adds depth of flavor and a rich chocolatey taste without adding extra sweetness.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons) – This acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise as they bake.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors of the cookie, making the chocolate taste even richer.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks, 1 cup, 225 grams) – Provides moisture and richness, key to a soft cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup, 115 grams) – Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (1 ½ cups, 300 grams) – Brings moisture and a rich flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Large eggs (2) – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness to the dough.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – A must-have flavor enhancer that makes the cookies taste more complex.
- Buttermilk or plain yogurt (½ cup, 120 ml) – Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate bar (12 ounces, 340 grams) – Chopped into chunks, it creates melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cookies.
- Soft caramels (28) – The star of the show, providing a gooey surprise inside each cookie.
- Flaky sea salt – For a delicate sprinkle on top, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The Process for Making Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the making of these delicious Chocolate Caramel Cookies. The process is simple and straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can create a batch of these heavenly delights. Follow these steps closely and prepare to enjoy!
- Begin by sifting together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This step ensures that there are no lumps and helps to aerate the mixture, making your cookies lighter and fluffier.
- In a separate bowl (or a stand mixer), cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s light and fluffy in texture.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating for an additional minute until everything is well combined. The mixture should appear glossy and homogenous at this point.
- Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Next, fold in the buttermilk or plain yogurt until fully incorporated. This will add moisture to the dough and keep the cookies tender.
- Now it’s time to add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Gently fold them into the dough with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls and gently flatten them into disks. Do this in batches to keep the dough chilled and manageable.
- Wrap each dough disk around a piece of soft caramel, ensuring that the caramel is fully encased. This will create the gooey center once baked.
- Chill the wrapped cookies again for an additional 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while you wait.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread as they bake.
- Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. Watch for the edges to set while the center remains soft.
- Immediately sprinkle the freshly baked cookies with flaky sea salt right after removing them from the oven. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them perfect for handling.
Things Worth Knowing
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough gets too warm, the cookies may flatten. Chill it for the best results.
- Proper Sized Cookies: Use enough dough around each caramel to prevent the cookies from exploding during baking.
- Use Flaky Sea Salt: For topping, larger flakes of salt work best; they enhance flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations about Chocolate Caramel Cookies
These Chocolate Caramel Cookies are fantastic as they are, but you can also mix things up with these variations for a fun twist:
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add a dollop of peanut butter to the center along with the caramel for a delicious flavor combination.
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added crunch.
- Flavored Caramels: Experiment with different flavored caramels, such as sea salt caramel or vanilla, for unique tastes.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for the chunks to change up the flavor profile.
- Stuff with Candy: Instead of caramels, try stuffing the cookies with Rolo candies or other chocolate-covered treats for a different surprise.
- Chill Overnight: For even deeper flavors, you can chill the dough overnight before baking.
- Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Serving Chocolate Caramel Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas:
- With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Party Treat: Serve these cookies at parties or gatherings, and watch them disappear quickly! They are sure to be a hit.
- Lunch Box Surprise: Slip a couple into your child’s lunch for a sweet surprise that they’ll love.
- Seasonal Treat: Perfect for any time of year, you can add themed decorations for holidays, like red sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or green for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Warm Up: For an extra treat, warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to melt the caramel again.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that will have you reaching for a second (or third) cookie! The soft, chewy texture paired with the gooey caramel center makes them irresistible. I encourage you to try making this recipe; you won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Equipment
- Electric Hand mixer or Stand mixer
- Cookie Sheet
- Cookie Scoop
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cups Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda
- ½ teaspoons Salt
- 2 sticks Unsalted butter
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups Light brown sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup Buttermilk or plain yogurt
- 12 ounces Semi-sweet chocolate bar
- 28 Soft caramels
- to taste Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. About 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat again for 1 minute.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix again until just combined.
- Then add the buttermilk or plain yogurt and mix again until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar, cover the bowl, and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Use a medium cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls and flatten into disks.
- Wrap the cookie dough around each soft caramel, and chill again for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), then place the chilled cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt right after you remove them from the oven.
- Cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cookie dough mixes together more smoothly when all of the ingredients, and especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature.
- Chill the Dough: If the cookie dough is too warm, the cookies will flatten too much and the caramel could seep out.
- Don’t Try to Make Them Small: You need to have enough cookie dough around each caramel so that there’s room inside for the caramel to live.
- Don’t Use Table Salt: The salt that you add to the top should be large flakes.
- To Store: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy them within 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: You can also freeze cookies for up to 3 months.
