If you’re in the mood for a cookie that combines rich chocolate, hints of caramel, and a touch of salt, Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are your perfect sweet treat. This cookie recipe takes the classic chocolate chip cookie to another delectable level. You’ll find every bite bursting with harmonious flavors that tantalize your taste buds, making it impossible to stop at just one.
Why We Love This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe
These cookies meld several irresistible elements into one delightful package. You get the deep richness of double chocolate thanks to the cocoa powder and chocolate chips, while the caramel packs a sweet punch that surprises your palate. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt not only enhances the flavors but also adds a sophisticated touch, elevating simple cookies into something truly special. Whether you are baking for a casual gathering, a holiday celebration, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To get started with your baking adventure, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 large eggs (at 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 over the top of cookies)
- Caramel sauce or dulce de leche (optional, for drizzling over the top)
How to Make Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Directions
Let’s dive into making these tasty cookies! First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While your oven is heating up, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step combines your dry ingredients and helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
Next, take your stand mixer and begin creaming the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Mix them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This generally takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to a softer cookie texture.
Once your butter and sugars are well combined, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mix. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated, and the mixture looks smooth.
Now, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients you whisked together earlier. It’s essential to mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. After the dry ingredients are incorporated, gently fold in the chocolate chips and caramel-flavored chips. Make sure these delicious chunks are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Place them a couple of inches apart, as they will spread a bit during baking. Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. This step is essential, as it balances out the sweetness and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to set while the centers remain soft. Once the cookies are done, take them out and let them cool on the wire racks for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely, but if you can’t resist, enjoy them warm!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Serving these Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is just as delightful as baking them. You can present them on a charming cookie platter at your next gathering or holiday event. Display them alongside a tall glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even coffee for a cozy pairing.
If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce or dulce de leche over the tops of the cookies right before serving. The additional caramel drizzle provides extra sweetness and a visually appealing finish. Your guests will be impressed not only by the flavors but also by the elegant presentation. Sharing these cookies makes for a perfect moment that everyone will remember.
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a better dough consistency.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. The sweet spot is when the edges are firm, and they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook once removed from the oven.
- Chill the Dough: If you have the patience, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping can enhance the flavors and lead to a thicker cookie.
- Mix and Match Chips: Feel free to swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips or caramel chips for your favorites. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips can work beautifully.
- Add Nuts: For those who enjoy a crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough. They provide a nice texture and additional flavor.
How to Store Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can either let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes for that just-baked taste.
Variations of Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Feel free to get creative with these cookies! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Stuffed Cookies: To take it up a notch, stuff each cookie dough ball with a small dollop of caramel sauce before baking. This creates a warm, gooey center that is hard to resist.
- Spicy Twists: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and salty flavors.
- Chocolate Lovers Version: Increase the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup and reduce the flour slightly to maintain the dough consistency. This makes for an even richer chocolate cookie experience.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and taste. This can create a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel perfectly.
FAQ
What makes Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies special?
These cookies are special because they combine rich, deep chocolate flavors with gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.
How long do I bake Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
You should bake these cookies at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them for the ideal texture, looking for firm edges and softer centers.
Can I freeze Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Store them in an airtight container for up to three months. Be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper.
What should I serve with Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
These cookies are perfect with a tall glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee. They can also be served on a platter at parties to delight your guests.
Can I modify the ingredients in the Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips or add nuts. You can even adjust the cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste or try a gluten-free version using a suitable flour blend.
Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
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 (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Chocolate and Caramel Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel-flavored chips
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling over the top)
- Caramel sauce or dulce de leche (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate and caramel-flavored chips.
Baking
- Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
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