Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its unique combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. The light, crispy edges and fudgy centers make every bite an indulgent experience, while the sea salt flakes add a delightful contrast that elevates the flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of chocolate and caramel creates a symphony of taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for parties, potlucks, or just to enjoy with friends over coffee.
• Customizable Toppings: Add extra drizzles of caramel sauce or experiment with different types of chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar to achieve that light and fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even mixing.
• Cookie scoop: This tool helps portion out uniform cookie dough balls, promoting even baking.

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

Mix-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. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or 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 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: Add 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 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: Portion Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
– Drop dough by spoonfuls leaving about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375ºF until set but still soft in the center (mine baked for about 10 minutes).

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven:
– Allow cooling for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping

Drizzle each cookie with caramel sauce or dulce de leche if desired for an extra treat.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

Keep stored in an airtight container for up to a week with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

These cookies yield approximately 36 cookies, making them ideal for sharing! Enjoy this delightful treat that combines decadent chocolate with luscious salted caramel goodness!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to pair them with a drink or serve them at a gathering, these cookies will impress everyone!

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.

At Parties

• Arrange on a platter at your next gathering for a sweet treat that guests will love.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top just before serving.

As Gifts

• Package them in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful, homemade gifts.

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How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

To make the best Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can affect the cookie’s softness.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and fudgy.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve texture.

• Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven is different; check your cookies around the 8-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

• Sprinkle Sea Salt Generously: A generous sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor profile and adds a delightful crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.

2. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate shake adds an extra layer of indulgence when enjoyed together.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate notes.

5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy texture that pairs well with these rich cookies.

6. Caramel Dipping Sauce: Serve warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping, adding another layer of flavor.

7. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can provide an interesting textural contrast when enjoyed alongside soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and fudgy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Skipping the sea salt sprinkle: The salt enhances the sweet caramel flavor. Don’t forget this crucial step before baking!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.

Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat cookies for 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds, but monitor closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.

What makes these cookies double chocolate?

The recipe uses both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, giving it a rich chocolate flavor.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chips based on your preference.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough before baking and adding an extra egg yolk.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add great texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not just delectable; they offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts, using different chocolates, or drizzling with extra caramel sauce. Try making this recipe today for an irresistible treat!