Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies. Each bite is a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season. These cookies are not only beautiful but also perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties, ensuring they become a favorite in your Christmas cookie lineup.
These delightful cookies bring together rich flavors and a festive spirit, perfect for any holiday celebration. The secret to their goodness lies in the gooey caramel and the contrasting crunch of sea salt.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
The holidays are a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious cookies? These Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed during family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a sweet snack while watching your favorite holiday movies. Their rich flavors and textures will excite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Wrapped in festive packaging, these cookies make for perfect gifts. Friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness of home-baked goodies, especially ones that highlight the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Imagine handing out boxes filled with these delightful treats, allowing your loved ones to share in the joy of holiday baking.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly, take care when measuring your ingredients. Accurate measurements make a significant difference in baking, so use a kitchen scale for precision. Moreover, allow your butter to soften at room temperature to achieve that fluffy texture when creamed with sugars.
Another tip is to let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, which helps maintain their shape and texture. Remember, each oven may vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the cookies while they bake.
Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies
Once cooled, you might wonder how to store your Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies to keep them fresh. For optimal freshness, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, but trust us, they won't last that long! If you want to savor them longer, consider freezing them; just make sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy them, feel free to reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to regain that gooey caramel texture. Whether you're enjoying them alone with a cup of hot cocoa or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and warmth this holiday season.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
Fold in Chocolate and Caramel
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and caramel candies until evenly distributed in the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for spreading.
Bake
Bake for 9-11 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for days!
Get Creative with Mix-Ins
While this recipe is fantastic as written, don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, or even incorporate dried fruits like cranberries for a touch of tartness. Each variation offers a unique twist, making them even more special.
Additionally, consider substituting the dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. This adaptability makes the cookies a fun baking project for the whole family and allows you to tailor them to your personal preferences.
Pairing Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies pair excellently with a range of beverages. For the coffee lovers, a hot cup of espresso brings out the rich chocolate notes, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Alternatively, try them with a glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
If you're feeling adventurous, pair these cookies with a sweet dessert wine. A tawny port or a sweet Riesling can complement the caramel's richness and the chocolate's depth, making for a sophisticated after-dinner experience that your guests will love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies. Each bite is a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season. These cookies are not only beautiful but also perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties, ensuring they become a favorite in your Christmas cookie lineup.
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and caramel candies until evenly distributed in the dough.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for spreading.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g