Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe will quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion. With their light, crispy edges and soft, fudgy centers, these cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel flavors. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of chocolate and caramel creates a truly decadent cookie.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy edges and soft centers.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions like parties, holidays, or just because!
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap in your favorite chocolate chips for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious cookie recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve the perfect creamy texture for your dough.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for even baking; can use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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!

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 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

For the Mix-Ins

• 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Caramel Flavored Chips

For Topping

• 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

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Adjust your oven rack to the second level mark (just above center). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or 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

In a large mixing bowl:
Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add:
The two large eggs and vanilla extract.
Continue mixing until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Switching to low speed:
Gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in:
The semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel flavored chips using a spatula.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Using either a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets, leaving about two inches apart between each cookie.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle:
The tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes for that perfect salty touch.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven:
For about 8–10 minutes. Mine baked perfectly at 10 minutes!

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 10: Drizzle with Caramel

Optionally drizzle over:
With some caramel sauce or dulce de leche on top of each cookie for an extra special touch.

Step 11: Storage

Store cookies:
Keep them in an airtight container for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain freshness!

Enjoy these delightful Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies as an indulgent treat any time!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

These delightful Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies can be served in many delicious ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cookies. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream. The melted chocolate and warm caramel create a heavenly dessert experience.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies in decorative bags to give as party favors. They make sweet treats for guests to take home and enjoy later.

On Dessert Platters

• Arrange your cookies on a beautiful dessert platter with fruits and chocolates. This presentation is eye-catching and invites people to indulge.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This adds richness and enhances their flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

To achieve the best version of your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, consider these helpful tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your baking soda and flour are fresh. Stale ingredients can affect the rise and flavor of your cookies.

• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and sugar to avoid dense cookies. Spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out; they will continue to cook on the sheet afterward.

Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness to balance the sweetness of the cookies. Choose seasonal fruits for vibrant colors and flavors.

2. Coffee
   Serve with a cup of hot coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-rounded treat.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone alongside nuts and dried fruits. The savory elements provide a delightful contrast to the sweet cookies.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or pretzels into melted chocolate—a fun way to enhance your dessert table.

5. Milkshakes
   Pair these cookies with thick chocolate or caramel milkshakes for an indulgent dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone.

6. Nut Mix
   A simple mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweetness of your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies perfectly.

7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Create an ice cream sundae bar where guests can build their favorites using different toppings, including pieces of your delicious cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can be a joy, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder your baking experience.

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter and eggs can affect the texture, resulting in dense cookies. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and fudgy.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Incorrect flour measurement can alter the cookie’s structure. Use the spoon-and-level method to get an accurate measurement.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Baking at a temperature that’s too high can cause cookies to spread too much or burn. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for too long can result in soggy bottoms. Transfer them promptly to a cooling rack after 5 minutes.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes for a warm treat.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, using dark chocolate chips will give a richer flavor. Adjust sweetness if desired.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or additional chocolate pieces can enhance flavor and texture.

Are these cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies contain dairy and eggs, but you can adapt recipes using vegan substitutes if needed.

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the level of sweetness. They bring joy with every bite, so don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy these tempting treats!