Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a delicious treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies feature crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center. The addition of sea salt flakes enhances the flavor, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates an irresistible taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these cookies in no time—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins to make this recipe your own.
• Great Texture: Enjoy the contrast between crispy edges and a gooey middle for the ultimate cookie experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve the ideal texture by thoroughly blending ingredients without tiring your arms.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even distribution throughout your cookie dough.
• Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking; using parchment paper ensures easy removal of cookies.

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
• 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, then line 2 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

Using your hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, 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. Continue mixing until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Switching the mixer speed to low, gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cookie before baking for an added flavor boost.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8-10 minutes at 375ºF. Keep an eye on them; mine baked perfectly at around 10 minutes.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 10: Drizzle Optional Topping

If desired, drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over each cookie before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 11: Store Properly

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

These delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• An ice-cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing the chocolatey flavor and making them even more indulgent.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Vanilla or caramel ice cream works particularly well!

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cookies before serving. This adds a luscious sweetness that complements the salted caramel chips.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruit or other desserts. This makes for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece at parties.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve your cookies warm right out of the oven for a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Just be cautious as they can be quite hot!

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How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

To achieve cookie perfection, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures better mixing and helps create a uniform dough consistency.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and prevent spreading.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your sheets to ensure even baking for all cookies.
• Store with Bread: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies can enhance their enjoyment. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Serve alongside silky chocolate mousse for an elegant dessert experience that satisfies chocolate cravings.
3. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream can be dolloped on top, providing a creamy texture that balances sweetness.
4. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone offers a savory component that complements sweet treats wonderfully.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A brewed cup of coffee enhances chocolate flavors while providing a warm beverage option.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts and dried fruits creates textural variety and pairs well with sweet cookies.
7. Caramelized Bananas: Sautéed bananas in brown sugar add warmth and pair beautifully with chocolate.
8. Vanilla Pudding: Creamy vanilla pudding serves as a great dip for the cookies, adding another layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when trying to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a creamy mixture and even baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and fudgy; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement; too much flour will make your cookies dry.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An incorrect temperature can affect cookie texture significantly.
• Skipping the sea salt: Don’t forget this key step! A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a delightful contrast.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: On low heat, warm cookies in a non-stick pan with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies different?

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are unique due to their rich chocolate flavor combined with gooey caramel bits and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating an irresistible treat.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on your preference. Dark chocolate is also a great option for a richer flavor.

How do I get my cookies to be chewy?

To achieve chewiness, avoid overbaking them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Can I add nuts to Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness. Add a slice of bread inside to help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the type of chocolate you use. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Try making them today!