Welcome to the world of sweet and salty treats. The salted caramel dark chocolate cookies are a unique blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. This dessert combines the richness of dark chocolate with the sweetness of caramel and a hint of sea salt, creating a balance that's irresistible. So, prepare yourself for this indulgent experience as we walk through the steps to creating these decadent cookies.
The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, take special note of the chocolate coated caramels and the sea salt. The chocolate coated caramels are a key component of this dish, providing a gooey caramel center, while the sea salt is used to sprinkle on top before baking to enhance the flavor. Both of these items can be found in the candy or baking aisle.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Unsalted butter: This is used for the cookie dough, and it gives the cookies a rich and buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies.
Brown sugar: It gives the cookies a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
All-purpose flour: The primary dry ingredient that makes up the structure of the cookies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Leavens the cookies, making them rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough.
Dark chocolate morsels: Adds richness and more chocolate flavor to the cookies.
Chocolate coated caramels: These are stuffed inside the cookies, giving them a gooey center.
Sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance flavor and give a delicious contrast to the sweet cookies.
One reader, Carlotta Scales says:
These salted caramel dark chocolate cookies are a game-changer! The combination of rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt is pure bliss. The recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies turned out absolutely divine. I'll definitely be making these again!
Techniques Required for Making Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
How to cream the butter and sugars: Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
How to sift dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate medium-size bowl.
How to chill the dough: After mixing the ingredients, chill the dough for at least 1 to 2 hours before shaping the cookies.
How to stuff the cookies with caramel: Take 2 tablespoons of chilled dough, split it in half, and roll each half into a ball. Insert a caramel into one ball of dough, then top it with the other ball of dough and seal the sides to secure the caramel inside.
How to sprinkle with sea salt: Before baking, sprinkle each stuffed cookie with sea salt to enhance the flavor.
How to check for doneness: Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes until they appear undone and very soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter,115g softened to room temperature
- ½cupgranulated sugar,100g
- ½cupbrown sugar,100g packed light or dark
- 1large egg,at room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cupall-purpose flour,125g spoon & leveled
- ⅔cupunsweetened cocoa powder,58g
- 1tspbaking soda
- ⅛tspsalt
- 2tbspmilk,30ml
- 1½cupsNestlé® Toll House® Dark Chocolate Morsels,270g
- 17chocolate coated caramels,such as Rolos
- sea salt,coarse
Instructions
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Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed for about 20 seconds. Add the sugars with the mixer running on medium speed. Cream it all together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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In a separate medium size bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly add to the wet ingredients. Stir in the milk, then fold in the dark chocolate morsels. The dough will be thick and very sticky. Chill for at least 1-2 hours.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside.
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Take 2 Tablespoons of chilled dough and split in half and roll each into a ball with your hands. Stick a caramel into 1 ball of dough. Top the caramel with the other ball of dough and seal down the sides so that the caramel is securely stuffed inside. Repeat with the rest of the dough and 18 caramel candies. Sprinkle each with sea salt before putting into the oven.
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Bake for 12-13 minutes. Cookies will appear undone and very soft. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Calories: 247.35kcal
- Fat: 13.18g
- Saturated Fat: 7.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.81g
- Carbohydrates: 31.09g
- Fiber: 3.02g
- Sugar: 19.54g
- Protein: 3.42g
- Cholesterol: 25.18mg
- Sodium: 129.43mg
- Calcium: 37.75mg
- Potassium: 198.19mg
- Iron: 2.66mg
- Vitamin A: 49.79µg
- Vitamin C: 0.04mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
When stuffing the caramel into the cookie dough, ensure that it is completely sealed in. If any caramel is exposed, it may leak out during baking and create a sticky mess on your baking sheet. To prevent this, you can lightly dust your hands with flour before handling the dough, which will make it less sticky and easier to work with. Also, chilling the dough as instructed not only makes it easier to handle, but it also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 1 to 2 hours will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you portion the dough quickly and efficiently, ensuring that all the cookies are of uniform size and bake evenly.
Pre-portion the caramel: Before starting the assembly process, pre-portion the chocolate-coated caramels to save time and make the stuffing process smoother.
Bake in batches: If your oven is not large enough to accommodate all the cookies at once, bake them in batches to ensure even baking and consistent results.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven before you start assembling the cookies to save time and ensure that it's at the right temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
Substitute Ingredients For Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, and it can also help to keep the cookies moist.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, which can complement the salted caramel and dark chocolate in the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies, enhancing the flavor profile.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins): Flax egg can act as a binding agent similar to eggs, and it's a great vegan-friendly alternative.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies, which can complement the dark chocolate and salted caramel.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder has a rich, intense chocolate flavor and is less processed than cocoa powder, adding depth to the cookies.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can help the cookies rise and create a softer texture, similar to baking soda.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can add a subtle nutty flavor and creaminess to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste and texture.
nestlé® toll house® dark chocolate morsels - Substitute with vegan dark chocolate chips: Vegan dark chocolate chips can provide the same rich, chocolatey flavor without any dairy ingredients.
chocolate coated caramels - Substitute with date caramel: Date caramel can offer a natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor, and it's a healthier alternative to traditional caramel candies.
sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can provide a similar salty-sweet contrast and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
Elevate the cookie: Place the cookie on a sleek, modern plate to showcase its rich, indulgent nature. Use a minimalist approach to highlight the cookie's decadent appeal.
Garnish with chocolate drizzle: Create an artful drizzle of dark chocolate over the cookie, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as pansies or violets to add a pop of color and a hint of floral fragrance, elevating the overall presentation.
Utilize gold leaf accents: Apply edible gold leaf accents to the plate for a luxurious touch, adding a sense of opulence and sophistication to the presentation.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the cookie with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a contrasting element and a refreshing, creamy complement to the rich flavors.
Present on a marble serving board: Showcase the cookies on a sleek marble serving board to create a stunning contrast and provide a sophisticated backdrop for the indulgent treats.
Use a dusting of cocoa powder: Sprinkle a fine dusting of cocoa powder around the plate to add a touch of elegance and create a visually appealing presentation.
Add a touch of edible gold dust: Lightly dust the cookie with edible gold dust to impart a subtle shimmer and a touch of luxury, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Serve on individual dessert plates: Present each cookie on its own individual dessert plate, allowing for a refined and personalized dining experience for each guest.
Accompany with a caramel sauce: Serve a small side dish of warm caramel sauce for dipping, providing an interactive and indulgent element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
- Handheld or stand mixer: A handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment is used to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, and to mix the cookie dough.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These are used to line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Large baking sheet: This is used to bake the cookies in the oven.
- Medium-size bowl: A medium-size bowl is used to sift together the dry ingredients such as flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after baking.
Storing and Freezing Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer a slightly warm and gooey cookie, you can reheat thawed or room temperature cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving.
- Avoid storing the cookies in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become dry and lose their chewy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
To reheat leftover salted caramel dark chocolate cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and the chocolate is melted. This method will help restore the cookies' crisp exterior and gooey, melted center.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to burn and the caramel to become too runny.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving. This will help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out during the reheating process.
For a crisp exterior and a warm, gooey interior, try using a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a small baking sheet or directly on the rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed to your liking.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your salted caramel dark chocolate cookies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and the chocolate is melted.
Random Fact About Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies
The salted caramel dark chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. These cookies are perfect for indulging in a rich and decadent treat.
Is Making Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this salted caramel dark chocolate cookies recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While dark chocolate morsels and chocolate coated caramels can be pricier, the recipe yields a substantial batch, making it cost-effective for a household. The indulgent nature of the cookies may justify the cost for occasional enjoyment. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4: $15-20.
Are Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for salted caramel dark chocolate cookies is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest choice. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with a total of 1 cup of granulated and brown sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- The recipe also contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. While some saturated fat is okay, too much can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- The dark chocolate morsels and chocolate-coated caramels add even more sugar and fat to the recipe.
- The recipe is low in fiber, which is important for digestive health, blood sugar control, and feelings of fullness.
While it's okay to enjoy treats like these cookies in moderation, there are some ways to make the recipe a bit healthier:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 to 1/2 cup. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content.
- Swap half of the butter for a healthier fat like coconut oil or mashed avocado.
- Use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or above) for the morsels and caramels, as it contains less sugar and more beneficial antioxidants.
- Add some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the dough for a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- Reduce the number of caramels used or opt for a homemade caramel sauce with less sugar.
Editor's Thoughts on These Delectable Cookies
The combination of rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt in these cookies creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The recipe is well-structured, and the instructions are clear, making it accessible for home bakers. The use of Nestlé® Toll House® dark chocolate morsels adds a depth of flavor, and the addition of sea salt enhances the overall taste profile. These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic combination of salted caramel and dark chocolate.
Enhance Your Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a decadent treat with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The combination of dark chocolate morsels and chocolate coated caramels creates a luscious, indulgent texture, while the addition of sea salt enhances the flavors, elevating the overall taste experience. The careful instructions ensure that each step is meticulously followed, resulting in a batch of irresistible cookies that are sure to impress. With the use of high-quality ingredients such as unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying outcome that will leave everyone craving for more.
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