Craving a sweet treat that's both decadent and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These salted caramel chocolate cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, gooey, and salty-sweet perfection. They're ideal for satisfying a sudden chocolate craving, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade dessert. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, promising a delightful culinary journey with minimal effort. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Caramel
Stir in the chocolate chips and unwrapped caramel candies. Make sure the caramel pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the warm cookies with sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Dark Chocolate Lover: Substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These salted caramel chocolate cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious homemade goodness and the compliments that are sure to follow! They're perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. Happy baking!