Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

This Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an everyday indulgence, these cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures with light, crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center. The sweet and salty combination makes them irresistible and a favorite among chocolate lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate and caramel creates a rich taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for gatherings or as gifts; they’re sure to impress friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Store Well: Keep them fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, making them great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, having the right tools on hand is essential. These kitchen gadgets will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help mix ingredients quickly and evenly, ensuring your dough is well combined.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes helps organize ingredients during the preparation process.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Use this to portion out cookie dough evenly for consistent baking results.

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

Add-Ins

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

Toppings

• 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 you can use silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using your stand mixer or hand mixer:
1. 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:
1. The eggs and vanilla extract.
2. Continue mixing until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Switching the mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in your whisked dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips.

Step 6: Portion Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop (I used the 1 1/2 tablespoon size):
1. Drop dough by the spoonful leaving about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8-10 minutes at 375ºF (mine took about 10 minutes).

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven:
1. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Step 10: Optional Drizzle

Drizzle each cookie with caramel sauce or dulce de leche if desired.

Step 11: Store Properly

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

How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

These delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some great ways to serve these cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor and adds creaminess.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Elevate your cookies by drizzling them with additional caramel sauce for extra sweetness and richness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a dessert platter alongside brownies, mini cakes, and fruit for variety.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm right out of the oven for the ultimate gooey experience.

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How to Perfect Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies is easy with these tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the butter and sugars blend more easily, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and fudgy.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerating your dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavors and prevent spreading.
• Check for doneness carefully – The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Add sea salt flakes generously – This enhances the flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
• Store properly – Keep them 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 your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that complements chocolate flavors beautifully.
2. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it adds a wonderful texture contrast to your cookies.
3. Fresh Berries – Raspberries or strawberries provide a tart balance against the rich cookie flavors.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience.
5. Espresso or Coffee – The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, making it an excellent drink option.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing side that cleanses the palate without overwhelming sweetness.
7. Milkshakes – Blend up a milkshake using chocolate or caramel flavors to create a decadent drink alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cookie. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and your eggs are also warm for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and fudgy center.
• Skipping the sea salt: Not adding salt to the top of your cookies can result in a flat flavor profile. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the taste of chocolate and caramel, so don’t skip this step!
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Improper measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Baking on an unlined sheet: Baking directly on an ungreased sheet can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
• Individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, covered, to soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies:

How can I customize Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Experiment with different chocolate types, such as dark or white chocolate chips.

Are Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Package them in decorative boxes or bags, and they make delightful gifts for friends and family.

Can I use other types of caramel chips?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with butterscotch chips or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist on flavor.

What makes these cookies so special?

The combination of rich double chocolate with gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist!

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion. With their crispy edges and fudgy centers, they offer both comfort and indulgence. You can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins, making them versatile enough to suit anyone’s taste. Try this recipe today; you’ll love every bite!