Chocolate Caramel Cookies

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Satisfy your sweet cravings with our delectable Chocolate Caramel Cookies recipe! These cookies boast a soft and chewy texture, complemented by gooey caramel centers and rich bursts of chocolate chips. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy night in or impressing guests at a gathering, these indulgent cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create these irresistible treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 18 soft caramel candies, halved

Directions:

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and corn starch.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
  4. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare Caramel Filling: Take tablespoons of chilled dough and flatten them into discs. Place a halved caramel candy in the center of each disc, then fold the dough around the caramel, sealing it completely. Chill the filled dough balls for an additional 20 minutes to firm them up.
  6. Bake: Arrange the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should appear slightly doughy when removed from the oven.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Caramel Cookies!

Prep Time: 3 hours | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 18 cookies

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Warm and Gooey: For an extra indulgent experience, microwave the cookies for a few seconds before serving to warm up the caramel centers and enhance their gooey texture.
  2. Pair with Ice Cream: Serve these Chocolate Caramel Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combination that’s sure to please.
  3. Dessert Platter: Create a dessert platter featuring these cookies alongside other sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit for a delightful spread that appeals to every sweet tooth.
  4. Coffee or Milk Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot coffee or cold milk for a comforting and satisfying snack or dessert.
  5. Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a decorative box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
  6. Garnish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before serving to enhance the flavor contrast between the sweet caramel and rich chocolate.
  7. Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the cookies before serving for an extra decadent touch.
  8. Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Pair these cookies with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas for a refreshing and fruity contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
  9. Holiday Treats: Bake these cookies during the holiday season and serve them at festive gatherings or as edible gifts for friends and family.
  10. Customize with Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, mix chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough before baking.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
  2. Refrigeration: If storing for longer periods, place the cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  3. Freezing: To freeze cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a resealable freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
  5. Reheating: If desired, reheat chilled or frozen cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
  6. Separate Layers: When storing multiple layers of cookies, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
  7. Individual Portions: Portion out cookies into individual servings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats.
  8. Label and Date: Remember to label the storage container with the date to keep track of freshness and ensure you enjoy the cookies at their best quality.
  9. Room Temperature Revival: To refresh cookies that have lost their softness, place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the storage container with the cookies overnight to help them regain moisture.
  10. Small Batches: If you plan to store cookies for an extended period, consider baking smaller batches to ensure they are consumed while still fresh and delicious.

Variations:

  1. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
  2. Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to the cookie dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  3. Double Chocolate: Fold in extra chocolate chips or chunks into the cookie dough for an indulgent double chocolate experience.
  4. Caramel Swirl: Instead of placing a halved caramel candy in the center, swirl caramel sauce into the cookie dough before baking for a marbled effect.
  5. White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for a visually appealing and delicious finishing touch.
  6. Caramel Espresso: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie dough for a rich and robust coffee flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate.
  7. Coconut Caramel: Mix shredded coconut into the cookie dough for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the caramel and chocolate flavors.
  8. Peppermint Crunch: Crush candy canes or peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the cookies before baking for a festive peppermint twist.
  9. Almond Caramel: Replace the caramel candies with almond butter-filled chocolate candies for a nutty and decadent variation.
  10. Cookie Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create irresistible ice cream sandwiches.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies? Yes, you can swirl caramel sauce into the cookie dough or drizzle it over the cookies before baking for a similar caramel flavor.
  2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips? Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer and more intense chocolate flavor to the cookies.
  3. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it overnight? Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.
  4. How do I prevent the caramel from oozing out of the cookies? Ensure the caramel candies are completely sealed within the cookie dough to prevent leakage during baking. Chilling the filled dough balls before baking also helps firm up the caramel centers.
  5. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in a tightly wrapped log or in individual portions. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking the cookies.
  6. What is the best way to store leftover cookies? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
  7. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candies? Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce or homemade caramel candies for a homemade touch.
  8. How can I make the cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
  9. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough? Yes, feel free to customize the cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins such as chopped pretzels, dried fruit, or toffee bits.
  10. Can I use a cookie scoop for portioning the dough? Yes, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies and makes the portioning process quick and easy.

With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can create heavenly Chocolate Caramel Cookies that are sure to impress any crowd. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolatey goodness and gooey caramel indulgence, making them a must-have treat for any occasion. Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of decadence that’s simply irresistible!