Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the sweet, gooey goodness of caramel. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home. With a little bit of effort, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that will impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Chocolate Caramel Cookies. First, they are easy to follow and require simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Second, the combination of chocolate and caramel is hard to resist, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time and stored for later, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you want!

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Ingredients:

1⁄2 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
3⁄4 cup brown sugar
1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2⁄3 cup cocoa powder
1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
12 caramels (store-bought soft caramels)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth and well combined.
Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
After chilling, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each dough ball slightly and place a caramel in the center. Fold the dough around the caramel, ensuring it’s fully enclosed.
Place the cookie dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies can be served warm, allowing the caramel to ooze out beautifully with each bite. They’re perfect on their own or can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty treat.

How to Store Chocolate Caramel Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked.
If you love chocolate, try adding more chocolate chips or chunks for extra sweetness.
Experiment with different types of caramel for varied flavors.

Variation

You can switch up the type of chocolate used in this recipe. Dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate can provide a different flavor profile. Additionally, add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can use all brown sugar or all granulated sugar if you prefer, but this may change the texture slightly.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be firm on the edges but slightly soft in the center. They will continue to bake as they cool.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month.

With this simple recipe, you can create delightful Chocolate Caramel Cookies that everyone will surely love! Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats!