Decadent Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate homemade cookie experience with our Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they are a masterpiece of flavor and texture, meticulously crafted to bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie with the irresistible chewiness of a perfect cookie. Each bite is an exquisite dance between deep chocolate notes and gooey, sweet caramel, all elevated by a hint of sea salt that makes every morsel sing.
If you’re searching for a dessert that truly stands out, one that combines classic comfort with a gourmet touch, then look no further. Our caramel brownie cookies are a delightful fusion, designed for those who appreciate a truly decadent treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this straightforward recipe promises to deliver amazing results that will impress friends and family alike. Get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary cookies and watch them disappear!
What truly sets these cookies apart is their incredible interplay of flavors and textures. Each perfectly baked cookie is crowned with a luscious caramel drizzle and adorned with crunchy pretzel pieces. This brilliant combination ensures that every individual caramel brownie cookie is not only packed with a delightful salty crunch but also perfectly complements the rich, chewy chocolate base. The balance between the sweet caramel, intense chocolate, and savory pretzel is pure culinary magic. Despite their gourmet appeal, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, and even easier to devour – you might find it impossible to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
These salted brownie cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Crafted with generous caramel bits embedded within the dough and topped with a glistening caramel drizzle and crispy pretzel fragments, every bite offers a perfect symphony of chewy, crunchy, sweet, rich caramel, and satisfyingly salty sensations. This isn’t just a good recipe; we confidently declare this the BEST salted caramel brownie cookie recipe you’ll ever encounter, a treat so memorable you’ll want to make it again and again. One of the many reasons to adore this recipe is its sheer simplicity: the cookie dough conveniently comes together in a single bowl, effortlessly mixed with just a spoon and whisk. This minimizes cleanup and maximizes your enjoyment of the baking process.
Beyond the ease of preparation, the flavor profile of these chocolate caramel cookies is unparalleled. The deep, dark chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder merges beautifully with the buttery, sweet notes of the caramel. Adding the pretzels not only introduces a fantastic textural contrast but also provides that crucial element of saltiness, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing every other flavor. It’s a sophisticated balance that appeals to all palates, making these homemade cookies a surefire hit for any gathering, holiday, or simply as an everyday indulgence.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Caramel Brownie Cookies
Crafting these delectable salted caramel brownie cookies starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Cocoa powder: For a truly deep and rich chocolate taste that mimics the intensity of a brownie, we use 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Opt for a high-quality brand to ensure the best chocolate flavor.
- Sugar: A full 1 cup of granulated sugar is essential for both sweetness and contributing to those desirable chewy edges that characterize a fantastic cookie.
- Butter: To achieve a rich, buttery depth and optimal texture, 1/2 cup of melted butter is used. Melting the butter helps create that fudgy, chewy brownie-like interior.
- Oil: Incorporating 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil adds crucial fats, contributing to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
- Egg: Just 1 large egg acts as a primary binder, holding the dough together and providing structure, ensuring your cookies don’t crumble.
- Vanilla: Adding 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is key. Vanilla enhances and rounds out all the other flavors, making the chocolate and caramel notes even more pronounced.
- Flour: The foundational structure of this decadent cookie dough recipe comes from 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid overly dense or dry cookies.
- Baking powder: For proper lift and a slightly soft chew, we need 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder as our leavening agent. This helps the cookies spread and become light in texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing all flavors, 1/2 teaspoon of salt will make our homemade cookies taste truly exceptional, especially in a salted caramel recipe.
- Chocolate chips: For an extra boost of rich chocolate in every bite, stir in 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully, creating pockets of intense chocolate flavor.
- Caramel bits: These are the star of the show! We use 1 1/2 cups of caramel baking bits to infuse a wonderful, gooey caramel flavor directly into the cookie dough, ensuring caramel in every single bite.
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons of heavy cream will be used to create the smooth, pourable caramel drizzle that finishes these cookies.
- Pretzels: A generous handful of crushed pretzel twists is vital for providing that irresistible salty crunch, perfectly complementing the chewy chocolate and sweet caramel.
- Kosher salt: This coarse salt is perfect for sprinkling on top of the finished cookies, giving them a professional touch and a noticeable burst of savory saltiness.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful salted caramel brownie cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple instructions to achieve perfect, chewy, and irresistible cookies every time:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies enter. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and smooth. The melted butter and oil will create a rich, glossy base for your brownie cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg acts as a binder, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the chocolate and caramel.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula. Gradually stir the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix just until no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently stir in 1/4 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of the caramel baking bits into the dough. This ensures a distribution of melty chocolate and gooey caramel throughout your cookies.
- Scoop and Shape: Use a 2-tablespoon rounded cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly press down on the dough balls slightly to help them spread into perfect cookie shapes during baking.
- Top Before Baking: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, add more caramel bits and some crushed pretzels to the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This ensures those beautiful toppings are visible and provide a textural burst.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain that perfect chewy brownie texture.
- Prepare Caramel Drizzle: While the cookies are baking, prepare your caramel drizzle. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy cream and the remaining caramel bits. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. This creates a luxurious topping for your warm cookies.
- Cool: Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. (Though, a warm cookie straight from the oven is always a delightful indulgence!)
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the melted caramel over their tops. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt to enhance the “salted” caramel flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy these truly irresistible chocolate caramel cookies!
Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups caramel baking bits
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- Handful of pretzels twists
- Kosher salt for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, melted butter and vegetable oil. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.
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Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently stir in 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup of the caramel baking bits into the dough.
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Use a cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons in size) to portion the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press the cookies down slightly.
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Before baking, add extra caramel bits and some crushed pretzel pieces to the top of each cookie for added flavor and crunch. Bake for 12 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, add the heavy cream and the remaining caramel bits. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until all the caramel is melted and smooth.
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Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (though they are absolutely delicious enjoyed warm from the oven!).
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Once cooled, drizzle the melted caramel over the tops of the cookies and immediately sprinkle with a little kosher salt for that signature salted caramel finish. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips for Baking Perfect Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality salted caramel brownie cookies is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since these cookies are all about rich flavors, using good quality cocoa powder, fresh butter, and a reputable brand of caramel bits will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, less tender cookies.
- Proper Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is fully melted for that characteristic fudgy brownie texture. It helps create a denser, chewier cookie.
- Baking Time is Crucial: The 12-minute bake time is a guideline. Ovens vary, so start checking at 10-11 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still slightly soft and underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
- Cooling on the Baking Sheet: The initial 5 minutes of cooling on the hot baking sheet are important for the cookies to firm up and prevent them from breaking when transferred to a wire rack.
- Caramel Drizzle Consistency: If your caramel drizzle becomes too thick while waiting, simply microwave it for another 10-15 seconds and stir until smooth and pourable again.
- Don’t Skimp on the Salt: The kosher salt sprinkle isn’t just for decoration; it’s essential for that “salted caramel” experience, enhancing all the sweet flavors.
Variations to Elevate Your Brownie Cookies
While these salted caramel brownie cookies are fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Different Chocolates: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try dark chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie. White chocolate chips could also be a delightful addition.
- Add Nuts: Toasted chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would add another layer of crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate and caramel.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper (for a “mexican hot chocolate” twist) could add an unexpected warmth and depth to the chocolate base.
- Homemade Caramel: For an extra gourmet touch, consider making your own salted caramel sauce from scratch for the drizzle instead of melting caramel bits with cream.
- Toffee Bits: Replace some of the caramel bits with toffee bits for an added buttery, crunchy dimension.
- Marshmallow Swirl: For the last few minutes of baking, you could add small marshmallows on top and let them lightly toast for a s’mores-like twist.
How to Store Salted Brownie Cookies for Maximum Freshness
To keep your delicious salted caramel brownie cookies tasting their best, proper storage is key. Once they have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you prefer to extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the fridge, where they will last for up to a week. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, especially with the gooey caramel drizzle, I highly recommend placing a layer of wax paper or parchment paper between each cookie layer. This simple step ensures each cookie remains perfect and easy to grab.
How Long Do Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Last?
These indulgent chocolate caramel cookies are best enjoyed when fresh, typically within 3-5 days of baking when stored properly at room temperature. The challenge with this particular recipe is that over time, the pretzel pieces on top can begin to lose their crispness and become a bit stale. For the ultimate texture and flavor experience – that perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and crunchy – you’ll definitely want to savor them as soon as possible after they’ve cooled. If you find yourself with leftover cookies after a few days, a quick gentle reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can sometimes help revive some of the caramel’s gooeyness.
More Delicious Brownie Cookie Recipes To Try
If you’ve fallen in love with these salted caramel brownie cookies and crave more brownie-inspired treats, explore these fantastic recipes:
- CARAMEL BROWNIE COOKIES
- EASY BROWNIE COOKIES
- HOW TO MAKE BROOKIES
Need More Chocolate Caramel Cookies? We’ve Got you Covered
The combination of chocolate and caramel is undeniably addictive. If you’re eager for more desserts featuring this heavenly duo, check out these other irresistible chocolate caramel cookie recipes:
- CHOCOLATE CARAMEL LINZER COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CAKE MIX COOKIES
- CARAMEL STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES
Baking, much like these cherished family moments captured in photos, creates lasting memories. I often look back at pictures like this nature walk, remembering the event as vividly as if it happened just yesterday. Time truly flies, and these kids have grown so much bigger since then! Sharing homemade treats like these salted caramel brownie cookies adds another layer of joy to these precious times, making every gathering even sweeter.
In conclusion, these Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies are far more than just a simple dessert. They are an indulgent cookie recipe, exquisitely loaded with rich chocolate and gooey caramel, offering a perfect harmony of salty and sweet. This truly is perfection in a wonderful, easy-to-make homemade cookie recipe that is guaranteed to be loved by everyone who tries it. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary treats that are sure to become a new family favorite!