Description
Chocolate Caramel Surprise Cookies
These Chocolate Caramel Surprise Cookies are pure bliss! A fudgy chocolate shell with a gooey caramel center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any chocolate lover!
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel-filled candies
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugars in a separate bowl, add egg and vanilla.
Wrap dough around each caramel candy and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 mins. Cool slightly before serving.
#SweetSurprise
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your dough.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with the 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Assemble the Surprise: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough. Flatten it in your palm, place one caramel-filled candy in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing completely so no caramel is exposed.
5. Bake: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look soft and slightly cracked.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and the molten caramel to stabilize.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm for an irresistible, gooey caramel experience. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking.
How-to Summary
Make a fudgy chocolate dough by combining dry ingredients, then creaming butter and sugars with egg and vanilla. Wrap portions of dough around individual caramel candies, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and cool briefly before serving to reveal the molten center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade caramel instead of candies? For consistency and to prevent leaks, pre-made caramel candies are best. If using homemade, ensure it is very firm and cold before wrapping.
How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The caramel will firm up but remains delicious.
My caramel leaked out. What went wrong? This usually means the dough wasn’t sealed completely around the candy, or the cookies were overbaked. Ensure the candy is fully enclosed and stick to the lower end of the baking time.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! Assemble the dough-wrapped candies, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of caramel candies? A small piece of a chocolate truffle, a marshmallow, or even a square of peanut butter cup make excellent alternative fillings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted butter: Your butter should be softened but not melted, or the dough will be too sticky and spread too much.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the cookies tender.
- Overbaking: The cookies continue to set as they cool. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Not sealing the dough properly: Any small hole will allow the caramel to ooze out completely during baking.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Caramel Surprise Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining rich chocolate with a luscious, gooey center. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this delightful treat and create a memorable baking experience. Perfect for sharing or indulging in a moment of pure, sweet bliss.
