Ingredients
Hard Caramel
- 1 batch 5-Minute Hard Caramel (see instructions below)
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups (330 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons (19 g) vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 ¼ cups (439 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (255 g) dark chocolate (coarsely chopped or chips)
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Hard Caramel: Follow the instructions for making 5-Minute Hard Caramel until the sugar turns a golden bronze. Pour onto a prepared pan and spread evenly to ¼- to ⅛-inch thickness. Allow to cool and harden completely, then chop into chocolate chip-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Sugars and Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla bean paste on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Leavening: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Mix in baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt on medium speed for about 1 minute until well combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients and Add-ins: Add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the flour streaks mostly disappear; do not overmix. Scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom to ensure uniform mixing. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate and hard caramel pieces evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the Dough: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, place dough balls spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for about 11 minutes. Remove and gently nudge edges back into round shapes with a silicone spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 1 minute. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool and Finish: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt before serving to enhance flavor.
Notes
- Allow the caramel to cool fully and harden before chopping to ensure clean pieces.
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender and chewy.
- Baking sheets should be cooled between batches to prevent spreading.
- Sea salt flakes on top add a lovely contrast but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American