First- thank you all so much for the well wishes about baby Hugo’s arrival. I am so glad that I had several posts prepared so I haven’t had to worry about anything that cuddling with my babe. I’m feeling really great though and getting the hang of things- so I should be back in the kitchen soon! Also- stay tuned later this week for Hugo’s birth story! (To be found in the “Baby updates” section- found on the top right button on the homepage.)
Onto the cookies: I don’t really watch cooking reality shows too often, but when I do- I have to be honest- they terrify me. Maybe its because as a baker/cook- I can imagine myself in those contestants’ shoes and having to come up with something under a time constraint and it gives me the sweats. I’m not a fan high pressure situations and I like to take my time to come up with recipes and flavor combos.
That being said…last month when my neighbor Melissa had a birthday, I asked her what her favorite flavors in a dessert were. She said- dark chocolate, salted caramel and coffee and also mentioned she liked “milk dipping cookies”- and man did I love the challenge of incorporating all of that into a special birthday treat!
Since she mentioned liking cookies- I thought a chewy chocolate chip-type cookie with ground espresso powder and bits of caramel would be perfect, (topped with flaky sea salt of course!) I found a similar recipe and changed it up a bit to fit her requests. Man oh man did they turn out well! These cookies were super soft and chewy and full of so many wonderful flavors. The dark chocolate chips and espresso powder are a match made in heaven and of course melty bits of caramel and sea salt just put them over the top. Cutting the caramels into small pieces is the only time consuming part of this otherwise easy peasy recipe but trust me- its so worth it to taste that first gooey bite!
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more for sprinkling- (optional)
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1½ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup soft caramel candies cut into small pieces
- Preheat the oven to 350? F. Line cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugars and cream together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the flour, espresso powder, baking soda and salt over the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined with no flour-y streaks. Use a spatula to fold in chocolate chips and caramel bits.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets*
- Bake for about 14-16 minutes or until just set with the edges slightly golden, rotating the pans halfway through baking.
- Let cool on the baking sheets about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe adapted from Annie's Eats via Budding Baketress
Amanda says
Your site is very nice, thank you for sharing!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I love cookies that have a little espresso in the dough. This version looks delish!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Yay I can’t wait for Hugo’s birth story!
and omgosh you are the BEST friend! I love how you combined her fave things into these cookies-they look PHENOMENAL!
Vickie S. says
Goodness these look like they’re to die for! Thanks so much!
Joanne says
I definitely see these entering NEW FAVORITE COOKIE status!! OMG good.
And is it weird that I’m ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT for your birth story?! Because I am.
Nespresso Alternative Coffee Capsules says
Great recipe, it seems pretty much easy to follow the instructions provided. Will surely give it a try in one of the weekends to come. Many thanks for the share!
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
I am looking forward to reading about the arrival of your little one! Now these cookies…oh, my gosh! I seriously need those in my life!!!!
Elisa @ Insalata di Sillabe says
Such a great and vibrant flavor combo! Plus, these cookies look delicious, I definitely prefer when cookies are a bit thick and not too thin, especially because I like to dip them in tea and they have to be a little resistant otherwise they fall at the bottom of the cup!
xo, Elisa
Coco in the Kitchen says
Thanks for making these for me, Audra. You’re the best friend ever! ;) Haaha
Of course, I have no biz eating cookies. Still carrying my winter fat from the holidays.
So, IF I lose 2 lbs, these will be my reward. That’s motivation for losing wt!
PS- Love your baby Hugo’s red cheeks. xo
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These cookies look so good! Loving the caramel in there!
Terri says
These look amazing and I can’t wait to make them! Our local grocery stores (central IL) carry Kraft Caramel bits…little balls of caramel that would be perfect for this recipe…a real time-saver!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
I love when people say exactly what ingredients they want it is so fun to force yourself to be creative!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Baby Hugo is adorable. I love that you prepared posts so you could spend as much time with baby Hugo. I wish I were that organized. Love these cookies! Enjoy motherhood. Pinned.
domfas says
Yummm! These look amazing…. my boyfriend also likes cookies that you can “dunk” in milk, so this recipe looks perfect :) I am bookmarking it now!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Sounds like she knows what she wants in a cookie. You totally nailed it with this recipe. They look amazing!
ball says
Thank you for share.It very nice.I like to eat chocolate.