Brown Butter Salted Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Introduction

Brown Butter Salted Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for those who crave a delightful blend of sweet and salty. These cookies elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie by incorporating the rich, nutty flavors of brown butter, chewy salted caramel, crunchy popcorn, and luscious chocolate chips. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

- 170g unsalted butter
- 200g light brown sugar
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150g dark chocolate chips
- 80g caramel popcorn, roughly chopped
- 100g soft caramels, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 16 cookies

Enjoy creating these delicious cookies that perfectly combine all the elements of flavor and texture. Perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself, these cookies will surely satisfy your sweet cravings!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 170g of unsalted butter, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Transfer the melted butter to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, 200g of light brown sugar, and 100g of granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined.

Step 3

Add 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together 250g of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in 150g of dark chocolate chips, 80g of roughly chopped caramel popcorn, and 100g of chopped soft caramels into the dough mixture.

Step 6

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Scoop the chilled dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them apart adequately.

Step 9

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden but still slightly underbaked in the center.

Step 10

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Customization

Feel free to substitute the dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate chips according to your preference.

Chilling Time

Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture, so do not skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage for an indulgent treat.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.

Refrigerator

If you want to keep them longer, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they are sealed in an airtight container.

Freezer

For extended storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these decadent cookies warm for an extra gooey chocolate and caramel experience. For a delightful pairing, enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. You can also crumble the cookies over ice cream or use them as a topping for dessert parfaits.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 2 g

*Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.*

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter

For a dairy-free option, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Sugar

You can replace light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.

Flour

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Chocolate Chips

If you prefer milk chocolate, you can swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Caramel

If soft caramels are not available, you can use caramel sauce in a pinch, but adjust the baking time as needed.

Cook Techniques

Brown Butter Technique

Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This enhances the flavor of the cookies by providing a rich, caramelized taste.

Whisking for Incorporation

Whisk the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth. This step creates a creamy texture and promotes even distribution of ingredients.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Proper Oven Temperature

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) for even baking. Ensure the oven is fully heated before placing the cookies inside to achieve the perfect texture.

Spacing the Cookies

Scoop dough into balls and space them adequately on the baking sheet. This allows the cookies to spread without merging into one another while baking.

Sprinkling Sea Salt

After baking, immediately sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile, contributing to the overall taste.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

What can I substitute for dark chocolate chips?

You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.

How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and contributes to a chewier texture.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Salted Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly marries sweet and salty flavors. The combination of brown butter and gooey caramel, paired with crispy popcorn and rich chocolate chips, creates a cookie experience that is both unique and satisfying. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a sweet snack later, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Replace the chocolate chips with chopped pecans for a nutty variation that still features the delicious depth of brown butter.

Salted Caramel Brownies

Create decadent brownies with layers of salted caramel sauce swirled throughout for an indulgent dessert.

Popcorn Chocolate Bark

Melt dark chocolate and mix in chopped caramel popcorn, spreading it onto a baking sheet and letting it set for a crunchy, sweet snack.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Cupcakes

Bake moist chocolate cupcakes filled with gooey caramel and topped with a rich chocolate frosting for a delightful treat.

Chewy Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

Mix oats and soft caramel chunks into classic oatmeal cookies for a chewy, satisfying cookie with a twist.