Spicy Caramel Cookies

Spicy Caramel Cookies combine warmth, sweetness, and a touch of heat to create an unforgettable treat. These delightful cookies are the perfect blend of gooey caramel and a hint of spicy cayenne, making them an extraordinary snacks option for any occasion. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a invitingly soft center, enticing everyone around with their irresistible aroma. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 150
• Protein: 1.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Sodium: 85 mg

Why Make This Spicy Caramel Cookies

Making Spicy Caramel Cookies is a delightful way to infuse your baking with a unique twist. The combination of caramel and spices creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. They are easy to whip up and require only a handful of common ingredients. Perfect for sharing, these cookies are likely to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Plus, the spicy notes from the cayenne pepper not only tantalize your taste buds but also make for great conversation starters!

How to Make Spicy Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft cookies. Then, mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.

Step 3: Cooking

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Lastly, fold in the caramel bits and chocolate chips (if using) to add flavor and sweetness.

Step 4: Finishing

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once they’re done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Spicy Caramel Cookies

These cookies are delightful served warm, preferably with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. They are also great as part of a dessert platter at parties, or enjoy them casually as a treat while cozying up with a good book. For added flair, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies just before they cool for a contrasting flavor punch.

How to Store Spicy Caramel Cookies

Store your Spicy Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to preserve their texture even longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Spicy Caramel Cookies

1. Control the spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste; less for a mild version or more for an extra kick.
2. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal mixing.
3. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Cookies spread, so make sure they have enough space to grow.
4. Use silicone baking mats: For easy release and to ensure even baking, consider using silicone mats instead of parchment paper.
5. Chill the dough: If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
• Spicy Chocolate: Use chocolate chunks with a hint of chili for a bold chocolatey spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, if you use salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe to enhance the balance of flavors.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The cookies should be golden brown on the edges. They may look slightly underbaked in the center but will continue to cook as they cool.

3. What can I use instead of brown sugar?
   You can use coconut sugar or a mix of granulated sugar with a little molasses for a similar flavor.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.

5. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
   Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freeze the dough to bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes.

Conclusion

These Spicy Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together a unique flavor profile that everyone will love. Their sweet, spicy, and chewy textures make them an irresistible snack. So gather your ingredients, and give this delicious recipe a try! You’ll be sharing smiles and satisfied munching all around. Happy baking!

Spicy Caramel Cookies

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful cookies with a blend of gooey caramel and a hint of spicy cayenne.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel bits
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in caramel bits and chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spice level. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg