Spicy Caramel Cookies bring a delightful twist to your dessert table, balancing the buttery sweetness of caramel with a hint of warmth from spices. These cookies are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat with an unexpected kick. Ideal for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply an afternoon indulgence, these cookies promise to captivate your taste buds with their rich, chewy texture and tantalizing flavor.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why Make This Spicy Caramel Cookies
Spicy Caramel Cookies offer a unique flavor profile that combines sweet and spicy in every bite. The addition of cayenne pepper brings just enough heat to elevate the flavor, making these cookies stand out from traditional recipes. They’re easy to make and use common pantry ingredients, ensuring that anyone can whip them up with little fuss. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter at any gathering!
How to Make Spicy Caramel Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup caramel bits
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly, achieving that perfectly golden color.
### Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely texture.
### Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
### Step 4: Folding in Caramel Bits
Fold in the caramel bits gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Their melty goodness will create delicious pockets of sweetness in your cookies.
### Step 5: Baking
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
### Step 6: Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps set their shape while retaining a soft center.
How to Serve Spicy Caramel Cookies
These Spicy Caramel Cookies are best enjoyed warm alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. They make a charming addition to dessert platters at parties or serve them as a sweet surprise to guests for an afternoon tea.
How to Store Spicy Caramel Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Place individual cookies in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they will keep for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Expert Tips for Perfect Spicy Caramel Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste for more or less heat.
- To enhance the spice, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking.
- If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the caramel bits with chocolate chips or toffee pieces.
Delicious Variations
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding ingredients like chopped nuts for crunch, dried cranberries for tartness, or even using a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon.
2. How can I make these cookies chewy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container once cooled to retain moisture.
3. Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Absolutely! Just chop it into small pieces to mix into the cookie dough.
4. What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey, although this may slightly alter the flavor.
5. How can I make my cookies more spicy?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper gradually until you reach your desired spiciness. Be careful not to overdo it, as a little goes a long way!
Conclusion
Spicy Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweetness with a kick of spice, making them a unique addition to your baking repertoire. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion, and will surely impress friends and family. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these delicious cookies that you might find difficult to resist! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Spicy Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightful cookies combining buttery caramel sweetness with a hint of spice from cayenne pepper, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits gently.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
