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Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Gochujang Caramel Cookies perfectly blend the sweet, buttery richness of caramel with the mild heat and umami of Korean gochujang chili paste. These cookies feature crisp edges with a chewy center and are easy to make using simple, everyday ingredients. Ideal for spice lovers and caramel enthusiasts alike, they offer a unique and delightful flavor experience that pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or ice cream.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste (adjust to taste for spice level)

Special Ingredients

  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel pieces

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Dough: Begin by creaming together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then carefully blend in the gochujang paste to evenly distribute the spicy flavor throughout the dough.
  2. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  3. Adding Caramel Pieces: Fold in the soft caramel bits or chopped caramel pieces carefully. These will create melty pockets of sweetness inside every cookie once baked.
  4. Shaping the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into evenly sized balls, spacing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
  5. Baking to Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden on the edges yet still soft in the center. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming and the best cookie texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough; stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
  • For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  • Soft caramel pieces create gooey centers, while caramel chips hold their shape and add texture.
  • Start checking cookies a minute or two before the timer ends, as oven temperatures vary.
  • Option to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately after baking to enhance flavor contrast.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Korean fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour blend)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Gochujang cookies, caramel cookies, spicy cookies, sweet and spicy dessert, Korean chili paste cookies, unique cookie recipe