Introduction:
Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies combine sweet, salty, and buttery flavors into a single delicious treat. These cookies feature a soft caramel center, chunks of bittersweet chocolate, and the unmistakable crunch of butter crackers, all baked into a chewy, golden-brown cookie. The contrasting textures and flavors make these cookies irresistible, perfect for any occasion from casual snacking to festive gatherings.
Overview of the Recipe:
This recipe brings together the richness of dark brown sugar, the sweetness of granulated sugar, and the smoothness of vanilla extract to create a cookie dough that’s both flavorful and easy to work with. The dough is studded with chopped bittersweet chocolate and buttery crackers, giving each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The highlight of these cookies is the hidden soft caramel in the center, which melts into a gooey surprise as the cookies bake. The final touch of pressing more caramel pieces and crackers into the top of the dough before baking makes these cookies visually appealing and even more delicious.
History and Origin:
The combination of sweet and salty flavors has long been a favorite in the culinary world, and salted caramel is one of the most beloved examples of this trend. Ritz crackers, known for their buttery flavor and crisp texture, have been a pantry staple since the 1930s. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a modern twist on the classic cookie by incorporating these elements into a rich, decadent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 â…” cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¾ cups chopped bittersweet chocolate
- Roughly chopped butter crackers, plus 8 crackers, broken into halves or quarters, divided
- 15 soft caramels
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes until the ingredients are well-combined and the batter is smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the dough.
- Fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate and roughly chopped butter crackers until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to work with and enhancing the cookie’s texture.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the dough has chilled, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Press half of a soft caramel into the center of the dough, then cover with another tablespoon of dough. Roll the dough between your palms to form a ball, making sure the caramel is completely encased inside. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and caramels.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2–3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Press small pieces of the remaining caramels and the halved or quartered butter crackers into the tops of the dough balls. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal to the finished cookies.
- Chill the assembled dough balls in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes before baking. This final chill helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if the centers appear slightly soft when you first remove them from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps the caramel centers set and the cookies to fully develop their flavors.
- Serve and Store:
- Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy. Their combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy crackers makes them a standout treat.
- Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies are perfect for serving at parties, as an after-dinner treat, or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for gifting during the holidays—simply package them in a decorative tin or box.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
- Beverage Pairings: These cookies pair well with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a soothing herbal tea. For a more indulgent option, enjoy them with hot cocoa or a vanilla milkshake.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies. Freeze for an hour before serving for the perfect treat.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Nutty Salted Caramel Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Cookies: Use a combination of bittersweet and milk chocolate for a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.
- Caramel Swirl: Melt some additional caramels and drizzle the caramel over the cooled cookies for a beautiful and tasty finish.
Health Benefits Notes:
While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, you can make small adjustments to the recipe to suit dietary preferences or reduce the calorie content. Consider using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for more antioxidants and reduced sugar. You could also experiment with using whole wheat flour for added fiber, though this may slightly change the texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate? A: Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that the cookies will be slightly sweeter overall.
Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Q: What other crackers can I use? A: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any other butter crackers or even pretzels for a salty, crunchy addition.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the crackers used are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion:
Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and rich flavors that create a unique and delicious treat. With their gooey caramel centers, chunks of bittersweet chocolate, and crispy butter cracker pieces, these cookies offer an exciting twist on traditional cookie recipes. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert to impress guests or a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the irresistible taste of these Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies today!