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Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Gochujang Caramel Cookies offer a remarkable fusion of spicy Korean chili paste and rich, buttery caramel. These cookies feature a crunchy exterior with a chewy center, balancing a mild heat with sweet caramel swirls. Perfect for adventurous bakers seeking a unique flavor profile in an easy-to-make treat that delights on any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup homemade caramel sauce (ribbons folded into dough)
  • Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Cream together softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and gochujang, mixing until the flavors combine evenly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, smooth dough.
  3. Incorporate caramel: Fold in ribbons of homemade caramel sauce gently into the cookie dough without overmixing to preserve the caramel swirls.
  4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to solidify the dough and meld flavors.
  5. Preheat and shape: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake and garnish: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Warm cookies can be sprinkled with optional sea salt flakes to balance flavors.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth.
  • Use high-quality gochujang for a better balance of spice and umami.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and preserve caramel swirls.
  • Watch baking time closely; remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft for chewy texture.
  • Homemade caramel sauce is recommended for richer, buttery flavor that balances chili heat.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Korean Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: gochujang cookies, caramel cookies, spicy sweet cookies, Korean chili paste dessert, unique cookie recipe, chewy cookies, caramel swirl cookies