Recipe: Caramel Cookies with Sesame Seeds

Recipe: Caramel Cookies with Sesame Seeds

Caramel cookies with sesame seeds are a deliciously sweet treat that perfectly combines the richness of caramel with the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. These cookies are golden brown on the outside, with a soft and chewy interior, making them irresistible for anyone with a sweet tooth. The addition of sesame seeds adds a wonderful texture and flavor, making these cookies a unique twist on a classic caramel recipe.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make these delightful cookies, from mixing the ingredients to baking them to perfection. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.

3. Stir in the Caramel Sauce
   Add the caramel sauce to the mixture and stir until the caramel is evenly incorporated into the dough. This will give the cookies their signature caramel flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients with the Wet Mixture
   Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the cookies remain soft and chewy.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll the Dough into Balls
   Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Roll in Sesame Seeds
   Roll each dough ball in the sesame seeds until well-coated. The sesame seeds will add a nutty flavor and a beautiful golden texture to the cookies.

3. Optional: Add Nuts
   If you're adding nuts, gently press some chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough balls for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange the Cookies on the Baking Sheet
   Place the sesame-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

2. Bake
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent them from overbaking.

3. Cool on a Wire Rack
   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once cooled, the caramel cookies with sesame seeds are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea for a delicious treat.

2. Storage
   Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you want to enjoy them later.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Chocolate Chips
   For a chocolatey twist, you can fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the dough before baking. The combination of caramel, sesame seeds, and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser!

2. Make it Gluten-Free
   For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.

3. Use Homemade Caramel
   If you want to make the cookies even more indulgent, use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor. You can find plenty of simple homemade caramel recipes online.

Health Benefits

1. Sesame Seeds
   Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They support heart health, help lower cholesterol, and provide a good source of calcium.

2. Butter
   While butter is high in fat, it contains essential fatty acids and vitamins such as A, D, and E. Use butter in moderation to enjoy its full flavor and texture benefits.

3. Nuts
   If you add nuts to your cookies, they provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also offer heart-healthy benefits and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

Caramel cookies with sesame seeds are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with the rich flavor of caramel, the buttery texture of the cookie, and the delightful crunch of sesame seeds. These cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these caramel sesame cookies will be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the wonderful flavors of caramel and sesame in every bite!