Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie with Caramel and Sea Salt

Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie is the ultimate indulgent dessert for cookie lovers everywhere! Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or special occasions, this giant cookie is a crowd-pleaser. With its gooey interior, crispy edges, and delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Did you know that the first chocolate chip cookie was created in 1938? It was invented by Ruth Wakefield, who mixed chopped chocolate into her butter cookie dough, creating a treat that would become iconic.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect gooey texture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. This will help prevent the cookie from sticking, allowing for easy removal and serving.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookie a lovely chewy texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The vanilla adds warmth and richness to the flavor profile.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookie soft.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Gently fold in the chocolate chunks. They should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is filled with chocolatey goodness.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookie

Transfer half of the cookie dough into your prepared skillet. Press it down evenly, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Scoop the remaining dough on top, spreading it out gently.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown but the center to remain slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey texture.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. This enhances the flavors and gives your cookie an indulgent finish.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookie to cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat!

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful baking tips and variations you can consider:

• Chocolate Variations: Swap out chocolate chunks for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a different taste.
• Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Make it Minty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist.
• Shortcuts: Use pre-made cookie dough if you’re short on time, but the homemade version is always best!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the gooey texture.

Pairing Suggestions

For an indulgent dessert experience, serve your Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate or caramel sauce drizzle
• A glass of cold milk
• Your favorite coffee or dessert wine

This Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie is not only a delicious dessert but also a fantastic way to create memories with family and friends. It’s easy to make, shareable, and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. Don’t forget to snap a few photos for food photography as you enjoy this decadent treat!

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Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out:

Q: Can I make this cookie dough in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I freeze the Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie?

A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

Q: How can I make the cookie healthier?

A: Consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, or substituting some of the butter with applesauce to cut down on calories.

Q: What should I do if my cookie is too dry?

A: If your cookie turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect gooey center.

Q: How do I know when my cookie is done?

A: The cookie is done when the edges are golden brown and the center looks slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook as it cools.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins?

A: Definitely! Feel free to add dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts as desired to customize the flavor of your Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie.