My mom used to keep candy in her purse. She had various flavors of lifesavers- rootbeer, butterscotch, mint, and the classic rainbow of fruit. She had hard candies and soft candies. Sometimes there were bags of m&m's, Reese's Pieces, or Skittles. At Halloween time, you can bet there were a variety of halloween candies nestled away in there. When we would go to the movies, out came the box of licorice. My mom seemingly had a candy-themed, Mary-Poppins-style purse and she would always share.
My favorite was the See's Candy Chocolate Caramel Lollypops. One of the most heavenly taste experiences ever must be rich chocolate and salty caramel blended together. It was as if the Tootsie Rolls and the Kraft Caramel Chews in mom's purse got together and created a love child on a stick. Perhaps these lollypops were Mom's secret weapon to get me to be quiet because as soon as I popped one of these bad boys in my mouth, it was as if everything around me disappeared and all that existed was me, that lollypop, and the angels singing up above. These lollypops were not like the Tootsie Roll Pops that sometimes would make an appearance in Mom's purse, where you could bite into them and get to the chewy center after just three licks (according to Mr. Owl). No, these Chocolate Caramel Lollypops demanded that you suck on them and savor every last bit (or you would likely break your teeth), even if it did take you 30-45 minutes. I probably spent upwards of ten hours of my childhood, savoring the richly sweet, yet slightly bitter flavor of these lollypops and committing it to my not-yet-sophisticated taste memory index.
I'm not sure what spurred me to make these cookies, but one day I just had the urge to make caramel sauce. Once it was done, I wanted chocolate to go with it. For some reason, I really wanted to reconnect with the calming effect of that flavor profile in the form of my favorite dessert: cookies! Perhaps my brain was being a little too noisy and needed to be quieted down, but the craving for these cookies was extremely intense and I got to work.
Once they were out of the oven, I was tearing one in half, letting the steam carry the very strong aroma of caramel and chocolate to my nose. The chocolate was melty and there were chunks of caramelized cookie dough throughout, making the first bite absolutely glorious! The flavors are so intense that all I could concentrate on was this scrumptious, soul-satisfying cookie. The flavor brought waves of memories of me savoring those See's lollypops, trying to soak up as much of the flavor as possible. I usually limit myself to one taste-test cookie right out of the oven, but I found myself quickly going back for seconds. And thirds. When I asked the twins the obligatory "Do you want a caramel chocolate chip cookie?" I was thankfully met with scrunched up noses (caramel is not on the twins' list of acceptable flavors). Though I love sharing cookies with my family, I was even more thankful that there would be more for these for me and Chris!
Unfortunately, Chris and I went through that first batch so quickly, we didn't even have a chance to take pictures. I had no problem at all making another batch a few days later. These are definitely the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. Even though I used to have a pretty severe candy addiction in my mid-twenties (picture this: two girlfriends trying to take a picture of themselves in front of the Eiffel Tower, only to find that they are unable to take a clear picture because they both are too shaky and giggly from indulging in too many bonbons), an addiction I attributed specifically to my Mom's purse, I am now so thankful for that big bag full of treats and my Mom's instinctive way of knowing how to calm me down. These cookies definitely have the same effect, as with each bite, I can feel everything else just slip away. It's just me, that cookie, and the angels singing. Is it odd that I want to stash a bunch of these cookies in my purse?
Ingredients
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour mix (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Ener-G Egg Replacer
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pour coconut sugar and water into a pot. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Lower to a simmer and let the water reduce by half. The water should be a dark brown. Keep whisking it and keep a close eye on it because it will foam up and overflow, if you are not careful.
- Gradually whisk in the coconut milk. Keep it at a simmer, whisking frequently, until the mixture has turned a medium/dark brown and has thickened significantly, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the salt. Remove from heat and let cool. This will give you ¾ – 1 cup caramel sauce.
- In a large bowl, mix together your flour, egg replacer, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, beat together your mashed banana and coconut oil until fluffy. Whisk in 2/3 cup caramel, setting aside the rest of the caramel sauce for later. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly add your wet mixture to your dry mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and flatten the dough into the bottom of the bowl. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove your chilled cookie dough from the fridge. Drizzle the remaining caramel over the dough. Use a knife to make several slashes through the dough, cutting in the caramel sauce, but not mixing it in. Without mixing the dough any further, use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and drop it on the prepared baking sheet. The dough will be sticky and a little more wet, with streaks of caramel sauce running through it. Once you have scooped up all the dough, place the baking sheets in the oven for 8-10 minutes. They are done when they have solidified, but are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 3-4 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. You will be missing out on one of life’s greatest experiences if you do not eat one while it is warm. Let them cool completely before transferring to a plate to serve (or container to store). Enjoy!
Photography by Chris Miller
Caitlin
what a beautiful and simple recipe! and even..kind of healthy! and gluten-free! they are so delicious looking!
my mom had a chocolate drawer. we would all go in and take a little at a time. we hid it from my dad. he doesn't have any self control(perhaps like your eiffel tower bonbon experience :P)
keepinitkind
Thank you, Caitlin! That's so funny that you all knew about the chocolate drawer except for your dad! My mom also hid some goodies in her sewing basket, which she never told us about but my brother and I knew and would routinely steal a cookie or two for ourselves. 😉
Caitlin
ps- LOVE the second photo!!
keepinitkind
It's one of mine and Chris's faves too! 🙂
Heather
I totally did a little happy dance in my chair when I read the title of this post - Salted Caramel Chocolate Chips Cookies -wwait did i read that right? YES!
Sharing these - well maybe with me, myself and I 🙂
Hahaha the candy purse - it reminds me of my gram, but she always had different flavors of tic tacs, my sister and i still to this day raid her purse for tic tacs 🙂
keepinitkind
I'm so glad you like them, Heather! I hope the three of you enjoy them! 😉
Sarah S.
These sound fantastic! One question, is it coconut sugar or maple sugar? The first is listed in the ingredients but the latter is listed in the instructions. Thanks!
keepinitkind
Thanks Sarah! Good catch! I've used both to make salted caramel actually and they've both been great. For these cookies in particular, I did use coconut because of the higher nutrient content, but either will work. I've updated the recipe to show coconut. Thank you so much! 🙂
Somer
I'm having some serious cookie envy! Oh Kristy, you've outdone yourself! I want those in my purse too!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Somer! 🙂
Melissa
These are going to be in my life VERY soon! I can't wait to try this recipe out. Chocolate + caramel + cookies = it's the dessert trifecta!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Melissa! I love you because you use the word trifecta. It is one of my favorite words! 🙂
Jody
that is a beautiful write up -- this line is FANTASTIC: "It’s just me, that cookie, and the angels singing." the cookies sound sooooo yum too!! :)) THANK YOU for sharing the taste of kindness -- it's the best.
oh- and I don't have energy egg replacement so am wondering if you know of something else to use in it's place, and if not I'll just have to try and get some. THANK YOU again so much especially for helping animals by letting people know vegan is the best food ever!!
keepinitkind
Thank you so much, Jody! Your words really moved me, as our purpose for Keepin' It Kind is to show people how easy, fun, and tasty being vegan can be.
I would replace it with flaxmeal. If you don't have that, you may even be able to go without, though I haven't tried it. If you do end up buying the Ener-G egg replacer, it will last you awhile. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy the cookies! Take care! 🙂
FoodFeud
Awesome description. I haven't tasted those lollipops but I can imagine it perfectly. my partner would love these.
keepinitkind
Thank you! I hope you and your partner enjoy them as much as we did! 🙂
Cadry
Whoa, coconut milk caramel sauce in cookies? Yes, please! I'm going to email you with my address. I'll be anxiously waiting by the mailbox! 😀
keepinitkind
I keep making them with the intention of sending them to you, but somehow they all disappear before I can seal the box. I will keep trying! 🙂
Cadry
Fight the good fight, Kristy! 😉
Richa`
you are speaking my language.. chocolate and salted caramel!!!
please send me a box of these when you make the next batch:) i am tired of making cookies for myself;)
we grew with almost no chocolate till dairy milk invasion some time when i was 14-15, and we would get to eat some on celebrations. my mom carried fruits and the savory fried snacks when she took the kids out. 🙂
keepinitkind
Between you and Cadry, I might just have to start taking orders!;-)
It is so weird to think that chocolate wasn't as prevalent as it is here. That definitely shows how your taste buds were shaped though! Pretty interesting!
Courtney Jones
Cookies are a girl's best friend. Or well, okay...they are my best friend at least 🙂 And these cookies look pretty damn inviting! Coconut milk caramel is genius!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Courtney! I whole-heartedly agree with you- during rough times, even when nothing else is there for you, cookies always are. 😉
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Oh my goodness Kristy! Does your creativity know no limits!
And my mom totally always kept candy in her purse too! My favourites were definitely Werther's and these mints with chocolate centers. I have a serious urge to recreate those now! 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Gabby! Coming from someone as creative as yourself, that means so much!
And Werthers! I forgot about those! My mom didn't carry them, but my Grandma always had some in her kitchen cabinet. 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
*blush* 🙂
Thanks for sharing your recipes on Healthy Vegan Fridays! It's so great having support from someone as awesome as yourself!
Dee D.
Those cookies sound AMAZING!
Haha, my grandma used to have a mary poppins purse full of candy too 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Dee! I wonder where moms shop for those things? I need to get one! 😉
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
aren't moms great? mine always had the cinnamon rounds. so good. i should really carry on that tradition:) hehe and those cookies --- AMAZING!!!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Caralyn! Moms are just the best- carrying sweets in your purse is genius! 🙂
melissa
if i could crawl through the computer screen I would eat every single one of those cookies without shame. wow! sounds so yummy!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Melissa! They were just as delicious, if not more, than they look! 🙂
michelle
I made them but only had oat flour they just didn't rise as much and I never have the best luck with calmer getting thick but still they we're all gobbled up so fast
keepinitkind
Caramel can be tricky and it has been a long time coming for me to figure it out. I'm so glad y'all liked the cookies! 🙂
Lysa
I just made a batch of these and they are totally delicious! Amazing cookies thank you so much kristy!
keepinitkind
So awesome!!! Thank you for letting me know and I'm SO HAPPY that you liked them, Lysa! 🙂
meghan
Thank you for linking these up this week with gf fridays! Your photos are BEAUTIFUL, and this recipe looks delicious. I'm always in the market for a great cookie recipe. I'm featuring this recipe this week for gf fridays:).
keepinitkind
Oh wow! Thank you so much, Meghan! Your kind words mean so much to me. 🙂
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
You had me at Salty Caramel! 🙂 LOL Love it! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays recipe party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 We are building a great set of gluten free recipes so far! Its making my meal planning easy 🙂 How about yours? See you next Friday! Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
keepinitkind
Thank you, Cindy! Salted caramel is one of my favorite things too. Your Gluten-Free Fridays are awesome! keep up the great work! 🙂
Vivian @sugarandscrubs
You had me at salted chocolate caramel! I love how you tell such lovely stories to accompany all your recipes. So glad I found your blog via Pinterest 🙂 thanks!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Vivian! The stories are probably my favorite part! 🙂