Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Dough:; • 2 cups all-purpose flour; • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; • 1/2 teaspoon salt; • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; • 1/2 cup granulated sugar; • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; • 1 large egg; • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; For the Salted Caramel Filling:; • 1 cup granulated sugar; • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; • 1/2 cup heavy cream; • 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling); For the Chocolate Coating:; • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)

Ingredients

For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Salted Caramel Filling:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

For the Chocolate Coating:
• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Filling
1. Heat Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
3. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Cook for an additional minute until smooth.
4. Season: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pillows
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into squares (about 2×2 inches).
3. Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of salted caramel in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to create a pillow shape, sealing the edges with a fork.
4. Bake: Place the filled pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
2. Dip Pillows: Once the pillows are cool, dip each one in the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each pillow.

Step 5: Serve
1. Enjoy: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting. Serve your Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows as a delicious dessert or treat!

Prep Time: 30
Cook Time: 15