Every now and then, a recipe comes along that redefines your taste buds, blending the familiar with the unexpected into an adventurous symphony of flavors. My kitchen is my lab, and my ingredients are the colorful potions that spark magic. On this particular experimentation evening, I discovered a unique concoction I’ve been eager to share—my Gochujang Caramel Cookies.
Gochujang is a pungent Korean fermented chili paste, a mosaic of spicy, sweet, and umami notes that captivates the palate and turns any dish into a bold statement. Who would’ve thought that this fiery condiment could dance so elegantly with the saccharine whispers of caramel in a cookie?
How to make Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Gochujang caramel cookies are a unique fusion of flavors that blend traditional Korean gochujang paste with the sweetness of caramel and the classic texture of cookies.
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until a deep amber caramel is achieved. Be careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the butter until it’s completely melted.
- Gradually add in the heavy cream while continuing to stir.
- Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and Gochujang paste.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just set. Do not overbake.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
- After the cookies have cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce all over the top and wait for it to set before serving.
Useful Tips
- Tasting the Heat: Gochujang paste can be quite spicy for some. Feel free to adjust the amount in your recipe accordingly to suit your preference.
- Perfect Cookies Shape: For perfectly shaped cookies, you can use a cookie scoop to ensure each cookie is the same size.
- Caramel Storage: If you have leftover caramel, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container. It’s perfect when you want to drizzle a little happiness onto your desserts or morning pancakes!
What to serve with
Think of your Gochujang Caramel Cookies as a showstopper dessert, an intriguing ending to a well-planned meal. So let’s check out some pairing ideas to maximize enjoyment!
Drinks
1. Milk: The all-time classic partner to any cookie. The creamy, slightly sweet milk complements the heat from Gochujang and complements the caramel’s sweetness. You can upgrade your experience with almond or soy milk for a twist.
2. Coffee: A cup of black coffee or a creamy latte could be an excellent contrast to these spicy-sweet delights. Its bitter notes could create a perfect balance, making it an excellent pairing.
3. Tea: Choose a full-bodied black tea or a spicy chai to accompany your cookies, helping to accentuate the spicy and sweet elements of the cookies.
Desserts
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Given the heat from the gochujang, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or making an ice cream sandwich with two cookies can provide a cooling contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, or a medley of berries lend a refreshing balance to the spicy-sweet cookies.
Savory Foods
1. Cheese Board: Select a variety of cheeses from light and creamy (like brie or camembert) to bold and tangy (like blue cheese or aged cheddar). The creamy, salty notes from the cheese are a splendid contrast to the spicy-sweet cookies.
2. Korean BBQ: If you’re going all out with a Korean-themed feast, these Gochujang Caramel Cookies are a creative and fitting dessert after a BBQ dinner.
Ingredients substitutes
When creating Gochujang Caramel Cookies, various substitutions can be made based on dietary restrictions, spice tolerance, or ingredient availability.
Substitutes for Caramel Ingredients
Granulated Sugar:
- Maple Syrup or Honey: For a more liquid sweetener, use less than the sugar specified and slightly reduce other wet ingredients.
Unsalted Butter (for Vegan or Dairy-Free):
- Plant-Based Margarine: Works one-to-one as a direct substitute.
- Coconut Oil: Although it may impart a slight coconut flavor, it can be an effective vegan alternative.
Heavy Whipping Cream (for Vegan or Dairy-Free):
- Coconut Cream: This is a thicker, more affluent part of coconut milk, which would work well.
- Soy or Almond Milk Creamer: These are thicker than regular milk alternatives and can often be used as a straight swap.
Substitutes for Cookie Ingredients
Unsalted Butter:
- Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil: These can be used in equal parts as a substitute for butter.
- Applesauce: This can replace half of the required butter to reduce fat content, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Granulated Sugar:
Same as for the caramel.
- Brown Sugar: Raw Sugar or Turbinado Sugar with a Bit of Molasses: This can mimic the moisture and flavor of brown sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: Provides a similar texture and a slight caramel flavor.
Eggs (for Vegan or Egg Allergy):
- Applesauce or Mashed Banana: 1/4 cup can replace one egg but may add slight flavor and affect texture.
Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla Bean Paste: A like-for-like substitute, often richer in flavor.
- Almond Extract: Offers a different flavor but can complement the spicy and sweet notes.
Gochujang Paste:
- Harissa Paste: While it is a North African chili paste, it can substitute the heat with a different flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes with Tomato Paste: This mixture will give the spice but with a much less complex flavor than gochujang.
- Sriracha: This will increase the heat but lacks the depth of flavor from the fermented elements in gochujang.
All-Purpose Flour (for Gluten-Free):
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Many brands offer cup-for-cup substitutes that can be used as direct replacements.
Baking Soda:
- Baking Powder: Use triple the amount of baking powder instead of baking soda, though this can affect the texture and taste slightly.
Final Thoughts
Step into a unique baking adventure with the sweet heat of these Gochujang Caramel Cookies. They are packed full of flavor and will give your customary cookie a run for its money. Happy Baking!
More Baked Dishes:
- Banana Bread with Crumb Topping
- Easy Kodiak Pancake Directions
- Can You Make Cornbread Without Eggs?
- Easy Seafood Bread
- Buc ee’s Fudge Recipe
