I apologize for the number of cookies you’re about to eat.
Because you have to put these cookies in your cookie jar.
Today.
Tomorrow at the latest, but how you will wait that long, I don’t know. It’s like a cookie perfect storm–chocolate, caramel, cream, walnuts and graham cracker crumbs piled up in pillow-soft melt-in-your-mouth cookies. This is what dreams are made of.
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How to make Chocolate-Caramel Dream Cookies:
The Cookies
1 egg, separated
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream*
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder**
1/2 teaspoon salt
*You can use milk in place of cream.
**I used Hershey’s Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder.
Separate egg white and yolk. Reserve the white in a little bowl in the fridge till later. In a large bowl combine softened egg yolk, butter, sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat well. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Beat again. The mixture will seem a little dry, but it’s really not. Scrape the dough off the beaters and put your hands in there, shaping the mixture into a ball. (It’s almost like pie crust dough–it might seem dry, but when you get your hands in there, you can feel the moisture in the dough. Mush it together.) Wrap and chill for at least an hour. (You can chill it longer if you need to, but you will have to let it soften up some when you take it out if you let it get too cold.)
Using a spoon, scoop pieces from the chilled dough to shape into approximately 1-inch balls.
Take out the chilled egg white. Add one tablespoon of water to the egg white and whisk. (I added a teaspoon of sugar to the egg white and water, too, but you don’t have to. I just couldn’t help myself.)
The Coating
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup crushed graham crackers
Combine walnuts and crushed graham crackers in a bowl. Dip each cookie ball in the egg white mixture and then roll in the walnut-graham cracker coating. Place coated cookie balls about two inches apart on greased cookie sheets. (You should be able to get all the cookies on two large cookie sheets.)
Use your finger or thumb to make an indentation in the middle of each ball.
Bake at 350-degrees for 8-10 minutes. Do not overbake. These cookies will stay nice and soft if you don’t overbake them.
Bake ALL the cookies before making the caramel topping. Leave cookies on cookie sheets to apply toppings.
The Caramel Topping
18 caramels, unwrapped
3 tablespoons heavy cream*
*You can use milk in place of cream.
Melt caramels and cream in a small saucepan, stirring frequently. Spoon topping into the indentation on each baked cookie.
There should be just enough left over for you to lick the spoon.
Finish adding the caramel topping to the cookies before melting the chocolate topping. (The chocolate must be used right away or it will mess up, so be ready with your caramel-topped cookies before you start melting the chocolate.)
The Chocolate Topping
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
1 tablespoon heavy cream*
*You can use milk in place of cream.
Place chocolate chips, shortening, and cream in a small saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly. As soon as the chocolate is melted and the mixture is syrupy, remove from the heat and quickly mound over the caramel topping.
Give topping several minutes to set up before moving to a cookie jar or other container.
Then start eating.
Makes about three dozen. But you should tell everyone it makes two dozen so you can keep the first dozen to yourself. (I’m just trying to help.)
See this recipe at Farm Bell Recipes and save it to your recipe box.
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Blessings says:
OMG! Those cookies look wonderful!
May I use photo of cookies as my desktop photo? LOL just sayin
On January 21, 2010 at 1:44 am
Michele Messier says:
I am going to try these ASAP! I wonder if these would stick together if I put them in a cellophane gift bag. These look great, can’t wait to make them! 😉 😉 😉
On January 21, 2010 at 2:13 am
Carrie says:
Oh my goodness…those look amazing…What a great tutorial too!
Gonna definitley have to try them!
On January 21, 2010 at 3:13 am
Rituparna says:
Mouthwatering Yummy ………….
Can I have a few from yours right now.
Can’t wait to get home to make them.
Plus my doctor has asked me not to use my right arm much .
Bicipal thrombosis ……. Why me ……….
On January 21, 2010 at 4:27 am
Patricia Herman says:
Yummy! Can I have some of yours…I don’t want to wait to bake my own.
On January 21, 2010 at 5:47 am
Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:
:duck: OH MY GOODNESS!! oh my!! OH MY!!
On January 21, 2010 at 6:41 am
Nancy H says:
Suzanne,
I have a great idea for your blog! When you cook or bake or make cheese you need to send samples to your loyal readers. Don’t you think that is an excellent idea? I could be your official “taste tester!”
On January 21, 2010 at 6:46 am
Connie Trippett says:
Those look great, is there anything I can use instead of the heavy cream?
On January 21, 2010 at 7:00 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
You can use milk, they just won’t be as rich. I’ll make a note in the post! (Should have done that.) Thanks!
On January 21, 2010 at 7:12 am
pam says:
Apoligies accepted. I’ll be eating my share and my husbands and quite possibly my daughters.
On January 21, 2010 at 7:00 am
trish says:
WOW! :snoopy:
On January 21, 2010 at 7:19 am
Kelly Walker says:
Now that’s just WRONG and you know it! It’s the new year. Time for dieting. Remember? We can’t diet if we look at recipes like this!!! :bugeyed:
On January 21, 2010 at 7:27 am
Maggiemae says:
Wow! Those were the best cookies I’ve ever tasted! Yummooooo!
On January 21, 2010 at 8:25 am
Phyllis Ryan says:
I think that Nancy is right. You need tasters. Can I volunteer to be the cheese taster. Pleeeeaaaase.
On January 21, 2010 at 8:34 am
CindyP says:
OH MY, Suzanne! I think you’ve out done it now!! Maybe a little bit of cream cheese in there and it would be every wonderful taste all put together!!!
On January 21, 2010 at 8:37 am
julie says:
Way to go! You just gave me another reason to fall off the diet wagon! They look wonderful. All of my kids thank you for posting such delicious recipes!
grace and peace,
julie
On January 21, 2010 at 8:38 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
They look beyond-belief delicious! Where do you find these incredible recipes?
On January 21, 2010 at 8:49 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
NorthCountryGirl, I used a (slightly modified) chocolate cookie dough and made up the rest of the recipe. I love developing recipes!
On January 21, 2010 at 9:01 am
carol says:
And I have to apologize to my employers for the tongue marks on the computer screen. At least I didn’t gain back the 5.5 lbs I lost this past week by NOT eating things like this!
Good gravy, Suzanne….you’re trying to kill us all!
Blessings to everyone!
On January 21, 2010 at 8:49 am
Lynda Dunham-Watkins says:
I’ll be glad when the thaw starts! You’re killing me with those pictures! LOL
On January 21, 2010 at 8:51 am
Chic says:
OH DEAR….how could anyone refuse a cookie like that! I know I couldn’t….so I’m printing this one out and I’ll be making these babies! :hungry2:
On January 21, 2010 at 8:55 am
BuckeyeGirl says:
Oh – My – Goodness! You are a horrible, horrible, terrible, WONDERFUL person Suzanne! :snoopy: NOW look what you’ve done!!!!!
These look beyond fantastic. :hungry:
On January 21, 2010 at 9:20 am
Candy Stivers says:
Easy caramel. Boil for 3 hours a can of Carnations Sweetened condensed milk. Shake can vigorously, place in pan, cover with water and boil for 3 hrs. When can cools it can be placed on the shelf for use later (dream cookies would be great). If opened and any is left to use, refrigerate. It works and always great to have on hand.
On January 21, 2010 at 9:23 am
Lyda Loehring says:
I am trying to diet and you show me these. OMG……Gotta have some………..
On January 21, 2010 at 9:25 am
Maria in CT says:
Wow, those are just gorgeous! I want some now!
On January 21, 2010 at 9:29 am
Donna says:
My hips may never be the same! Do you have any suggestions for replacing the nuts? My sweetie can’t eat nuts. Beside using toffee bits, I’m at a loss.
On January 21, 2010 at 9:53 am
Jo says:
Shame on you, Suzanne!!! These cookies look absolutely EVIL!!! Who can resist?! :devil2:
On January 21, 2010 at 9:53 am
Jo says:
Oh man, some of the comments are hilarious….I literally lol. 😆 :eating:
On January 21, 2010 at 9:56 am
Debbie in PA says:
Suzanne, you must be on a cooking binge! So many yummy looking things.
I think you need to start thinking about more kids…. :no: :yes: This is my reasoning: your middle son must be in high school, so figure on him moving for work in a couple of years Your daighter and you can’t possibly eat all this yummy goodness….hence the need for a bigger family :devil:
On January 21, 2010 at 9:59 am
brenda harmon says:
Wow, those look amazing! Thanks Candy for the suggestion to boil condensed milk. It’s snowing here in AZ. I live 20 miles away from town, so going to the store is out of the question. I do have condensed milk though, so will have to try your idea to make these lovely cookies.
On January 21, 2010 at 10:02 am
Miss Becky says:
oh.my.god.
these look decadent. why are you doing this to us??? 😮 😮 😮
On January 21, 2010 at 10:10 am
Theresa says:
That’s just…. WRONG. Why would you do that to a pregnant woman on a budget???!! I’m so making these next week. LOL :yes:
On January 21, 2010 at 10:12 am
Moi says:
I refuse to make these. I most definitely will not make these. No, really. Now excuse me while I run far, far away and think about liver and Brussel sprouts or something.
On January 21, 2010 at 10:29 am
Rosella says:
Those look amazing!!!! I am definately going to try making these – who cares about dieting anyway!
I also love the antique? plate you served them on. It reminds me of one my mom used to have.
Have a wonderful day – and don’t eat ALL the cookies in one day 😉
On January 21, 2010 at 10:54 am
Lish says:
O
M
G
HOW do you stay so skinny?? I mean, I know you work out on the property ..but… I gained 6 pounds READING this!!!
On January 21, 2010 at 11:28 am
Lish says:
Ummmm….if you could make these on like a Saturday… I’m in Charleston, so I’m only like a 45 minute drive… and ummm… like I could be your critic… to let everyone know if they’re good or not. You know..just to HELP you… that way people would know whether to try the recipe or not.
Just sayin’….. :devil2:
On January 21, 2010 at 11:34 am
Ruth - north CA says:
Holy. Sweet. Mother. I’m thinking of using a hammer and chisel on the insidious holiday weight gain and YOU, channeling the Dahhh-rk Side of Sugar Joy, offer up food porn!
Dripping spoonfuls of caramel sweet followed with pools of chocolate over gently massaged rolls of cookie delirium. These aren’t Dream Cookies, they’re Sinful Bites! :devil2: Even the slow process borders on an Experience. Seriously, one cookie, two cookies, and who needs the DH? (just don’t tell him!).
[Whimper] I may not be able to help myself … because I knooooow I have caramel in the cupboard …. you are such a wicked woman and I’m so glad you understand women and chocolate!
On January 21, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Mark says:
Oh My God, Its very very very yummy, mouth watering. Really nice dish. I am going to try out this dish right away
On January 21, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Kerin says:
TO DIE FOR!
This will be my Valentines day treat for my sweet husband.
Much yummy thanks!
On January 21, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Mary says:
:snuggle: Those cookies look absolutely delish!!!! Yum! Guess one of your resolutions was not to lose weight! LOL! Of course you don’t need to, but yum!! Have a nice weekend!
On January 21, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Suzanne says:
How would they be with just the graham cracker crumbs on the outside of the cookie? I have nut allergies, so the nuts are out. I may have to just give them a try without.
On January 21, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Cheryl says:
Suzanne, you’re killing me here!!! Trying to lose weight, love caramel and chocolate! Could you maybe give us some really yummy, low-cal salad recipes and make them look as good as the cookies?
:sheepjump: Got to get rid of this fat, :sheepjump: so I can eat more cookies. :sheepjump:
On January 21, 2010 at 2:34 pm
marissa says:
These are the very first thing I’m making when I get back to my kitchen! Oh, Dear!!
On January 21, 2010 at 2:41 pm
kerri says:
Chocolate and caramel…who could want for more?
I must go now and find something sweet. And then I’ll vacuum the entire house to take off all those calories I gained just looking at these scrumptious cookies. And eating something sweet. :eating:
On January 21, 2010 at 2:48 pm
debbie says:
These are mind-bendingly decadent! And then my daughter looks at them and says “I’d roll them in mini M&M’s.” As if these aren’t sweet enough. I might maybe try cinnamon graham cracker crumbs along with the nuts though. Or peanuts for a semi-Snickers bar sort of deal.
On January 21, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Runningtrails says:
Oh My! Oh My! oh My! (I think someone already said that.)Unbelieveably delicious looking cookies!!
On January 21, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Cindy says:
Suzanne!!! :bugeyed: I only need to lose 5 more pounds–have pity, woman!! :hungry: 😉
On January 21, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
OMG Suzanne! What are you doing to us?!?!? Are you trying to wreck my low-carb diet?!?! These cookines look divine! Please, please do not feed them to the goat!!!
Susan
On January 21, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Deborah says:
I think I just gained ten pounds devouring these scrumptious cookies with my eyes. Add another 10 once I’ve made endless amounts of these. YUM!
On January 21, 2010 at 5:58 pm
LisaAJB says:
OH MY! You’re kind of my hero. :hungry:
On January 21, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Oklahoma Granny says:
Goodness, gracious sakes alive! Those look so decadent. Looks like I’ll be baking some tonight. Thanks for sharing another fantastic recipe!
On January 21, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Peggy says:
Wow, These look so dang good! I have to give this recipe a shot..thank you
On January 21, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Linda says:
These look amazingly yummy. Off to print the recipe! Thanks for sharing!
On January 21, 2010 at 8:49 pm
rileysmom says:
One question, Miss Suzanne: how many cookies did you get before the kids realized you baked them?
On January 21, 2010 at 10:42 pm
SuzieQ says:
You DARE to call them COOKIES??? They are the stuff of which dreams (and hips) are made! :heart: :heart: :snuggle:
On January 21, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Kim W says:
Wow! That looks so good I think I just got a zit! AND I DON’T CARE! Mwhahahahahaha Sorry…it’s the chocolate. :devil:
On January 22, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Yvonne says:
:snoopy: Oh my goodness I have got to try these cookies! My kids and husband will never leave the house if I do. Might have to sneak off and hide them somewhere where only I can have them :shimmy:
On February 11, 2010 at 4:12 pm