Irresistible Salted Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Timeless Recipe
This beloved cookie recipe holds a special place in our hearts, originally created to celebrate a unique product: Jif Salted Caramel Hazelnut Flavored Spread. While that particular spread may no longer grace supermarket shelves – perhaps discontinued or temporarily on hiatus – its legacy lives on through these exceptional cookies. The absence of the original Jif spread, which hasn’t been seen in years, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on this delightful treat. This recipe has been perfected to work beautifully with any high-quality chocolate hazelnut type spread, ensuring that its irresistible flavors can be enjoyed by all, regardless of brand availability. We remain hopeful that Jif might one day bring back their beloved salted caramel variety, but until then, we have a delicious solution!
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The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and the remarkable texture it consistently delivers. While the original version was developed using Jif’s regular or mocha-flavored hazelnut spreads, the salted caramel variant truly elevated these cookies to a new level. The result is a batch of cookies that are absolutely lovely, boasting an abundance of beautiful crinkles and folds, and an irresistible texture that masterfully combines both crunchy edges and a wonderfully chewy center. This perfect textural balance is largely attributed to the use of shortening, a key ingredient that sets these cookies apart from those made solely with butter, offering a unique crispness that butter often can’t match.
During testing, this versatile dough was prepared in two forms: traditional drop cookies and convenient bar cookies. While the bars were undeniably good, the drop cookies stole the show, primarily due to their superior texture. The way shortening performs in drop cookies creates that sought-after crispy-chewy dynamic. Another delightful discovery was the substitution of walnuts for hazelnuts. Despite veering slightly from the “hazelnut” theme, these cookies remained incredibly delicious, proving just how forgiving and adaptable the recipe is. The richness of the chocolate hazelnut spread itself, especially if it carries a hint of saltiness and a discernible caramel note, contributes immensely to the overall depth of flavor. This delicate balance of sweet and salty is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
Crafting these cookies is more than just following steps; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances of each ingredient. The firm-packed light brown sugar, for instance, is crucial not just for sweetness but for contributing to the moistness and chewiness of the final product. Milk adds a touch of necessary liquid, while vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. The chocolate hazelnut spread acts as the star, infusing the dough with its distinctive nutty, chocolatey, and often caramel-like notes. When selecting your chocolate hazelnut spread, consider brands known for their rich flavor and smooth texture, such as Nutella or other gourmet options, to ensure the best possible outcome for your cookies. Even a slight saltiness in your chosen spread can boost the overall flavor profile, mimicking the original Jif spread’s charm.
Beyond the primary ingredients, the choice of mix-ins also plays a significant role. Dark chocolate chips, with their intense flavor, provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the dough and the hazelnut spread. For the nuts, whether you opt for the classic hazelnuts or experiment with toasted walnuts, make sure they are coarsely chopped to provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. Toasting the nuts before adding them can deepen their flavor, adding another layer of complexity to your cookies. This recipe is an excellent canvas for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences while still achieving that signature, delightful texture.
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Recipe Details
Salted Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Anna
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup Crisco (144 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups firmly packed light brown sugar (245 grams)
- 2 tablespoons milk whole
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts or toasted walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare two baking sheets, either lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup or leaving them ungreased. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, firmly packed light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until they are well blended and creamy. Then, beat in the large egg and the chocolate hazelnut flavored spread. While an electric mixer can be used for this, a sturdy spoon works perfectly well to achieve the desired consistency without overmixing.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet shortening mixture, mixing only until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently stir in the dark chocolate chips and your chosen coarsely chopped nuts (hazelnuts or toasted walnuts).
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Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to space them about 3 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. For more consistent sizing and baking, use a cookie scoop.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. If you make larger cookies, like mine, they might require at least 12 minutes or slightly longer, and you may yield fewer than 48 cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This initial cooling period helps them set and prevents breakage.
Notes
Whether you choose to make them as classic drop cookies or opt for the convenient bar form, these salted caramel hazelnut chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to impress. Their unique texture, combined with the rich, nutty, and subtly salty-sweet flavor, makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. They are fantastic for sharing with friends and family, bringing to potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or milk.
For optimal freshness, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you prefer to bake ahead, the cookie dough can also be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This makes them an ideal choice for busy bakers who want to have a homemade treat ready at a moment’s notice.
We encourage you to experiment with different brands of chocolate hazelnut spread to find your personal favorite, and don’t hesitate to try other nuts if hazelnuts aren’t readily available or you’re looking for a different flavor profile. The core of this recipe is robust enough to handle minor variations while still delivering exceptional results. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these truly irresistible cookies!
Don’t forget to check out our other related recipes for more delicious ideas. Happy baking!