Name: Gochujang Caramel Cookies: Sweet Meets Spicy in Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Can swap with salted butter, but reduce additional salt.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar; 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 tsp Baking Soda; 0.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 0.75 tsp Kosher Salt; 1 heaping tbsp Gochujang (Infuses heat and umami.); 2 tbsp Brown Sugar

Ever had a cookie that plays with your taste buds? Enter the Gochujang Caramel Cookies—a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy that brings a new twist to your favorite dessert! These scrumptious cookies marry the comforting flavors of classic sugar cookies with the zesty kick of gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a unique depth to each bite. They’re not only quick to whip up, but also a surefire hit for cookie exchanges and festive gatherings. Whether you’re seeking a standout addition to your dessert table or just craving a cookie with a bit of a zing, these treats are here to satisfy your homemade cravings. Are you ready to elevate your baking game?

Why are Gochujang Caramel Cookies irresistible?

Unique flavor profile: The combination of sweet and spicy sets these cookies apart, ensuring they tantalize your taste buds like no other cookie can.
Quick preparation: You can whip up this recipe in no time, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.
Perfect for sharing: Their unique flavor will have everyone talking, making these cookies a great addition to cookie exchanges or potlucks.
Versatile options: Whether you want to swap gochujang for Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, the possibilities are endless!
Culturally inspired: These cookies beautifully blend traditional Korean flavors into a classic dessert, showcasing the magic of culinary fusion.
You’ll love serving these alongside a refreshing drink or even a scoop of ice cream, creating an unforgettable dessert experience!

Gochujang Caramel Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter (8 tbsp / 113 g) – Provides richness and tenderness, creating a soft texture. Can swap with salted butter, but reduce additional salt.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200 g) – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a crispy texture.
Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that enhances sweetness.
Large Egg (1) – Acts as a binder, giving the cookies structure and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Rounds out the flavors with its inviting sweet aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups / 180 g) – Forms the backbone of the cookie, providing essential structure.
Baking Soda (½ tsp) – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon (¼ tsp) – A warm spice that complements the gochujang beautifully.
Kosher Salt (¾ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.

For the Gochujang Caramel

Gochujang (1 heaping tbsp) – The star ingredient, infusing a subtle heat and umami depth to the cookies.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp) – Combines with gochujang for a rich, sweet paste that creates layers of flavor.

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Gochujang Caramel Cookies all while delighting in this unique spicy-sweet experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Gochujang Caramel Paste
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar and 1 heaping tablespoon of gochujang. Mix vigorously with a fork until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this caramel paste aside, as it will add a delicious spicy-sweet swirl to your Gochujang Caramel Cookies later.

Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the remaining 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. This step ensures your cookie dough will be rich, flavorful, and support the addition of the gochujang caramel.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the flour is fully incorporated into the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your Gochujang Caramel Cookies.

Step 4: Chill Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading while baking, ensuring your cookies hold their shape. If time allows, feel free to chill the dough longer for even better results with your Gochujang Caramel Cookies.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Having your baking sheets ready will streamline your process once the dough is prepared and ensure you can achieve that perfect golden edge on your cookies.

Step 6: Mix Caramel into Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Scoop dollops of the prepared gochujang caramel paste into the cookie dough and gently swirl it with a spatula. Aim to create marbled patterns, ensuring the caramel is distributed without fully blending into the dough, as this will highlight the unique flavor of your Gochujang Caramel Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Aim for about 12 large cookies per batch. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookie tops show slight cracks and the edges are golden brown, indicating the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness.

Step 8: Cool & Store
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes. This resting period will help them set up a bit before transferring. Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your Gochujang Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, keeping their delightful flavors intact.

How to Store and Freeze Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Gochujang Caramel Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Fridge: If you prefer a softer texture, place the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: For the best experience, warm frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, restoring their delightful chewy texture.

Gochujang Caramel Cookies Customization

Don’t be shy—experiment with different flavors and textures to make these cookies your own!

Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter for a deliciously creamy, dairy-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra heat boost. A bold move that spicy lovers will appreciate!
Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor complexity. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite.
Sweet & Savory: Try swirling in a bit of sea salt caramel for a sweet and savory combination that elevates the cookie’s flavor profile.
Cocoa Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist that adds deep, rich flavor to the cookie dough without overwhelming the gochujang.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends, making everyone happy at your gathering.
Choco-Chip Delight: For something sweeter, toss in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough, creating a lovely contrast to the heat of the gochujang.

Explore combinations that speak to your palate, like pairing these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to cool down the spice. You might even find inspiration for another batch with Chocolate Date Cookies or Nutty Apricot Cookies. Embrace the fun of creative baking!

Expert Tips for Gochujang Caramel Cookies

• Chill Dough Longer: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight to minimize excessive spreading while baking.

• Swirl Carefully: When mixing the gochujang caramel into the dough, create eye-catching marbled patterns without fully blending. This enhances the unique flavor of your Gochujang Caramel Cookies.

• Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheets to ensure even cooking and consistent cookie textures throughout.

• Don’t Overmix: Combine dry and wet ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, diminishing the soft and chewy texture you desire.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. Remove them when the edges are golden and the tops show cracks for the perfect bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Gochujang Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it, which helps achieve optimal texture and flavor. Alternatively, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; when ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For the caramel paste, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply swirl it into the chilled or frozen dough just before baking for that irresistible spicy-sweet kick. Enjoy the convenience of a homemade dessert with minimal effort and just as delicious results!

What to Serve with Gochujang Caramel Cookies?

Indulge in a delightful pairing experience that complements the sweet and spicy flavors of your cookies.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, smooth contrast to the spicy kick of the cookies, creating a heavenly balance. There’s nothing quite like that first bite of warm cookie melting into cold ice cream—pure magic!
Chai Tea Latte: The aromatic spices of chai tea enhance the warm cinnamon notes in the cookies, offering a comforting beverage experience that warms the soul.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits like strawberries and kiwi provides a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the cookies while adding a vibrant touch to your dessert spread.
Chocolate Milkshake: For those with a sweet tooth, a rich and chocolaty milkshake complements the gochujang’s subtle heat, making it a fun indulgence that everyone will enjoy.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes atop the cookies for added crunch and a delightful tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the spicy-sweet balance.
Spiced Almond Milk: Opt for almond milk infused with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg; the nuttiness complements the flavors of the cookie, creating a harmonious sip that pleases the palate.
Sweetened Cream Cheese Dip: Whipped cream cheese with a touch of sugar and citrus provides a tangy dip that pairs wonderfully, allowing the cookies to shine even brighter.
Ginger Tea: The warmth of ginger tea brings a comforting factor, elevating the experience with its own spicy notes that align seamlessly with the cookies.
Lemon Sorbet: A light lemon sorbet acts as a palate cleanser, refreshing the taste buds while accentuating the unique spicy notes of the cookies after every bite.

Gochujang Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, especially for the butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter that is soft but not melted—look for it to leave a slight indentation when pressed. Gochujang should be fresh with no dark spots or a sour smell; it should have a vibrant red color and a creamy texture.

What is the best way to store Gochujang Caramel Cookies?
Store your Gochujang Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. If you want to enjoy them later, refrigerate them to keep them soft for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze Gochujang Caramel Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze your Gochujang Caramel Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, don’t worry—this can happen! I recommend chilling the dough longer next time (try 30 minutes or even overnight) to help maintain their shape. Also, make sure to thoroughly mix your dry and wet ingredients without overmixing, as this can affect the cookie’s structure and texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free or cater to dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a similar texture. For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based butter. Always check the label on your gochujang for allergens if you’re dealing with specific dietary restrictions, and if you’re unsure about some ingredients, feel free to reach out for recommendations!