Gochujang Caramel Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This unique recipe brings together a delightful mix of sweetness and heat, thanks to the combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and sugar. The cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with flavor. Follow the simple steps below to create these delicious treats!

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 rounded tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of butter, light brown sugar, and gochujang. Stir well to create a smooth paste and set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, add the remaining 7 tablespoons of butter, white sugar, kosher salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and egg. Using an electric hand mixer, whisk, or a spatula, mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir gently using a spatula until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
4. Flatten the dough mixture in the bowl with the flat side of the spatula, then use the edge of the spatula to create shallow cracks and crevices across the surface.
5. Using a teaspoon, place small dollops of the gochujang mixture over the top of the dough.
6. Carefully fold the cookie dough over the gochujang mixture using the spatula. Gently stir and fold the dough to create defined streaks of chili paste throughout the dough.
7. Refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes to firm it up before baking.
8. While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Once the dough has chilled, scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets. Place no more than 8 cookies per sheet, as the dough will spread during baking.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount per Serving
Calories	156
Total Fat	6g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat	4g (19% DV)
Cholesterol	27mg (9% DV)
Sodium	160mg (7% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	24g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1% DV)
Total Sugars	14g
Protein	2g (3% DV)
Calcium	7mg (1% DV)
Iron	1mg (3% DV)
Potassium	22mg (0% DV)

Gochujang Caramel Cookies combine the heat of Korean chili paste, gochujang, with the rich sweetness of caramel, creating a unique dessert thats sure to excite your taste buds. These cookies were developed by Chef John Mitzewich and adapted from a recipe by Eric Kim, the acclaimed food writer and cookie innovator. The fusion of savory and spicy flavors in a traditional dessert format is a modern twist on classic cookie recipes.

History and Origin

The Gochujang Caramel Cookie is a modern creation that brings together the sweet, spicy, and savory profiles that are central to Korean cuisine. Gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, has been a staple in Korean kitchens for centuries. It is used in a variety of dishes, from stews to marinades, known for its ability to enhance flavor with a complex balance of heat, umami, and sweetness. This cookie merges gochujangs bold flavors with the softness of caramel and a chewy texture, making it a bold departure from typical Western desserts.

Regional Features

While gochujang is found throughout Korea, this recipes use of the chili paste in baking is a more recent trend that reflects a growing interest in cross-cultural culinary fusion. In Korea, cookies are typically sweet and simple, often with flavors like sesame or honey. The introduction of gochujang into the cookie dough reflects an innovative approach to flavor in a country that is increasingly blending traditional ingredients with global culinary trends.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What makes the Gochujang Caramel Cookie stand out is the contrast between the familiar sweetness of caramel and the unexpected kick of heat from the gochujang. Unlike typical caramel or sugar cookies, which rely on simple sugar sweetness and vanilla flavor, this cookie introduces a spicy layer that transforms the typical cookie experience. This fusion of sweet and spicy is reminiscent of other Korean-inspired desserts, but the texture and method of preparation are distinctly Western, with a chewy, caramelized center.

Where to Serve

These cookies are perfect for adventurous home bakers looking to experiment with new flavor profiles. They can be served as a unique dessert at dinner parties, where guests are likely to be intrigued by the combination of sweet and spicy. Given their bold flavors, Gochujang Caramel Cookies can also be paired with rich beverages like coffee or dark chocolate to balance out the heat. In some contemporary Korean-inspired bakeries and fusion restaurants, they might be featured as a signature treat for customers who appreciate both the savory and the sweet.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of chili and sugar is a classic pairing in many cultures, from Mexicos chili chocolate to Thailands sweet chili sauce.
• Gochujang is not just spicy; it also contains fermented soybeans, making it a source of probiotics and offering unique savory depth.
• While the cookies are spicy, the heat level is mild, making them a great introduction to those new to Korean flavors.
• These cookies have a great texture: chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and with the gochujang marbled throughout the dough, adding both flavor and a striking visual appeal.

In conclusion, Gochujang Caramel Cookies offer a perfect mix of sweet and spicy, with a chewy texture and a rich, savory undertone. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your curiosity about Korean-inspired desserts, these cookies will surprise and delight. Give them a try and experience the innovative combination of traditional Korean ingredients in a familiar Western treat!

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