Irresistible Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: Chewy, Gooey, and Butter-Free Perfection
When that intense craving for something sweet, salty, and utterly decadent strikes, our Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies are here to deliver! Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie cookie, infused with the subtle, fruity notes of Bertolli® olive oil, creating a texture so soft and chewy you’d swear it contained butter—yet it’s entirely butter-free! The ultimate surprise awaits within each bite: a luscious, gooey caramel center, perfectly complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a celebration in every mouthful, a must-have for your homegating parties and all your sweet moments.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bertolli® and Kroger Game Day Greats! As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable us to create delicious content for Cake ‘n Knife!
The Unexpected Star: Olive Oil in Baking
Let’s have an honest conversation about olive oil, my friends. For many, olive oil is a pantry staple, relegated to salad dressings, sautéing vegetables, or perhaps a drizzle over a fresh loaf of bread. Growing up, I certainly viewed it as the essential liquid gold my mom would generously toss with veggies before roasting them to perfection—the normal, expected culinary applications.
However, my perspective dramatically shifted during a transformative trip to Rome. It was there, amidst the vibrant culinary scene, that I truly understood the profound versatility and nuanced flavors of quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). It hit me like a revelation: this isn’t just a cooking ingredient; it’s an enhancer, a flavor builder, and a secret weapon capable of elevating dishes far beyond traditional savory applications. EVOO, in its purest form, is a culinary marvel that deserves a place in every part of your kitchen, including your baking endeavors.
The sumptuous flavor profile of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil can genuinely elevate a multitude of recipes, and these insane brownie cookies are a prime example. While it might sound unconventional to substitute butter with olive oil in a cookie recipe, the results are nothing short of spectacular. Olive oil contributes a remarkable moistness and tenderness to baked goods, often creating a texture that is lighter yet richer than what butter alone can achieve. It’s an ingredient that brings richness and depth without feeling overly indulgent, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking alternative fats or simply a new flavor dimension in their desserts.
The Secret to Perfection: Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
When baking with olive oil, particularly in a recipe where its subtle notes are meant to shine, the key is to select an extra virgin olive oil that is pure, authentic, and bursting with robust flavor. This isn’t the time to skimp on quality. A good EVOO will impart a delicate fruitiness and a hint of peppery warmth that beautifully complements other ingredients without overpowering them. It’s the kind of simple ingredient that can transform an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary culinary experience.
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Introducing Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is precisely where Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil truly shines. Bertolli has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality olive oils, and their organic extra virgin variety is no exception. Its balanced flavor profile, with a pleasant fruity aroma and a hint of spice, makes it an ideal candidate for both savory dishes and surprisingly, for baking.
I must admit, using olive oil in baking was not a frequent practice for me until quite recently. A friend’s cookie recipe, which ingeniously called for olive oil instead of butter, completely opened my eyes and revolutionized my approach to baking. The moment I tasted those cookies, I was utterly convinced. Olive oil imparts an unparalleled softness and chewiness, creating a crumb that feels like a velvety pillow of sweet deliciousness melting in your mouth. It’s truly a game-changer.
In these particular brownie cookies, the subtle, nuanced flavor of Bertolli olive oil acts as a magnificent complement to the robust dark chocolate and the sweet, rich caramel. It binds these intense flavors together, adding a depth and a “buttery” richness that is astonishing, especially considering there isn’t a single gram of butter in the entire recipe! This makes them not only incredibly flavorful but also a fantastic option for those looking to explore butter-free baking.
The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Treat: Our Brownie Cookies
These Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. Each bite starts with a slightly crisp edge, giving way to an unbelievably soft, dense, and fudgy interior. The rich cocoa flavor is intensified by the dark chocolate chips, while the olive oil ensures a moistness that lingers. But the real showstopper? That warm, molten caramel center that oozes out with every gentle break, perfectly balanced by the coarse sea salt sprinkled on top. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors – rich chocolate, smooth caramel, delicate olive oil, and a kiss of salt – all working in harmony.
To truly unlock the full potential of these cookies and maximize that sensational gooey caramel center, be sure to serve them warm. If you’re preparing them ahead of time (which we highly recommend for convenience!), a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will do the trick, bringing that caramel back to its gloriously molten state. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
Perfect for Homegating Season and Beyond
You know what these extraordinary cookies are absolutely perfect for? The much-anticipated HOMEGATING SEASON! For those unfamiliar, homegating is the brilliant concept of bringing the fun, food, and festive atmosphere of a tailgate party right into the comfort of your own home. It’s all the camaraderie and excitement of game day, without the hassle of parking lots and portable grills.
These cookies are an absolute game-changer for any homegating spread. They’re easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and their unique flavor profile makes them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team, hosting a watch party, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon with friends and family, these cookies hit all the right notes. They’re sweet enough to celebrate an epic win and comforting enough to soothe any post-loss blues.
Your One-Stop Shop: Kroger and Game Day Greats
To ensure my game day prep is always a breeze, I turn to one reliable destination: Kroger! With their incredible selection and convenience, you never have to stress about finding all your essential ingredients. Especially when it comes to quality products like Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kroger makes it simple.
Kroger’s “Game Day Greats” program is a lifesaver, offering everything you could possibly need to pull off a winning homegating celebration this season. From all the ingredients required for these phenomenal cookies to marinated meats, snacks, beverages, and so much more, Kroger truly is the ultimate one-stop shop. They make it effortless to stock up and prepare, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the game and the company, rather than stressing over grocery runs.
These simple yet spectacular cookies are guaranteed to be a hit on game day, satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth and leaving them craving more. So, next time you’re at Kroger, make sure to grab a bottle of this magical Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (hint: check the baking aisle!). It’s not just for cooking; it’s for creating unforgettable baking masterpieces.
For more fantastic tips and inspiration on how to throw a killer homegating celebration, don’t forget to visit gamedaygreats.com!
To delve deeper into the world of Bertolli products and discover more culinary inspiration, explore their official website at Bertolli.com or connect with them on their Facebook Page. And for even more Bertolli-inspired game day recipes, check out www.tailgatingwithbertolli.com!
Table of Contents
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
- Silpat Non-Stick Silicone Jelly Roll Pan Baking Mat
- Provence Olive Oil Bottle
Don’t forget to pin this Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies recipe so you can easily find it later!
Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
Equipment
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Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
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Silicone Baking Mats
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Revol Provence Olive Oil Bottle
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips
- 12-14 caramel candies unwrapped
- Fleur de sel for sprinkling
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sugar until they are thoroughly combined and light. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and coarse sea salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer, beating on low speed until just combined and a thick, brownie-like dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and hot water until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Add this mixture along with the vanilla extract to the cookie batter, beating briefly until everything is just combined. Finally, fold in the dark chocolate chips by hand to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the rich dough.
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Chill the cookie batter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results and easier handling, you can chill it overnight. This step is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the perfect chewy texture.
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When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Lightly flour your hands and gently clap them together to remove any excess flour. Scoop out approximately 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of the chilled dough. Flatten this portion in the palm of your hand to form a disk. Place one unwrapped caramel candy in the center of the dough disk. Carefully wrap the dough up and around the caramel, completely enclosing it and pinching the edges firmly together to seal. Roll it into a neat ball. Place the dough ball, seam-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and caramel candies, spacing the cookies a couple of inches apart.
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Lightly sprinkle each dough ball with a pinch of fleur de sel. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers still appear slightly soft and gooey. This will ensure a chewy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for the best gooey caramel experience!