Irresistible Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: Your Ultimate Butter-Free Indulgence
When that undeniable craving for something sweet, salty, and utterly decadent strikes, these **Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies** are your perfect answer. Crafted with premium Bertolli® olive oil, these delightful treats achieve an incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and surprisingly buttery texture, all without a single gram of traditional butter. Each bite promises a luscious surprise – a warm, gooey caramel center that’s nothing short of extraordinary. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, especially your spirited homegating celebrations!
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Bertolli® and Kroger Game Day Greats! As always, all opinions expressed here are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable Cake ‘n Knife to continue sharing delicious recipes!
Let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the incredible versatility of olive oil, my friends. For many of us, growing up, olive oil was primarily associated with savory dishes—a staple for sautéing vegetables, dressing salads, or perhaps a finishing drizzle over pasta. It was merely a cooking fat, a functional ingredient in the kitchen. My own understanding certainly didn’t extend much beyond seeing my mother toss roasted veggies in it, which, of course, produced perfectly delicious results.
However, a transformative experience awaited me. It wasn’t until I had the incredible opportunity to spend time exploring the culinary landscape of Rome that I truly grasped the profound potential of **Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)**. In Italy, olive oil isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a way of life, a cultural cornerstone that elevates every meal. It was there, amidst the bustling markets and authentic trattorias, that it truly dawned on me: this golden liquid was far more than a simple cooking medium. It possessed a depth of flavor, a rich aroma, and a textural quality that could, and indeed, should, be celebrated in its own right.
The sumptuous flavor profile of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil has the power to elevate a remarkable variety of recipes, from rustic bread dips to sophisticated main courses. And, surprisingly to many, it shines brightly in the world of baking. These insane brownie cookies are a testament to that fact. When used thoughtfully, olive oil introduces a subtle fruitiness and a profound richness that can completely transform baked goods, making them moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a game-changer for those seeking to infuse their desserts with a unique depth and a delightful texture that butter often can’t quite replicate.
Olive oil is a remarkably simple ingredient that delivers complex, rich flavors without making a dish feel overly heavy or indulgent. The secret, however, lies in selecting an extra virgin olive oil that is truly pure, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Not all olive oils are created equal, and for baking, especially when it’s taking center stage as a primary fat, quality makes all the difference. A high-quality EVOO will impart delicate, nuanced notes that enhance the overall profile of your baked goods, rather than overpowering them. It should be robust enough to stand up to other ingredients but smooth enough to blend seamlessly, contributing to a harmonious taste experience.
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This is precisely where **Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil** steps in. Bertolli, a brand renowned for its heritage and commitment to quality, offers an organic EVOO that is perfectly suited for both savory and sweet applications. Its balanced flavor profile—often described as fruity with a peppery finish—is ideal for baking, providing that desirable depth without asserting itself too strongly against the chocolate and caramel. Opting for an organic variety also ensures you’re getting a product free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, adding an extra layer of purity to your delicious creations.
Honestly, I hadn’t regularly incorporated olive oil into my baking repertoire until quite recently. It was a revelation when I first tried a friend’s cookie recipe that swapped butter for olive oil. The results were astounding. Olive oil makes cookies incredibly soft and intensely chewy, creating a texture that’s reminiscent of a sweet, delectable pillow melting in your mouth. Unlike butter, which can sometimes lead to a crispier or more crumbly cookie, olive oil contributes a unique moistness and elasticity that is truly delightful. It’s a textural experience you simply have to try to believe.
The subtle, verdant notes of quality olive oil act as a brilliant counterpoint to the rich dark chocolate and the luscious caramel in these specific cookies. This harmonious combination ensures that the cookies taste wonderfully buttery and rich, without the actual use of any dairy butter. It’s a fantastic secret weapon for those looking to explore dairy-free baking, or simply curious about new flavor dimensions. The olive oil enhances the existing flavors, allowing the deep cocoa and sweet-salty caramel to truly shine, while adding its own signature touch of sophistication and moisture.
To truly unlock the full potential of these amazing brownie cookies, there’s one crucial tip: serve them warm! The heat transforms the hidden caramel centers into a molten, gooey explosion that is utterly irresistible. If you’ve baked a batch ahead of time, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave is all it takes to reactivate that magical, melty core. Trust me, this small step makes a monumental difference in the enjoyment factor. It elevates a delicious cookie into an unforgettable dessert experience.
And speaking of unforgettable experiences, you know what these cookies are absolutely perfect for? That’s right… HOMEGATING SEASON! For the uninitiated, homegating is the brilliant concept of enjoying all the fun and festivity of a tailgate party, but from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Think game day snacks, good company, and spirited cheer, without having to brave the stadium crowds or parking woes. These cookies are ideal for such an occasion, offering a gourmet touch to your casual celebrations.
To ensure my game day prep is always a breeze, I turn to my absolute favorite one-stop shop: Kroger! With Kroger and their fantastic Game Day Greats program by your side, you’ll never have to worry about sourcing the best ingredients, including all your Bertolli products. From the essential Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil needed for these cookies to marinated meats for grilling, and an endless array of snacks and beverages, Kroger literally has everything you could possibly need to host the ultimate homegating celebration this season. It’s the go-to destination that helps you pull off a culinary WIN, every single time, making your game day experience stress-free and delicious.
These deceptively simple yet profoundly satisfying cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any game day party. Whether you’re toasting to an epic victory or seeking a little comforting sweetness after a tough loss, these **Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies** will hit just the right spot. Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with the buttery chewiness and the surprise caramel burst, makes them universally appealing and incredibly versatile for any emotional outcome of the game.
So, don’t delay! Head over to your nearest Kroger store and pick up this magical **Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil**. You’ll find it conveniently located in the baking aisle, ready to transform your desserts and elevate your homegating game. It’s an ingredient that promises not just flavor, but also a remarkable texture that will make these brownie cookies truly stand out.
For even more inspiring ideas and essential tips to craft a killer homegating celebration, be sure to visit gamedaygreats.com. They offer a wealth of resources to help you plan and execute the perfect game day spread, ensuring your event is memorable and delicious for all your guests.
To delve deeper into the world of Bertolli and discover their full range of products, you can explore their official website at Bertolli.com or connect with them on their vibrant Facebook Page. And if you’re hungry for more game day culinary inspiration featuring Bertolli, don’t miss checking out their dedicated recipe hub at www.tailgatingwithbertolli.com!
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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
Pin this Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies recipe for 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 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
- 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 olive oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and beat until combined.
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Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Beat until the dough comes together. Note the dough will be thick and running like brownie batter.
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In a small bowl, whisk together baking soda and hot water until the baking soda is dissolved. Add the mixture and vanilla to the batter, beating until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
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Chill batter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, and up to overnight.
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When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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Lightly flour your hands and clap together to shake off the excess. Scoop 1 ½ to 2 Tbsp of the batter and flatten in the palm of your hand. Add one caramel candy to the center of the dough disk. Wrap the dough up and around the candy, covering it completely and pinching the dough together well. Place the dough ball seam side down on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and caramel candies.
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Sprinkle each dough ball with a little fleur de sel. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are set. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes on the baking sheets, before removing to wire racks to cool completely.