Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Salted caramel is a huge flavor trend for 2012.  If you haven't tried it yet, by all means do so.  It is something that makes your taste buds dance and is just so absolutely satisfying and sinful.  Thus, I wanted to share with you this recipe, adapted from Two Peas in a Pod.  The resulting salted caramel chocolate cookie is soft on the outside and chewy on the inside.  I must say, it is one of the best cookie recipes I've ever tasted.

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Soft caramel
Sea salt

This recipe will yield ~20 cookies.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Oil or butter the baking sheets to be used. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

Melt the butter in a microwave under low to medium power for approximately one minute.  Time will vary depending on microwave power.

Stir in the cocoa powder and sugars. Next, add in the yogurt and vanilla. Finally, combine with the flour mixture and stir until moist.

Wrap the chocolate dough around the caramel pieces. Place the balls on the baking sheets and sprinkle a bit of sea salt on the top.

Bake for approximately 12 minutes.  Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes before removing.  Continue to let the cookies cool on wire racks.  

Hope you enjoy!!