salted caramel chocolate chip cookies (for two!)

what is it about the chocolate chip cookie that seems like the most versatile dessert ever?
i love trying new ingredients, comparing techniques,
and seeing if i can one up the last version.

not gonna lie. these are pretty high up on the list.
i'm a sucker for salted caramel, and that's exactly the twist
i needed to get out of my chocolate chip cookie rut.
try these. they're pretty stinkin' good.

note: this recipe makes SIX cookies :)

ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 large egg yolk

3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

1/4 teaspoon baking power

1/3 cup chocolate chunks or chips

6 caramel candies, cut into pieces

large flake salt for sprinkling

directions

1. preheat oven to 375 degrees, 

line baking sheet with parchment paper

2. in medium bowl, beat together butter and sugar
with an electric mixer on medium speed.
once creamy, add egg yolk and vanilla and beat to combine

3. in small bowl whisk together flour, espresso powder (if using), and baking powder

4. add dry ingredients to butter mixture and beat until just combined

5. chop the chocolate chunk into smaller pieces,
saving all the little bits. add to dough and stir to evenly distribute.

6. divide the dough into six equal pieces and make large balls
rolling it between your hands. space evenly on the baking sheet.

7. press three pieces of caramel candy close to the center of each dough ball.
be careful not to press the balls flat.
it's best to keep the caramel pieces very close together!

8. bake for 10 minutes, or until edges of cookies start to brown.
remove from oven, sprinkle generously with salt.
let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.

recipe from the genius little blog called dessert for two 

(so that you don't end up eating 3 dozen cookies or a whole plate of brownies)