Salted Caramel Cookie Truffles Recipe Easy Sweet Treat

If you’ve been searching for the perfect combination of sweet and salty in a bite-sized treat, look no further than these Salted Caramel Cookie Truffles. These little morsels are indulgent, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one. Imagine creamy salted caramel surrounded by crumbled cookies, all coated in smooth chocolate. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite!

The Story Behind Salted Caramel Cookie Truffles

Salted caramel has been stealing the spotlight in the dessert world for years, and for good reason—it’s decadent without being overpowering, and it perfectly balances sweetness with a subtle salty kick. These truffles build on that magic by pairing salted caramel with crushed cookies for a texture that’s both soft and delightfully crumbly.

I first made these Salted Caramel Cookie Truffles for a holiday gathering, and they were gone in minutes. No exaggeration! They’ve since become a staple in my kitchen whenever I need a quick dessert for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy movie night. What I love most is how customizable they are—you can play around with cookie types, caramel variations, and even the chocolate coating. And trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Seasonal Appeal

While these truffles are perfect year-round, they truly shine during the cooler months. Something about salted caramel just screams fall and winter coziness. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these truffles so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect bite. Here’s a breakdown:

• Salted Caramel: Look for creamy, high-quality salted caramel. You can use store-bought or make your own if you have time. Avoid overly runny caramel—it should be thick enough to hold its shape when mixed.
• Cookies: Crushed cookies are the backbone of these truffles. I recommend using shortbread or graham crackers for a buttery base, but chocolate cookies work beautifully for a richer flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This binds the mixture together and adds a luscious tangy note. Full-fat cream cheese is best for consistency.
• Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality chocolate for melting—dark chocolate for a sophisticated edge or milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
• Sea Salt: A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these truffles to the next level. Don’t skip this step—it’s what brings out the salted caramel magic!

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free cookies—they work just as well! For dairy-free truffles, swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative and use dairy-free chocolate. You can also experiment with flavors by adding a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even espresso powder to the cookie mixture.

Equipment Needed

Making these truffles is surprisingly simple, and you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls for combining the ingredients.
• Food Processor: Ideal for crushing cookies into fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag and rolling pin work well.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate easily.
• Forks or Skewers: Handy for dipping the truffles into melted chocolate.
• Baking Sheet: Line this with parchment paper to let the truffles set.

If you’re missing a food processor, don’t worry—just smash the cookies in a bag until they’re finely crushed. It’s a little extra effort, but totally worth it!

Preparation Method

1. Crush the Cookies: Add your cookies to a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. You’ll need about 2 cups (200g).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, salted caramel (¾ cup or 175g), and softened cream cheese (8oz or 225g). Stir until fully incorporated.
3. Roll Into Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the truffle balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1½ cups (260g) of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
6. Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place back on the parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each truffle.
8. Set: Let the truffles sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or refrigerate for quicker results.

And that’s it! Try not to eat them all at once—you’ll want to save a few for later!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your truffles turn out perfectly:

• Crush Cookies Thoroughly: Fine crumbs make for smoother truffles. If your crumbs are chunky, the mixture won’t bind as well.
• Chill Before Dipping: Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents the balls from falling apart when dipped in chocolate.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Cheap chocolate can seize or clump. Opt for good-quality baking chocolate for the best results.
• Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt it slowly to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil.

One time, I rushed through melting the chocolate and ended up with a seized, grainy mess—lesson learned! Take it slow, and you’ll be fine.

Variations & Adaptations

These truffles are super versatile! Here are a few ways to make them your own:

• Holiday Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies to the cookie mixture for a festive touch.
• Nut Lovers: Mix in finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds for added crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Coating: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate and sprinkle cocoa powder instead of sea salt for a richer flavor.

One of my personal favorites is adding a touch of espresso powder to the caramel—it’s like a salted caramel latte in truffle form!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these truffles slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of red wine for a more elegant presentation.

For storage:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Pro tip: The flavors of these truffles deepen overnight, so they’re actually better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional estimate per truffle:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g

While these aren’t exactly a health food, they’re a great option for portion-controlled indulgence. Plus, the sea salt can help balance electrolytes—how’s that for a silver lining?

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cookie Truffles are everything you want in a dessert: easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, they’re sure to be a hit.

I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried any fun variations. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends—you might just inspire someone’s next sweet creation!

Happy truffle-making!

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel works wonderfully and lets you control the sweetness and saltiness.

What’s the best way to crush cookies without a food processor?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to smash them into fine crumbs.

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark or milk chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate adds a unique sweetness and pairs beautifully with salted caramel.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil while melting the chocolate for a glossy finish.

How far in advance can I make these truffles?

Make them up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator—they’ll taste just as good!

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