There’s a certain charm that comes with experimenting in the kitchen, and that’s exactly how I discovered the delightful flavor combination of Miso Caramel Cookies. One rainy afternoon, I found myself staring at a jar of miso paste, wondering how I could elevate my usual cookie routine. Little did I know, this savory ingredient would transform into a sweet masterpiece!
These cookies are not just your average treat; the unique combination of miso and caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. They boast a perfect balance of salty and sweet, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, whipping these cookies up is a breeze, allowing you to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re gathering friends for a cozy coffee date or just looking to delight your family with something new, these Miso Caramel Cookies are sure to impress everyone. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s destined to become a beloved staple in your home baking repertoire!
Why are Miso Caramel Cookies a must-try?
Uniquely Irresistible: The unexpected blend of miso and caramel creates a cookie that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Sweet and Salty Harmony: Each bite brings a perfect balance of flavors, making them impossible to resist.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies ready in no time!
Versatile Delight: Perfect for coffee dates, parties, or a cozy night in, these cookies adapt to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Expect rave reviews and happy faces as friends and family indulge in this delightful twist on a classic cookie!
Miso Caramel Cookies Ingredients
• The secret to deliciousness!
For the Cookie Base
- Flaxafaba egg or egg – A substitute for vegan options; both provide binding for the cookies.
- Butter – Essential for a rich, creamy texture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated cane sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture; granulated sugar works best here.
- Cardamom (optional) – A pinch enhances the flavor profile with warmth; feel free to skip it if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract – Offers a delightful aroma and rounds out the sweetness; use pure vanilla for best results.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the cookie flavor; a little goes a long way!
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Almond flour – Adds a nutty flavor and softness to the cookies; substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
- All-purpose flour – The main structure for the cookies; sifting it can help avoid lumps.
For the Miso Caramel
- Softened butter – Combines easily with miso for a silky texture; use room temperature to mix effortlessly.
- Miso paste – The star ingredient! It brings unique umami flavor to the cookies and complements the sweetness.
- Dark brown sugar – Provides a deep, rich flavor and moisture; it enhances the caramel-like quality of the cookies.
These Miso Caramel Cookies are a delightful new way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress loved ones with homemade goodness!
How to Make Miso Caramel Cookies
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Whisk together the flaxafaba and flax meal in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, creating a perfect binder for your cookie dough.
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Combine softened butter, miso paste, and dark brown sugar in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended, then place the bowl in the fridge to chill as you prepare the dough.
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Mix softened butter, granulated sugar, flaxafaba egg, cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl using a spatula. Gradually incorporate the almond flour and baking soda, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
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Chill the dough by covering it and placing it in the refrigerator for 12-30 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s heating, prepare your miso caramel by mixing the previously chilled miso mixture in a small bowl.
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Spoon blobs of the miso caramel over the chilled dough (about 3-4 dollops). Use a paring knife or chopsticks to swirl the caramel into the cookie dough without over-mixing—4-5 gentle swirls are enough for a marbled effect.
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Portion the dough using a cookie scoop (about 3-4 tablespoons or 60 grams each) and place them on a lined baking tray. Ensure they are spaced about 3 inches apart, keeping most of the miso caramel on top.
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Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and tap the tray on the counter. Bake for an additional 2 minutes, tap again, and continue baking for another 1-2 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Optional: Drizzle with extra miso caramel before serving for a decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Miso Caramel Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you customize these delightful cookies for any occasion!
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Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring a delicious treat for gluten-sensitive guests.
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Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with oat flour to keep the same texture while catering to nut allergies. The flavor remains just as good!
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Vegan: Use a plant-based butter and flaxafaba egg for a completely vegan-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
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Extra Crunchy: Add chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds for added texture; they bring a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.
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Double Up on Miso: Experiment with extra miso paste for a richer umami profile; this creates an intense flavor experience that miso lovers will adore.
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Sugar Substitutes: Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for granulated cane sugar for a more natural sweetness that still satisfies your sweet tooth!
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Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the mix for an extra layer of warmth and spice, making these cookies perfect for chilly days.
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Drizzle It: Top your baked cookies with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish that elevates these treats to the next level.
With these variations, you’ll always have a reason to make these Miso Caramel Cookies a little different each time!
Make Ahead Options
These Miso Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating the dough wrapped in plastic wrap. For even more convenience, you can portion out the cookie dough on a lined tray and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade treats on hand that’ll impress your family any day of the week!
What to Serve with Miso Caramel Cookies?
Indulging in these unique treats opens up endless possibilities for creating delightful pairings that enhance every bite.
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Creamy Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream offers a luscious contrast to the cookies’ chewy texture and savory notes. The cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm cookies, making it an irresistible combination.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness that brightens the cookie’s flavors. Their tartness complements the sweetness beautifully, making every bite a delightful surprise.
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Nutty Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee with a hint of nutty flavor brings out the miso’s umami, creating a cozy, comforting experience. The warmth of the coffee pairs perfectly with the chewy goodness of the cookies, ideal for an afternoon treat.
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Homemade Chai Latte: The spiced notes of chai can enhance the cookie’s sweetness while adding a warm, aromatic component. This pairing is perfect for chilly evenings when you want to snuggle up with something special.
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Chocolate Milk: Dive into nostalgia with a glass of rich chocolate milk. The sweetness of the drink echoes the cookies while softening their savory edge, providing a playful twist to snack time.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping offers a subtly tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ sophisticated taste. The creaminess layered on top of the cookies creates a dreamy dessert experience everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Miso Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Miso Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge in a sealed container. They can last for about a week, although they may lose some of their softness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready for a sweet treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies straight from the freezer, simply remove as many as you’d like and microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness all over again!
Expert Tips for Miso Caramel Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 12 minutes enhances flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step for the best results!
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Swirling Technique: When mixing in the miso caramel, use a gentle hand. Over-mixing can lead to a uniform dough, hiding that delightful swirl of flavor.
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Check Freshness: Ensure your baking soda is potent. If it’s been sitting long, it might not leaven your cookies properly, impacting their rise and fluffiness.
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Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be slightly soft when you take them out. They will continue to bake on the tray. Check for a light golden edge to avoid dryness.
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Flavor Variation: Feel free to adjust the amount of miso paste for a stronger or milder umami kick, making these Miso Caramel Cookies truly your own!
Miso Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right miso paste for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting miso paste, consider the flavor intensity you desire. White miso is milder and sweeter, while red miso has a stronger, saltier taste. For these Miso Caramel Cookies, I recommend starting with white miso for a balanced flavor, but feel free to experiment!
How should I store Miso Caramel Cookies?
To maintain their delightful texture, keep your Miso Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you find you have more cookies than you can eat within that time, refrigerate them for up to a week, though they may lose some softness.
Can I freeze Miso Caramel Cookies?
Yes, definitely! To freeze your cookies, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. These delightful treats can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that warm gooey goodness.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes. Simply sprinkle in a little extra all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, and knead gently until the dough is manageable. Just make sure not to overmix, as you still want those delicious swirls of miso caramel!
Are Miso Caramel Cookies vegan-friendly?
Yes, they can be made vegan! Just use a flaxafaba egg instead of a regular egg, and ensure your butter is plant-based. With these swaps, you’ll be enjoying all the amazing flavors of these cookies without any animal products.
What type of flour should I use for the best results?
For optimal texture, I recommend using all-purpose flour as stated in the recipe. However, if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through!
Miso Caramel Cookies That Will Change Your Dessert Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the flaxafaba and flax meal in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine softened butter, miso paste, and dark brown sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, then chill.
- Mix the dough ingredients including softened butter, granulated sugar, flaxafaba egg, cardamom, vanilla extract, salt, almond flour, baking soda, and all-purpose flour.
- Chill the dough by covering and refrigerating for 12-30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your miso caramel.
- Spoon blobs of the miso caramel over the chilled dough (3-4 dollops) and swirl gently.
- Portion the dough using a cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoons each) on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then tap the tray before baking for an additional 4-5 minutes until puffed.