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Chocolate Chili Cookies

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By Pillsbury Contributor
Updated Aug 14, 2024
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Chocolate and chili might sound like an unusual combo, but these Chocolate Caramel Chili Cookies are so yummy! The unexpected combination of deliciously decadent chocolate, ooey gooey caramel, and warm, spicy chili will have everyone coming back for seconds!

They start with Pillsbury Double Chocolate Cookie Dough, making them super easy to whip up, even if you're not a baking pro. The deep, rich chocolate flavor of this ready-to-go cookie dough is amazing all on its own, but when you add golden caramel bits and a hint of spice, it takes these cookies to a whole new level. The chili gives just a little kick that complements the sweetness perfectly, without being overpowering.

These chocolate chili cookies are the ultimate holiday dessert, perfect for when you want to dazzle your friends and family with something a little bit different. Whether you’re making this Chocolate Chili Cookies recipe for a holiday dessert table, gift-giving, or bringing them to a cookie swap, they’re bound to be a hit. And since you're starting with Pillsbury dough, you can spend more time enjoying the holiday fun without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give this Chocolate Chili Cookie recipe a try—it’s a festive, fun, and slightly spicy twist on a classic that’ll keep everyone talking.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Chili Cookies

These cookies are sweet, spicy, and oh so simple. They only take five minutes of prep, but their complex flavors make them taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. Here’s how it’s done.

Prep

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add your Pillsbury Ready to Bake Double Chocolate Cookie Dough, placing the cookies two inches apart to allow them to expand during baking. Gently press the caramel pieces into the tops of the dough.

Bake

Bake the cookies according to the package directions. The cookies are done when the edges look crisp and the centers have just set. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.

Mix

Make your spicy chocolate topping by combining the chocolate, vegetable oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth, or about one minute total.

Drizzle

Generously drizzle the chili chocolate over the cookies using a spoon, making sure each one gets a good coating. Sprinkle with flaky salt for a perfect finish. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the cookies chill for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.

The full recipe directions are below, so you can whip up these chocolate chili cookies for your next special occasion.

Variations for Chocolate Caramel Chili Cookies

If you’re looking to put your own twist on this recipe, there are plenty of fun variations you can try. Can’t get enough chocolate? Adding extra chips to your spicy chocolate cookies is a great option—mix in dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a triple chocolate treat. For a nutty crunch, stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. They’ll add texture and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

If you want to experiment with different flavor profiles in this chocolate chili cookie recipe, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough. Cinnamon will enhance the warmth of the chili, while espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor for a more intense, mocha-like cookie.

For a fruity twist on your spicy chocolate cookies, dried cherries or cranberries can be mixed in, offering a tart contrast to the rich chocolate. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

To make these chocolate chili cookies more festive, press a marshmallow or a piece of your favorite candy into the center of each cookie right after baking. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have some fun with it!

Chocolate Chili Cookies

  • Prep Time 5 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Ingredients 6
  • Servings 12
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Place the cookie dough on a baking sheet and gently press the caramel pieces into the tops of the dough. Bake the Double Chocolate Cookie Dough according to package instructions. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Step 
    2
    In a microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate, vegetable oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted, about 1 minute total.
  • Step 
    3
    Using a spoon, generously drizzle the chili chocolate over the cookies. Sprinkle it with flaky salt. Transfer the bakinging sheet to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate sets, 10 minutes.

Nutrition

No nutrition information available for this recipe

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