Gochujang Cookies

Okay, hear us out on this one. Gochujang in cookies sounds weird, right? But trust us, it’s absolutely incredible.

Here’s the cool thing about these cookies. The gochujang adds this sweet and spicy kick. It’s like, totally unexpected and so good.

We were skeptical at first too. Putting Korean chili paste in cookies felt crazy. Then we tried one bite and, wow, we were hooked.

Picture this: chewy cookies with a hint of spice. They’re sweet but also savory. Your taste buds will be so happy.

The flavor is, um, really unique. Not too spicy, just perfect. Everyone always asks us for the secret ingredient.

These cookies are conversation starters, you know? They’re fun and different. And honestly? They disappear faster than regular chocolate chip cookies.

So yeah, we’re gonna share this recipe with you. It’s gonna blow your mind, seriously. You’re about to make the coolest cookies ever.

Why You’ll Love Gochujang Cookies

• Unexpected Flavor Combination: If you think sweet and spicy don’t mix in a dessert, this recipe will change your mind.
• A Sweet Kick: The gochujang caramel swirl adds a rich, savory, and slightly spicy element to the sweet cookie dough.
• Unique Twist on Traditional Cookies: The addition of gochujang will surprise your guests and make you the cookie hero.
• Great for Special Occasions: Perfect for any gathering or event where you want to surprise and delight everyone with a new twist on a classic treat.
• Fun to Make: With a simple dough and a creative swirl, these cookies come together beautifully, whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Gochujang Cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Stand or Hand Mixer: For mixing the cookie dough ingredients.
• Medium-sized Mixing Bowls: To combine dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the exact ingredients needed for the recipe.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To ensure your cookies don’t stick.
• Cooling Rack: To allow your cookies to cool properly and maintain their texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, sweet-and-spicy treats (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Gochujang Caramel Swirl:

• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): 2 tablespoons (28 g) for smooth caramel.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): ¼ cup (50 g) to bring out the rich sweetness in the caramel.
• Gochujang: 2 ½ tablespoons (50 g). This fermented chili paste provides the perfect balance of heat and savory flavor.

Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose Flour (Spooned and Leveled): 2 ½ cups (320 g) for the perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons to give the cookies their rise.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon to complement the warmth of the gochujang and add depth to the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): 14 tablespoons (198 g) for a rich, buttery dough.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 ¼ cups (250 g) to make the dough sweet and chewy.
• Egg (Room Temperature): 1 egg to bind everything together.
• Egg Yolk (Room Temperature): 1 egg yolk to ensure the cookies are soft and chewy.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to round out the flavor of the dough.

Variations for Gochujang Cookies

These cookies are already a one-of-a-kind treat, but if you’re looking to make them your own, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an added creamy contrast to the spicy caramel, stir in some white chocolate chips. The sweetness of the chocolate balances the heat beautifully.
• Try Dark Chocolate Chips: If you want to make the cookies even more decadent, dark chocolate chips will add a rich, bitter note that complements the spiciness of the gochujang.
• Spice It Up: If you want to kick the heat up a notch, increase the amount of gochujang in the caramel swirl or add some finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the dough.
• Add a Dash of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking enhances the flavor and gives a sophisticated touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Gochujang Caramel Swirl

The key to these cookies is the Gochujang Caramel Swirl that adds the unique sweet-and-spicy kick. Follow these simple steps to prepare it:

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Gochujang: Once the butter has melted, add ¼ cup of brown sugar and 2 ½ tablespoons of gochujang.
3. Stir and Simmer: Stir the mixture together until the sugar has completely dissolved and the caramel is smooth. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the gochujang is well-incorporated into the caramel.
4. Cool the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the caramel cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, you’ll have a creamy, spicy swirl to add to your cookie dough.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together 14 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and egg yolk to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Add the Gochujang Caramel Swirl

1. Swirl the Caramel into the Dough: Gently fold the cooled gochujang caramel swirl into the cookie dough. Be sure not to overmix—the goal is to have streaks of caramel running through the dough, creating that beautiful swirl effect.

4. Chill the Dough

• Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough set, making it easier to scoop and ensuring your cookies have the perfect texture.

5. Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dough and place it on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look a little soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
4. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Decoration

These Gochujang cookies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a few creative touches:

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some of the gochujang caramel swirl over the top of each cookie before serving.
• Serve with a Glass of Milk: These cookies are amazing when paired with a glass of cold milk, helping to balance the heat from the gochujang.
• Decorate with Sesame Seeds: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and a hint of nuttiness.

Storing Gochujang Cookies

• Cookie Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Table (Approximate)

Nutrition	Per Cookie
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	1g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sodium	90mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Conclusion

These Gochujang Cookies are unlike any cookie you’ve ever tasted before. The unique combination of sweet and spicy makes them stand out, while the Gochujang Caramel Swirl adds a depth of flavor that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to try something new, these cookies will become your go-to recipe for an exciting and unforgettable treat.