Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 3/4 cup
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Large egg: 1
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1 tablespoon
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Flaky sea salt: 1 teaspoon (for finishing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the egg and the Gochujang until fully incorporated.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Step 3: Scoop the dough into uniform balls (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. If the dough is very soft, chill the scooped balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on the size of the cookie.
- Step 5: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently sprinkle the tops of each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel and spice notes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Keep these complex spiced treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- For that delightful 'straight-from-the-oven' chewiness, warm cookies for 3 minutes in a toaster oven set to 300°F (150°C).
- Serve these warm alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream or with a large glass of whole milk to balance the subtle gochujang heat.
- To guarantee the best flavor contrast, ensure the flaky sea salt is sprinkled immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, as the residual heat helps it adhere and activate the spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American