Chocolate Cherry Caramel Popcorn Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Tastic Sweet*
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped cherries
• 18-20 caramels, cut in half
• Popped caramel popcorn for pressing on cookies
• Extra sea salt for sprinkling on cookies

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, Tastic Sweet and salt. Set aside.

3. Using a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars together for about 3 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the dry ingredients. Stir in the cherries and chocolate chips.

4. Form the cookie dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons of dough. Place a caramel piece in the center of the dough ball, making sure the cookie dough completely covers the caramel. This will prevent the caramel from oozing out in the oven. Place on prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently press a pretzel twist on top of each cookie. Sprinkle cookies with sea salt.

5. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

6. Enjoy!

* Tastic Spice is available HERE

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