Velvety Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Velvety Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Decadent chocolate pillows with a salted caramel surprise await you at the end of this delightful culinary journey.

These irresistible treats melt effortlessly in your mouth, blending rich chocolate and salty-sweet caramel in perfect harmony.

The delicate pastry shells cradle a luxurious salted caramel chocolate filling that promises pure indulgence.

Crafted with precision and love, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges give way to a molten center that will make dessert lovers swoon.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make these pillows accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 13

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Ingredient Rundown

For Dough Base:
  • Pie Crust: Provides a flaky, tender foundation for the pillows, choose an all-butter variety for rich flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough, opt for fresh, finely milled flour.
For Filling and Flavor:
  • Hershey Kiss: Delivers a classic chocolate center, select fresh chocolates for maximum melting potential.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweet crunch to the exterior, look for fine, white sugar crystals.
  • Mediterranean Sea Salt: Enhances sweet-savory contrast, choose coarse flakes for texture and visual appeal.
For Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior when used as a wash, select fresh, large eggs for best results.
  • Mrs. Richardson's Caramel Topping: Provides a luxurious drizzle, ensure the sauce is at room temperature for smooth application.

Gear Checklist for Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

  • Rolling pin: Essential for evenly rolling out the pie crust.
  • Knife or biscuit cutter: Perfect for cutting precise 2 1/2-inch dough circles.
  • Drinking glass: Alternative tool for cutting dough circles if no cutter is available.
  • Baking sheet: Needed to bake the chocolate pillows.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Pastry brush: Used for applying egg wash to the pillows.
  • Cooling rack: Helps pillows cool evenly and maintain crispness.
  • Small bowl: Useful for preparing egg wash.
  • Measuring tools: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Simple Steps to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

  • Dough Preparation

Grab a thawed pie crust and dust your workspace with a gentle layer of flour, creating a soft landing for your delightful pastry adventure.

  • Chocolate Heart

Select a Hershey Kiss as the secret treasure waiting to be wrapped in a warm, flaky embrace.

  • Pillow Shaping

Cut graceful circles from the dough using any circular tool that catches your eye – drinking glass, biscuit cutter, or adventurous knife.

  • Filling and Folding

Place the chocolate kiss in the center of each dough circle, then elegantly fold the edges, creating a crisscross pattern that hugs the chocolate tightly.

  • Seasoning Magic

Brush each pillow with a whisper of egg wash, then sprinkle with a playful dusting of sugar or a pinch of sea salt for an unexpected flavor twist.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide your cookie sheet into a warm 350°F oven, letting the pillows turn into golden, puffy clouds of deliciousness in about 15-20 minutes.

  • Finishing Touch

Once cooled slightly, drizzle with caramel sauce and add a final sprinkle of sea salt, transforming these treats into a gourmet dessert that will make taste buds dance.

Tips for Extra Decadence in Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

  • Swap Hershey Kisses for dark chocolate chunks or Ghirardelli chocolate squares for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
  • Use a fork to crimp pillow edges, ensuring no chocolate leaks during baking and creating beautiful decorative borders that look professionally made.
  • Experiment with different salt varieties like flaky Maldon salt or pink Himalayan salt to elevate the sweet-savory balance and add gourmet flair to your pillows.
  • Prepare unbaked pillows ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for convenient baking whenever dessert cravings strike – they'll go straight from freezer to oven with minimal extra preparation.

Serving Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Creatively

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these delightful pillows with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent flavor explosion that melts in your mouth.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or rich espresso to complement the caramel and chocolate notes.
  • Dessert Platter Showcase: Arrange the pillows on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that'll impress guests.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these golden treats in a cute gift box with parchment paper for a homemade present that shows you care about creating something special and delicious.

How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Right

  • Quick Cooling Technique: Let the salted caramel chocolate pillows rest on the cooling rack for precisely 5 minutes to maintain their delicate structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Fridge Storage Strategy: Place cooled pillows in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 4 days for maximum freshness.
  • Room Temperature Display: Keep pillows at ambient temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and maintain their original texture. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough circles and assemble the pillows in advance, then store unbaked pillows in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve, creating a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
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Velvety Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Velvety Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade salted caramel chocolate pillows blend rich chocolate and gooey caramel in a delicate pastry wrapper. Crisp edges and molten centers make this dessert a luxurious treat for chocolate enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust (thawed)
  • 14 Hershey Kisses (any flavor)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp / 15 ml water
  • 1 small jar Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Topping
  • 1 cup / 175 g chocolate chips (melted)
  • ½ cup / 60 g nuts (finely chopped)
  • Mediterranean sea salt
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. Dough Crafting: Roll out the thawed pie crust on a floured surface and cut precise 2 1/2-inch circular shapes using a cutter or glass.
  3. Filling Assembly: Center a Hershey Kiss on each dough circle, then fold the sides over the chocolate, creating an elegant crisscross pattern and sealing edges securely.
  4. Dough Optimization: Collect and re-roll remaining dough scraps to maximize yield of these delicate pastries.
  5. Finishing Touches: Brush each pillow with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar or Mediterranean Sea Salt for a glistening, textured surface.
  6. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
  7. Cooling and Garnishing: Allow pastries to rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and finish with a delicate drizzle of caramel topping and an elegant salt accent.
  8. Serving: Present these luxurious caramel chocolate pillows as an irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Dough Handling Tip: Work with chilled dough for cleaner cuts and easier folding, preventing sticky situations and ensuring precise pillow shapes.
  • Sealing Technique: Press edges firmly and use fingertips or fork tines to create a tight seal, preventing chocolate from leaking during baking.
  • Temperature Control: Allow pillows to cool slightly before drizzling caramel to prevent immediate absorption and maintain crisp pastry texture.
  • Salt Elevation: Use high-quality sea salt sparingly; its crystals add unexpected flavor bursts and sophisticated gourmet contrast to sweet chocolate.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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