Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Sweet & Salty: The Irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Salted caramel chocolate pillows represent pure indulgence for sweet-craving souls seeking decadent dessert experiences.

These delightful treats blend contrasting flavor profiles that dance across your palate with remarkable complexity.

Silky chocolate and rich caramel create an irresistible combination that reinvents ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Delicate layers melt seamlessly, offering a harmonious balance between sweet and salty sensations that captivate discerning taste buds.

Intricate textures play between crisp exterior and luxurious inner filling, promising a sensory journey unlike any traditional confection.

Luxurious ingredients elevate this dessert from simple snack to gourmet experience, inviting passionate food lovers to embrace culinary creativity.

Crafting these pillows requires precision, passion, and a willingness to experiment with flavor dynamics.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Filled with Soft, Sweet Contrast

  • Indulge in Sweet Surprise: Each bite reveals a hidden Hershey Kiss nestled inside a flaky pastry, creating a delightful moment of unexpected chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth.
  • Quick and Easy Comfort: These salted caramel chocolate pillows come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous treat-making sessions with friends and family.
  • Gourmet Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich chocolate, buttery pastry, sweet caramel drizzle, and a touch of Mediterranean sea salt creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this simple dessert into a restaurant-worthy experience.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at casual gatherings, holiday parties, or as an after-dinner treat, these chocolate pillows appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients to Craft Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

Pastry Base:
  • Pie Crust: Thawed and ready-to-use, provides the tender wrapper for the chocolate filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Hershey Kiss: Classic chocolate center that melts inside the pillow.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweet crunch to the pillow's exterior.
  • Mediterranean Sea Salt: Provides a gourmet finishing touch with balanced saltiness.
Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg Wash: Creates a golden, shiny exterior for the pillows.
  • Mrs. Richardson's Caramel Topping: Adds rich, sweet drizzle over the finished dessert.

Baking Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows from Start to Finish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare The Dough

Sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Gently roll out the thawed pie crust until smooth.

Step 3: Create Dough Circles

Use a knife, biscuit cutter, or drinking glass to cut 2 1/2-inch circles from the dough.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Centers

Place a Hershey Kiss in the middle of each dough circle.

Step 5: Fold And Seal

Carefully fold one side of the dough over the chocolate, then fold the other side to create a crisscross shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the chocolate inside.

Step 6: Reuse Dough Scraps

Gather the remaining dough and re-roll to create additional pillows.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Brush each pillow with egg wash and sprinkle with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Mediterranean Sea Salt

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pillows turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Cool And Rest

Remove from the oven and let the pillows cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.

Step 10: Transfer And Garnish

Move pillows to a cooling rack. Drizzle with caramel topping and sprinkle with extra sea salt.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Present these delightful chocolate pillows to your eager guests and savor the moment!

Tips to Keep the Center Gooey and the Outside Delicate

  • Seal Edges Carefully: Press dough edges firmly to prevent Hershey Kisses from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect seal.
  • Maintain Consistent Size: Use the same cutting tool for uniform circles, which helps even baking and professional-looking pastries.
  • Control Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash gently with a pastry brush, covering the entire surface for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
  • Choose Quality Salt: Select high-quality Mediterranean Sea Salt for a sophisticated flavor contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let pillows rest for exactly 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking, allowing the pastry to set properly.

Proper Storage and Reheating for Salted Caramel Chocolate Treats

  • Refrigerate: Place cooled salted caramel chocolate pillows in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pillows tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Reheat: Warm pillows in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but expect a softer texture.

Drinks and Extras to Enjoy with Chocolate Caramel Pillows

  • Brew the Perfect Caramel Companion: Pair these sweet chocolate pillows with a warm, rich cappuccino. The creamy espresso cuts through the sweetness while complementing the caramel's deep, buttery notes.
  • Chill with a Dessert Wine: Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti. These sweet, light wines enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Nutty Contrast: Serve alongside toasted almond or hazelnut ice cream. The nutty crunch and cool creaminess balance the warm, gooey chocolate pillows, offering a delectable textural contrast.
  • Match with Sparkling Delight: Pour a chilled glass of prosecco or champagne. The bubbly, crisp wine cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the dessert's rich caramel and chocolate layers.

Flavor Spins to Try on Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of the pillows before baking for added texture and rich nutty flavor.
  • Espresso Chocolate Pillows: Mix instant espresso powder into the egg wash for a deep coffee undertone that complements the chocolate.
  • Berry Caramel Fusion: Add a small dollop of raspberry or strawberry preserves next to the Hershey Kiss before sealing the dough for a fruity surprise.
  • Dark Chocolate Lavender: Replace the milk chocolate kiss with a dark chocolate version and dust lightly with dried lavender for an elegant, sophisticated touch.
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Salted caramel chocolate pillows deliver a luxurious dessert experience that blends rich chocolate with silky caramel. Gooey centers and crisp edges create a perfect balance, inviting you to savor each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust, thawed
  • 14 Hershey Kisses (any flavor)

Binding and Wash Ingredients:

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water

Toppings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 small jar Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Topping
  • Mediterranean sea salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, melted
  • ½ cup nuts, finely chopped
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for baking these delectable morsels.
  2. Create a non-stick surface by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coating with cooking spray.
  3. Gently unfurl the thawed pie crust onto a lightly dusted work surface, preparing for delicate shaping.
  4. Craft circular dough pieces measuring 2 1/2 inches using a sharp knife, precisely shaped biscuit cutter, or a clean drinking glass.
  5. Position a single Hershey Kiss precisely in the center of each dough circle, setting the stage for a sweet surprise.
  6. Elegantly fold one side of the dough over the chocolate kiss, then gracefully layer the opposite side, creating an artistic crisscross pattern.
  7. Meticulously seal the edges by pressing firmly, ensuring the chocolate remains securely nestled within its delicate pastry cocoon.
  8. Collect and re-roll any remaining dough scraps, transforming every bit into additional pillowy delights.
  9. Gently coat each pillow with a silky egg wash, then dust with either sparkling granulated sugar or a delicate sprinkle of Mediterranean Sea Salt.
  10. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the pillows to transform into golden-brown treasures over 15-20 minutes.
  11. Carefully extract the baked treats, permitting them a brief 5-minute rest before transferring to a cooling rack.
  12. Finish with an artistic drizzle of Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Topping and a final whisper of Mediterranean Sea Salt.
  13. Present these luxurious morsels and savor the moment of culinary creation.

Notes

  • Store these delightful pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture and rich flavor.
  • Select high-quality Hershey Kisses for the best melting experience and chocolate intensity inside each pillow.
  • Ensure pie crust is completely thawed but still cold for easier handling and cleaner cutting of dough circles.
  • Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or caramel-filled Kisses to create unique flavor combinations.
  • Use a fork to create decorative edges when sealing the dough, which helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Mediterranean Sea Salt adds a sophisticated gourmet touch, balancing the sweetness of caramel and chocolate perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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