Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cookies once they are baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the base of your cookie dough.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Fold in the Rolo Candies
Gently fold in the unwrapped Rolo candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a beautiful finish.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 10: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the Rolos.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Rolo Cookies warm or at room temperature!
