Decadent Chocolate Caramel Pillows

Salted caramel chocolate pillows are delightful little treats that mix a flaky buttery crust with rich caramel and melted chocolate, topped off with a dash of sea salt. If you’re craving something that seems upscale but is a cinch to whip up on a weeknight, these always deliver. I’ve brought them to bake sales and birthday celebrations, and they disappear in no time.

The last time I made these with my niece for New Year’s Eve, we couldn’t stop giggling at how messy it got with all the chocolate and caramel. But honestly, that flavor totally made up for the sticky fingers.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crust: Offers a flaky buttery texture without the hassle of making it from scratch. Choose one without artificial flavors for the best taste.
• Hershey Kisses: Opt for classic milk chocolate or something a bit more gourmet like almond or caramel-filled.
• Egg white with a splash of water: This helps achieve a shiny, glossy crust.
• Mrs Richardson’s Caramel Topping: A smooth pourable caramel makes it easy to finish. Thick caramel is best so it sticks to the pillows.
• Mediterranean Sea Salt: Helps balance the sweetness. Larger crystals give a satisfying crunch.
• Optional Toppings: Melted chocolate chips for a drizzle — high-quality dark or milk chocolate works great.
• Finely chopped nuts: For a bit of crunch. Toasted pecans or almonds add more flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Gives a light snowy touch. Sift right before serving.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sparkle before baking. Offers a subtle crackly sweetness.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

First, set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees so it’s hot when you shape the pillows.

Prepare Baking Sheet:

Line a cookie sheet with parchment or spray it with nonstick spray to avoid sticking.

Roll Out the Pie Crust:

Thaw the pie crust, then roll it out on a floured surface to smooth out any creases.

Cut the Circles:

Use a knife, biscuit cutter, or drinking glass to cut out two and a half-inch circles from the dough.

Add Chocolate:

Put one Hershey Kiss in the center of each circle, ensuring it's centered for a full chocolate experience.

Enclose the Kiss:

Fold one side of the pie circle over the Kiss, then fold the other side over the first. Pinch all seams tightly so the filling doesn’t leak.

Repeat with Scraps:

Collect any leftover dough, re-roll it, and repeat the filling and folding steps until you’ve used all the dough.

Egg Wash and Sprinkle:

Brush each pastry pillow with egg wash for a nice shine and add a sprinkle of granulated sugar or sea salt for flavor.

Bake:

Place the pillows on the baking sheet and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until they’re golden and puffy.

Cool and Decorate:

Let them cool for five minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle Mediterranean sea salt while the caramel is still sticky.

Serve Warm:

Enjoy them warm for gooey chocolate and caramel bliss or at room temperature for less mess.

For me, pie crust and caramel are the perfect combo. They remind me of cozy rainy afternoons spent baking with my grandma, who always added a little extra salt just for me. These chocolate pillows have quickly turned into a new family favorite.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them flaky. If you have them longer, store in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to get the pastry crispy again. Hold off on adding caramel until after reheating to keep it fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have Hershey Kisses? You can swap in any small chocolates like Rolos or mini peanut butter cups. If Mrs Richardson’s isn't available, use your go-to caramel sauce. Feel free to make your own pie dough if you want to start from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

These little pillows go great straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an awesome dessert. For a festive platter, add fresh strawberries and drizzle with both caramel and melted chocolate for a stunning presentation. They also make lovely gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.

Cultural History

Pastries filled with chocolate have a rich history in many cultures, from Latin American empanadas to French chaussons. The trend of mixing sweet and salty in desserts has really taken off in American baking over the last decade, and these caramel pillows fit perfectly into that tasty movement.

Seasonal Adaptations

This autumn, consider adding a dash of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for dusting. In spring, fill with white chocolate kisses and drizzle with pastel-colored melted chocolate. During the holidays, sprinkle crushed peppermint or gingerbread crumbs over the caramel.

Success Stories

People have shared how these easy treats made their family movie nights feel extra special. A neighbor brought a tray to our block party last year, and not a single one made it back home. They sure look playful, but they’re super simple to make.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can prep the pillows up to the baking stage and freeze them on a sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. Add caramel and salt after baking for the best texture.

These salted caramel chocolate pillows are a sure hit — super easy to make and even easier to munch on. Give them a try and they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Sure thing! A homemade pie crust is fantastic and adds a special touch. Just roll it out thin and follow the rest of the steps.

→ Do different flavors of Hershey Kisses change the final taste?

Definitely. Flavored Kisses, like caramel or dark chocolate, will give unique tastes to each pillow.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the dough edges well and brush them with egg wash to keep everything intact while baking.

→ Is it necessary to drizzle with caramel and add sea salt?

It's not a must, but drizzling caramel and adding a bit of sea salt really boosts sweetness and flavor.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can bake them ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container. Just reheat a little before serving for the best texture.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Try out melted chocolate, chopped nuts, powdered sugar, or sprinkles for some extra flavor and fun.