B: This soft cookie with a rich salted caramel center is made by The Fluffkieco, a home-based bakery in Hanoi. The Fluffkieco doesn’t aim to impress with grand storefronts or elaborate packaging. Instead, it focuses on something simpler - softness, balance, and the feeling of comfort that homemade cookies can bring.

This soft cookie with a rich salted caramel center is made by The Fluffkieco, a home-based bakery in Hanoi. (Photo: Viet Ha)

A: The recipe for Salted Caramelita is created by Viet Ha, who starts with classic baking ingredients, but it’s the salted caramel at the center that defines the cookie.

“Salted Caramelita is made using classic cookie ingredients such as unsalted butter, flour, baking powder, eggs, and sugar. What makes this cookie special is the salted caramel filling. I make the caramel using brown sugar, whipping cream, unsalted butter, and salt. First, the brown sugar is heated gently until melted, then the cream and butter are added and stirred until smooth. Salt is added at the final stage, and the caramel is cooked over medium heat until it thickens slightly.When making caramel, it’s important to avoid high heat, as the sugar can burn easily or bubble over,” Viet Ha said. 

B: Salted caramel is a familiar taste to many dessert lovers, often known for its bold contrast between sweetness and saltiness.

A: In Salted Caramelita, that contrast is handled with restraint. The caramel isn’t meant to overpower the cookie, but to melt gently into it, adding depth rather than sharpness.

B: Achieving that balance requires careful adjustment, especially with salt, an ingredient that can easily dominate if used too freely. Ha said: “I focus mainly on the salted caramel. The salt is added gradually, and I adjust the amount carefully to achieve a balanced flavor - not too sweet and not too salty. I also add a small pinch of salt to the cookie dough itself, which helps enhance the overall flavor and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.”

Salted Caramelita is not a dessert that tries to surprise you at first bite. It invites you to slow down and notice the warmth and softness that come with something made carefully and without rush. (Photo: Viet Ha)

A: That balance shapes not only the taste, but also the overall character of the cookie.

B: And you can see that character in its rustic look. Imagine a thick, golden-brown cookie with a glossy pool of dark, molten caramel resting in the center, topped with a distinct flakes of sea salt.

A: When baked, the warm aroma of butter and brown sugar gently fills the kitchen, creating a sense of familiarity even before the first bite.

B: It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t demand attention, but slowly draws you in, through scent, texture, and a lingering caramel note.

Viet Ha again: “The warm aroma mainly comes from melted butter and brown sugar. As the butter melts, it releases a rich, buttery scent that blends with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a comforting aroma. The creamy caramel filling also adds depth and richness to the overall flavor. I recommend enjoying Salted Caramelita with a glass of milk or warm tea, as these drinks help balance the sweetness. This cookie is especially comforting during winter or on special occasions such as Christmas.”

A:  Salted Caramelita is not a dessert that tries to surprise you at first bite. It invites you to slow down and notice the warmth and softness that come with something made carefully and without rush.

B: With a touch of sweetness and just a hint of salt, the cookie leaves behind a gentle sense of comfort that lingers long after the last bite. And sometimes, that’s all a good dessert needs to offer.

A: Food stories are everywhere - sometimes in a small kitchen, sometimes in a simple recipe. And if you enjoy the program and have a dish you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to send us a message on Facebook at VOV5 English Service. Your stories and recipes are always welcome.