Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Caramel Crunch Cookies, a perfect balance of buttery sweetness, caramel gooeyness, and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. This irresistible cookie recipe combines a soft, chewy texture with a delightful salty-sweet finish thanks to a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-Ins and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes (for topping)
Optional Substitutions
- Peanuts can be replaced with almonds, cashews, or pecans
- For gluten-free: substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend
- For egg allergy: use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step aerates the butter and sugars for a light cookie base.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in vanilla extract to enrich the dough with a fragrant aroma.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to combine fully without overmixing, preserving the cookie’s tender texture.
- Fold in the Add-Ins: Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts. These add a signature crunch and gooey pockets of caramel throughout the cookies.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Add Sea Salt and Bake: Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball to enhance the flavor with a subtle salty contrast. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling Dough: For thicker and chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even texture.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie size and even baking.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle melted caramel over cooled cookies before serving.
Keywords: caramel cookies, crunchy cookies, Butterfinger cookies, caramel bits, buttery cookies, sweet and salty cookies