Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

Want a sweet treat that’s soft, rich, and a little gooey? That’s why I love making Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies! They’re full of nutty flavor and melty caramel goodness.

I mix creamy peanut butter into the dough and tuck in bits of soft caramel. They bake up golden and chewy, with caramel pockets in every bite. My family grabs them the second they cool!

No fancy stuff needed. Just simple ingredients and a few easy steps. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or cozy nights in.

Let’s bake these cookies together! I’ll show you how. Ready for peanut butter and caramel magic?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft on the inside and just a little crispy around the edges. That contrast makes each bite satisfying and comforting. The peanut butter keeps the dough tender while the caramel pieces melt for gooey pockets.
• Sweet and Salty Harmony: The mix of brown and granulated sugar gives just the right amount of sweetness. Then, sea salt flakes on top add a lovely salty note that enhances the caramel flavor, making these cookies more complex and delicious.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need any fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples like peanut butter, sugars, and flour, plus soft caramels. The heavy cream helps the caramel melt smoothly inside the cookie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family snack, or a casual coffee break, these cookies always impress. Plus, they keep well, so you can make a batch ahead of time.
• Fun and Unique Twist: The caramel bits inside are the surprise star. When they bake, they soften and get wonderfully creamy, which pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
This recipe requires some chilling time so the dough firms up. This helps the cookies keep their shape and makes them easier to handle.

• Prep Time: About 15 minutes to mix ingredients and chop caramels.
• Chill Time: At least 30 minutes in the fridge. This step is important for the best texture.
• Bake Time: 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn light golden.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, including chilling and cooling.

Servings:
The recipe yields about 24 medium-sized cookies, perfect for sharing or storing. If you want more, the recipe doubles easily.

Difficulty:
This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned bakers who want a quick yet special treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl to mix your dough.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer helps cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements make sure your cookies turn out right.
• Baking Sheets: Flat cookie sheets are best for even baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Cooling Rack: To let cookies cool evenly and maintain their texture.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the cookie. Choose a smooth, good-quality peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps cookies spread, while brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note. Together, they balance sweetness and chewiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, butter adds richness and helps with the cookie’s tender crumb.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the dough together and adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A small amount deepens the overall flavor, making the cookies taste warm and inviting.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient provides structure for the cookies. Use spooned and leveled flour for accurate measurement.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors inside the dough.
• Soft Caramels: Chopped into small pieces, these melt in the oven, creating gooey pockets of caramel inside the cookie. Using soft caramels ensures they melt properly without burning.
• Heavy Cream: Added with caramel bits, it helps the caramel melt smoothly and adds creaminess to each bite.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkled on top before baking, these flakes add a delightful crunch and a burst of salty flavor that complements the sweet caramel and peanut butter.

Variations for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness alongside the caramel.
• Use Chunky Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for chunky if you like little bits of peanuts in your cookies for extra texture.
• Swap Sea Salt Flakes: If you don’t have sea salt flakes, use fine kosher salt or omit the salt on top, though the contrast will be less pronounced.
• Add Nuts: Toasted chopped peanuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and deepen the nutty flavor.
• Try Different Caramels: Use flavored caramels like vanilla or salted caramel for a new twist. Just make sure they are soft and not hard candies.

How to Make Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft texture.

2. Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. The egg helps bind the dough and adds moisture, while vanilla brings warmth to the flavor.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which helps your cookies rise and balance flavor.

4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough. The dough should be soft but hold together.

5. Add Caramel and Heavy Cream

Chop the soft caramels into small pieces. Fold these caramel bits into the dough along with the heavy cream. The cream helps the caramel soften and melt evenly during baking.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.

7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

8. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread evenly.

9. Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of each cookie. This step enhances the sweet and salty contrast, making the flavors pop.

10. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

11. Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This helps maintain the chewy texture and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. You can also:

• Package as Gifts: Wrap a few in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
• Serve at Parties: Arrange on a pretty platter for guests to enjoy.
• Add to Dessert Boards: Pair with fruits, nuts, and chocolate for an elegant spread.
• Snack Packs: Pack in small bags for lunchboxes or snacks on the go.

The sweet, salty, and creamy flavors make these cookies a crowd-pleaser anytime.

Storing Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: To keep them fresh longer, store in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Dough: The cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: It helps with cookie shape and texture.
• Use soft caramels: Hard candies won’t melt properly and can cause uneven baking.
• Measure flour properly: Too much flour makes cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method.
• Watch baking time closely: Cookies continue to cook on the sheet after removal. Slightly underbake for a soft center.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of cinnamon can add new flavor layers.

Nutrition (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	120 mg
Total Carbs	22 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	15 g
Protein	3 g

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Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies FAQs

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Natural peanut butter can make the dough more oily and affect texture. Use creamy, processed peanut butter for best results.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can omit it, but the caramel pockets may not be as creamy.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are a delicious blend of rich peanut butter and sweet caramel with a hint of salt. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and have a soft, chewy texture that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a cozy snack or a festive treat, this recipe is a keeper in my kitchen.