Irresistible Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Biting into a soft, chewy peanut butter caramel cookie that melts instantly on your tongue.

These decadent treats combine the rich, nutty warmth of creamy peanut butter with a luxurious ribbon of golden caramel.

Sweet meets salty in a dance of irresistible flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Home bakers and dessert lovers can easily whip up this simple yet stunning recipe in less than an hour.

Seasonal gatherings or quiet afternoon snacking become extraordinary with these indulgent morsels.

Crisp edges and gooey centers promise a delightful texture that keeps you reaching for just one more cookie.

Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just a single bite of these heavenly delights.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that provides structure and texture to the cookie.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Butter, Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredients that add rich flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that provide moisture, caramelization, and depth of flavor.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the peanut butter.

• Caramel Candies: Soft, chewy centers that create a delicious surprise inside each cookie.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt and smooth out the caramel for a luscious filling.
• Sea Salt: Optional garnish that adds a sophisticated flavor contrast to the sweet cookies.

Steps for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up The Caramel Center

• Soft caramel candies
• Heavy cream

Zap the mixture in short 20-second bursts, stirring after each interval. Keep mixing until the caramel transforms into a silky smooth liquid. Let it rest and cool down slightly.

Step 2: Craft The Cookie Dough

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Cream these ingredients until they become light and fluffy. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract, blending everything together.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough emerges.

Step 3: Create Cookie Spheres

Scoop out small portions of dough and flatten them gently. Place a tiny dollop of cooled caramel right in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the caramel, sealing the edges completely. Roll into perfect smooth balls.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Fire up the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookie balls with plenty of breathing room between them. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly cracked tops and set edges – the centers should appear slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool And Embellish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle some sea salt over the warm cookies.

Step 6: Indulge

Devour these cookies while warm for a molten caramel center, or wait until completely cooled for a more settled caramel experience. Either way, pure deliciousness awaits!

Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Prevent Caramel Leakage: Ensure the caramel is cool and slightly thickened before wrapping it in cookie dough to minimize potential oozing during baking.
• Master the Dough Technique: Use slightly damp hands when shaping cookies to prevent sticky dough from clinging to your fingers and create smoother cookie balls.
• Optimize Baking Time: Watch cookies carefully during the last few minutes of baking. Remove them when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked for maximum softness.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and use dairy-free caramel alternatives to make the recipe more inclusive for different dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Variation: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the cookie's delicious texture.

Keep Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Carefully stack cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and soft texture.
• Reheat: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes. This method helps restore their original softness and reactivate the caramel's gooey center.
• Room Temperature: Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring back their original texture and taste.

Best Pairings for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Brew a Creamy Companion: Pair these indulgent peanut butter caramel cookies with a rich, smooth latte or cappuccino. The coffee's warmth and creamy texture complement the cookie's gooey caramel and nutty peanut butter perfectly.
• Elevate with Cold Milk: Serve alongside a chilled glass of whole milk or vanilla almond milk. The cool, refreshing drink balances the cookies' sweetness and provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft texture.
• Enhance with Dessert Wine: Match these cookies with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a light port. The wine's subtle sweetness and smooth finish beautifully highlight the caramel and peanut butter flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Scoop Some Ice Cream: Top the warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly on the warm cookie, creating an incredible blend of temperatures and flavors.

Different Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Ideas

• Chocolate Chunk Caramel: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder and fold in chopped dark chocolate chunks before shaping the cookies. The rich chocolate complements the sweet caramel perfectly.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped roasted peanuts or almonds into the cookie dough for extra texture. Sprinkle additional crushed nuts on top of the cookies after baking for a delightful crunch.
• Salted Pretzel Swirl: Crush some pretzels and mix them into the dough for a salty-sweet combination. Roll the cookie balls in crushed pretzel pieces before baking to create a crunchy exterior.
• Maple Pecan Fusion: Swap half the granulated sugar with maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the dough. Drizzle extra maple syrup over the warm cookies for an indulgent finish.

FAQs for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Why use both granulated and brown sugar in this recipe?

The combination creates a deeper flavor and softer texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges and overall sweetness.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough balls and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months, then bake directly from frozen.

• What's the best way to prevent the caramel from leaking during baking?

Ensure you completely seal the caramel inside the dough ball, with no exposed areas. Chill the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape and prevent caramel escape.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly cracked tops and set edges. The centers should still look slightly underbaked – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and result in a soft, chewy cookie with a gooey caramel center.

Why Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Are a Treat

• Surprise-Stuffed Sensation: These cookies create a delightful moment of excitement when you bite into the hidden caramel center, transforming an ordinary cookie into a magical treat that keeps everyone guessing.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture Party: Experience the ultimate cookie experience with a soft, tender exterior that gives way to a luxuriously gooey caramel center, complemented by the rich, creamy peanut butter dough that melts in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy Baking Triumph: Whip up these incredible cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for beginner bakers, last-minute dessert cravings, or spontaneous sweet moments with family and friends.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Elevate the cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt, experiment with different caramel variations, or adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible peanut butter caramel cookies melt hearts with their rich, gooey center and crisp edges. Sweet meets salty in this indulgent treat that promises pure comfort and delightful flavor in each blissful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling Ingredients:

• 24 soft caramel candies (Kraft or Werthers)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream

Optional Topping:

• Sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Craft the luscious caramel nucleus by gently melting caramel candies with velvety cream in a microwave-safe vessel. Stir during brief heating intervals until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth liquid. Allow the molten caramel to rest and slightly cool.
2. Create the foundational cookie dough by vigorously blending butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to integrate all elements.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate container. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, carefully developing a tender, cohesive dough.
4. Portion the dough into generous rounds, flattening each slightly. Nestle a small dollop of cooled caramel into the center of each dough portion. Carefully encase the caramel, sealing the edges and rolling into perfect spheres.
5. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, strategically positioning the caramel-filled dough balls with ample spacing between them.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle signs of doneness – edges should set and surfaces develop delicate cracking patterns. The centers will appear slightly underbaked, ensuring ultimate softness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes. This crucial resting period helps them stabilize.
8. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, optionally sprinkling with a delicate shower of sea salt while still warm to enhance flavor complexity.
9. Serve immediately for an indulgent, molten caramel experience, or allow to cool completely for a more structured treat.

Notes

• Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to create allergy-friendly versions that everyone can enjoy.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent caramel from seeping out during baking and ensure more stable cookie structure.
• Use flaky sea salt sparingly to enhance the sweet-salty contrast without overwhelming the delicate caramel and peanut butter flavors.
• Consider freezing unbaked cookies for quick, fresh-baked treats anytime by storing them in an airtight container and baking directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg