There’s something exceptionally comforting about biting into a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s loaded with the creamy, nutty flavors of a Butterfinger candy bar and the luxurious, gooey texture of caramel. Enter the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies! A delightful fusion of crunchy and gooey textures, these cookies promise to elevate your snack routine. Whether you’re seeking to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in a sweet retreat at home, these cookies deliver on taste, texture, and irresistibility. Crafted with love and care, each bite encapsulates a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or dessert craving. So, why not turn your kitchen into a haven of sweet aromas by trying your hand at this delightful recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for numerous reasons:
- Flavorful Experience: Crisp Butterfinger pieces paired with silky caramel create a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Unique Texture: The peanuts add a delightful crunch that enhances each bite.
- Versatility: Can be tailored to meet dietary needs with various substitutions.
- Showstopper: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies make for a memorable treat.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting everything ready before diving into the world of cookie creation is key to achieving that perfect bake. First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a crucial step to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Equip yourself with a sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; this will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure a smooth release. If you have a hand mixer or a stand mixer, it will come in handy for creaming the butter and sugars to a light, fluffy consistency. Don’t forget to have a cookie scoop or tablespoon nearby, as this ensures uniform cookie sizes, aiding even baking. Lastly, ensure your workspace is clean and organized, making the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent your cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically around 2-3 minutes. This step is vital as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack open the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, adding them one at a time. Continue beating after each addition until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with its aromatic charm.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating on a low speed to prevent overmixing. This ensures your dough remains tender and crumbly instead of tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Add-Ins
Delicately fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts. These ingredients grant the cookies their signature crunch and gooeyness, transforming each bite into a delightful experience.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Utilize a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out your cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure you leave about 2 inches of space between each dough blob to accommodate spreading as they bake.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt and Bake
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over each dough ball before popping them into the oven. This balances the cookie’s sweetness, adding a sophisticated touch. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Variations
- Protein: Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans for an exciting protein twist.
- Vegetables: Add shredded zucchini for extra moisture and a subtle health boost.
- Spices: Infuse with cinnamon or ginger for a warming spice kick that complements the sweetness.
Cooking Notes
- For an ultra-soft cookie, slightly under-bake them and let them finish setting on the cooling rack.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, try refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert pairing.
- Enjoy alongside a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite tea for a cozy snack.
Tips
- If you’re using a convection oven, lower the temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning.
- To maintain softness, store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210 per cookie
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking, which enhances the flavor.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for extended storage.
Can I substitute the Butterfinger with another candy?
Absolutely, try using chopped Snickers or Reese’s for a different twist.
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes?
You can simply omit them or use a finer grain sea salt as an alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are an absolute delight, offering a unique blend of crunchy and gooey textures. They promise to become a household favorite, whether served at a casual get-together or enjoyed on a quiet evening in. Remember, the joy of baking is in both the process and the delightful result, so invite your friends and family to join in or make it a personal treat. Don’t forget to customize these cookies with your favorite nuts or candies for a personal touch. We would love to hear how your cookies turn out, so please leave a comment or share your delightful baking moments with us!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the crunchy and gooey textures of Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, perfect for any dessert craving.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Notes
For ultra-soft cookies, slightly under-bake them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal per cookie
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g