Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are truly a celebration in every bite with gooey caramel, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and a scattering of salty peanuts all tucked inside a chewy brown sugar cookie. These are the cookies I bring to every bake sale and birthday party because they disappear instantly and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

My kitchen always smells incredible when these bake and the first time I made them my family devoured every last crumb before they even cooled completely on the wire rack.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: brings a rich base and helps create the irresistibly chewy texture so look for high quality real butter for best flavor
• Light brown sugar: adds moisture and a caramel taste
• Granulated sugar: ensures the right sweetness and helps with crisp edges
• Eggs: bind the dough and make it tender choose large fresh eggs for consistency
• Vanilla extract: rounds out all the flavors
• All-purpose flour: creates structure and chew so measure with the spoon and level method for accuracy
• Baking soda: helps the cookies rise and remain soft
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste use fine salt for the dough
• Crushed Butterfinger candy bars: add that unmistakable peanut buttery crunch chop them finely for even distribution
• Caramel bits: melt into gooey puddles tucked inside every bite
• Chopped peanuts: bring extra crunch and a hint of salt roast your own for maximum flavor
• Sea salt flakes: sprinkled on top for a sweet and salty finish choose a flaky style like Maldon for the best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature:

Let butter and eggs sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing and an even dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Beat softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for about three minutes until the mixture is super fluffy and lighter in color This step is key for getting that perfect crisp yet chewy texture

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Crack the eggs in one at a time mixing thoroughly after each then pour in vanilla and mix until incorporated

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour baking soda and salt in a separate bowl This helps distribute the leavening evenly across the dough

Mix Together Wet and Dry:

Slowly add the dry mix into the wet batter Use the lowest speed to avoid overmixing and stop when just combined This keeps the cookies tender

Fold In Add-Ins:

Sprinkle in crushed Butterfinger bits caramel pieces and peanuts Fold gently with a spatula until everything is evenly distributed Do not overmix

Shape the Dough:

Scoop generous tablespoon portions placed a couple inches apart on a lined baking sheet This ensures the cookies have room to spread and crisp at the edges

Add Sea Salt Topping:

Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes onto each dough mound right before baking

Bake:

Place tray in the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes Cookies should be golden at the edges but soft in the center

Cool:

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before moving to a wire rack This helps them firm up so you get perfect results every time

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When I first tried adding the caramel bits to the mix I worried about stickiness but now I love how the caramel melts just slightly into golden pockets and every cookie comes out with rich buttery edges The Butterfinger crunch takes me straight back to childhood Halloween hauls every single time

Storage Tips

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week If you love soft cookies slip a slice of bread in the container as well to maintain their texture If freezing place baked cookies in a zip top bag and freeze for up to three months then thaw at room temperature before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Butterfinger bars try using any peanut brittle style candy bar for a similar effect To make a nut free version omit the peanuts and use more toffee bits or any crunchy mix in you like You can also swap caramel bits for soft caramel candies chopped into smaller pieces

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of icy cold milk or crumble them slightly over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert I have spotted guests turning leftovers into mini ice cream sandwiches at summer parties so feel free to get creative

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Cookie Tradition

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies were inspired by a family tradition of mixing leftover candy into cookie dough after Halloween These have now become our go to Christmas cookie too and they make sweet little gifts wrapped in bakery parchment with a satin ribbon

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these cookies their chewy texture?

The combination of softened butter and brown sugar creates a moist, tender dough that results in chewy cookies.

→ Can I substitute peanuts with another nut?

Yes, chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be used to maintain crunch and add unique flavors.

→ What role do sea salt flakes play?

Sprinkled on top, the sea salt flakes provide a subtle contrast, enhancing the sweetness and caramel notes.

→ How do I know when cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges while the centers remain soft; this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F.

→ Can the caramel bits be replaced or omitted?

You can replace caramel bits with butterscotch chips or omit them, which will slightly reduce the caramel flavor.