These Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a luscious caramel center. The combination of creamy peanut butter and gooey caramel creates an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth. With a hint of sea salt, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent – The blend of peanut butter and caramel creates a decadent flavor.
- Soft and chewy texture – These cookies stay soft with a gooey caramel surprise inside.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether for a holiday, party, or a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit.
- Customizable – You can easily switch up flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling:
20 soft caramels (unwrapped)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For Garnish:
Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Make the Caramel Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Place about ½ teaspoon of the melted caramel in the center of the dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the caramel, ensuring it is completely enclosed.
- Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining dough and caramel.
Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the warm cookies for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve and enjoy these rich, gooey Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts to the dough for added texture.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Stuffed Surprise: Swap out caramel for chocolate or peanut butter cups in the center.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey caramel center.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different, with a bit of crunch in every bite.
2. How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?
Make sure the caramel is fully enclosed in the dough before baking. Chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking can also help.
3. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Absolutely! Just make sure your caramel is thick enough to hold its shape inside the cookie.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What can I use instead of heavy cream in the caramel filling?
You can substitute milk or half-and-half, but the caramel may be slightly less creamy.
6. Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.
7. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
8. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time—smaller cookies will need less time, while larger ones may take a bit longer.
9. What’s the best way to melt the caramels without a microwave?
You can melt them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
10. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, adding chocolate chips will give these cookies an even richer taste!
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and chewy, making them a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you enjoy them warm with a gooey center or store them for later, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try them today and enjoy the delicious fusion of peanut butter and caramel in every bite!
