Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (for softening caramels); 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup soft caramel candies, chopped

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Prepare to fall head over heels for these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies, a sweet treat that brings together everything you love about cookies in one chewy, gooey bite! Imagine the creamy richness of peanut butter, the decadence of melty chocolate, and pockets of soft, buttery caramel all wrapped up in a golden, bakery-style cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something incredible, these cookies deliver pure joy every single time. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies lies in their straightforward yet irresistible ingredient list. Each component plays a special role, from building structure and flavor to adding those unforgettable little bursts of chocolate and caramel. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): Provides a rich, nutty base and helps make the cookies super soft and flavorful.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds creaminess and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies achieve just the right amount of crispness on the edges.
Packed Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brings a hint of molasses and chewiness, making each bite extra special.
Large Egg (1): Binds everything together while adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic note.
All-Purpose Flour (1¼ cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure and helping everything hold together.
Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft finish.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the deep flavors of the dough.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (¾ cup): Every bite is loaded with gooey, chocolatey goodness.
Soft Caramel Candies, chopped (½ cup): Melts into pockets of sweet, buttery caramel throughout the cookies.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the caramels if needed, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the dough.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets you up for easy, evenly baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You want everything to become light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined—this is what creates that dreamy cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. This step brings moisture and depth of flavor to your dough, ensuring that every cookie is as soft and flavorful as possible.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just combine until you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramels

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped caramel candies. If the caramels are on the firm side, warm them with a tablespoon of milk to soften, making them easier to incorporate and ensuring gorgeous gooey pockets in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the tray.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set up perfectly and makes them easier to handle—plus, it gives you a moment to appreciate that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

A little finishing touch goes a long way with Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors, or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for extra decadence. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful all on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee. For a party platter, serve them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices to balance out the richness. If you’re entertaining, a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream alongside the cookies turns dessert into a truly special event.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative when sharing your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies! Stack them high on a colorful cake stand, tuck them into parchment-lined boxes as thoughtful gifts, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for irresistible ice cream sandwiches. For festive occasions, try cutting them into fun shapes before baking, or decorating with sprinkles or edible gold dust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to four days—if they last that long! To keep them extra chewy, you can toss in a slice of bread, which helps maintain the perfect texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer, just adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To relive that fresh-baked magic, gently reheat cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. This brings back the gooey caramel and melty chocolate, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a fun crunch and little bits of peanut throughout the cookies. Just make sure to mix the dough thoroughly so everything holds together nicely.

What if I can’t find soft caramel candies?

No worries! You can use any caramel candy you like—just be sure to chop them into small pieces. If they’re really firm, warm them with a splash of milk as suggested, or use caramel baking bits for easy mixing.

How do I make these cookies gluten free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy switch that still delivers delicious results!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can enhance the flavors and make the cookies even chewier. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if it gets too firm to scoop.

What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a piece of apple—both help retain moisture and keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies wonderfully soft for days.

Final Thoughts

If you love the magical trio of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are destined to become a favorite in your home. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to bring happy smiles to anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a go—you might just find your new go-to cookie!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies that combine creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and soft caramel candies for a chewy, sweet treat. Perfectly balanced with a golden-baked exterior and gooey center, these cookies make an irresistible dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (for softening caramels)

Dry Ingredients

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup soft caramel candies, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture and mix until fully combined for a uniform batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
Soften caramels and fold in add-ins: If caramel candies are firm, warm them slightly with 1 tablespoon of milk to soften. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped caramel candies into the dough.
Scoop and space dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set but still soft for a slightly gooey texture.
Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up properly.

Notes

For gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting on the baking tray.
Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American