There’s nothing better than a warm, freshly baked cookie—unless, of course, that cookie is packed with gooey caramel, crunchy Butterfinger bits, and a sprinkling of sea salt to bring it all together. These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are the ultimate treat, combining sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite. Perfect for a casual snack, a party dessert, or even a thoughtful gift, these cookies will quickly become your go-to indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Deliciously Textured: Gooey caramel meets crunchy Butterfinger bits and chopped peanuts.
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: A touch of sea salt balances the rich sweetness.
- Versatile Recipe: Easily adapted for gluten-free or nut-free preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit at parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent.
Ingredients for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup caramel bits
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)
Optional Substitutions
- Replace peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor.
- For gluten-free cookies, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- If you’re avoiding eggs, substitute each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
Step 5: Fold in the Add-Ins
- Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts.
- Mix until the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into small balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt and Bake
- Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball for a sweet-and-salty finish.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 11g |
Carbohydrates | 27g |
Sugar | 18g |
Fiber | 1g |
FAQs About Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
1. Can I use different types of candy bars?
Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger candy bars with Snickers, Twix, or even Reese’s for a different twist.
2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape.
3. Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Simply omit the peanuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
4. What’s the best way to crush Butterfinger candy bars?
Place the candy bars in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
5. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
Caramel bits work best because they stay chewy during baking, but you can drizzle caramel sauce on top of baked cookies for extra indulgence.
6. Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Thaw cookies at room temperature or bake frozen dough directly.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies combine all the elements of a perfect dessert: gooey caramel, crunchy candy, salty peanuts, and a soft, buttery cookie base. They’re ideal for everything from casual afternoons to holiday parties, and they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Conclusion: Bake Your Own Batch Today
Now that you know how to make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies – Gooey & Crunchy, it’s time to preheat your oven and start baking! With their rich flavors and irresistible textures, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Share them with friends, bring them to parties, or enjoy them at home—just don’t forget to save a few for yourself!
PrintButterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are a delightful mix of gooey caramel, crunchy Butterfinger pieces, and a hint of sea salt. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. These cookies are quick to make and absolutely irresistible, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet indulgence!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup caramel bits
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Beat for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Fold in Add-Ins:
- Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt and Bake:
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Variations: Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans, or use dark chocolate chips instead of Butterfinger candy bars for a different flavor profile.
- Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American