Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful mix of crunchy texture and gooey caramel, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the iconic crispy crunch of Butterfinger candy with luscious caramel bits and optional mini chocolate chips for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft on the inside yet satisfying to bite into, this recipe makes cookie-baking feel like a joyous adventure worth sharing with your nearest and dearest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that create a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. From the rich softness of butter to the sweet and crunchy additions of candy, each component plays a crucial role in making these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect cookie structure while keeping them tender.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps your cookies rise and achieve just the right chewiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies a rich, creamy base and helps them melt in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the candy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Contributes a light sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma that makes the cookies truly special.
- 1/2 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped: The star ingredient delivering its signature crunchy, peanut buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup caramel bits: Provide gooey pockets of caramel that elevate each bite.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For an extra layer of sweetness and melty chocolate joy.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Then whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Setting these dry ingredients aside prepares the base for a smooth mixing process later on.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream your softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieve that perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it—your arm will thank you later!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This brings moisture and depth to the dough, giving your cookies their tender crumb and amazing aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so gentle is the way to go here.
Step 5: Fold in the Crunchy Goodness
This is where the magic happens! Fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. These mix-ins deliver the iconic buttery crunch and luscious caramel pockets that make the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe stand out.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into neat balls. Place each dough ball about two inches apart on your baking sheets so they have room to spread. Then gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon or your fingers—you want them to bake evenly with that perfect cookie shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are a beautiful golden brown and the centers look set. Removing them too early or late can change the texture, so keep a watchful eye toward the end of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets them firm up just enough while still being soft and chewy in the center—get ready for cookie bliss!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes right after baking adds a surprising burst of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate or extra caramel over the top for a decadent touch that makes these cookies truly shine.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice that never fails. Alternatively, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert or with a warm cup of coffee or tea to highlight their rich, buttery notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a party showstopper by stacking them with layers of whipped cream and sliced bananas for a quick parfait. Or wrap a couple in a pretty cellophane bag tied with a ribbon as a sweet, homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. If you have a busy household, consider storing each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep that Butterfinger caramel crunch intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough balls, freeze them on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough by adding a couple extra minutes to your baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive your cookies’ fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey treat—just watch closely to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Butterfinger candy bars with something else?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger bars are key to the signature crunch, you can try chopped Heath bars or toffee bits for a similar caramelized crunch. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
Do I have to use caramel bits, or can I use a different form of caramel?
Caramel bits are convenient because they hold their shape while baking, but you can finely chop soft caramel candies if you prefer. Just be cautious as they may melt more and spread differently throughout the cookie.
Is there an alternative if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Sure! You can use regular chocolate chips, chopped chocolate chunks, or even skip them entirely if you want the Butterfinger and caramel flavors to shine solo. Each variation offers its own unique twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Just make sure your baking soda and other add-ins are gluten-free as well.
What is the best way to achieve chewy cookies with this recipe?
To keep these cookies chewy, avoid overbaking and take them out of the oven when edges are set but centers still look a bit soft. Also, using brown sugar as the primary sugar helps retain moisture and chewiness.
Final Thoughts
The Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of textures and flavors that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of caramel crunch magic to your day. So grab your mixing bowl and candy bars—your next delicious adventure awaits!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, combining the rich flavors of Butterfinger candy, caramel bits, and optional mini chocolate chips for an irresistibly crunchy, sweet treat. Perfectly chewy with a golden crisp edge, these cookies are a gourmet twist on classic caramel and chocolate desserts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup caramel bits (or caramel baking chips)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine and enrich the dough’s flavor and structure.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, keeping cookies tender.
- Fold in Candy and Chips: Carefully fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and mini chocolate chips (if using) to evenly distribute the crunchy and sweet add-ins throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll each into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Slightly flatten each dough ball using the back of a spoon or your fingers to promote even cooking and a nice cookie shape.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookie centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- For extra sweetness, add the mini chocolate chips as indicated; omit for a less sweet version.
- You can substitute caramel bits with caramel baking chips for convenience.
- Proper spacing on the baking sheet is crucial to prevent cookies from merging during baking.
- Cool cookies fully before storing to maintain crunch and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
