Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are a delicious fusion of two irresistible flavors: the nutty richness of peanut butter and the sweet, buttery goodness of caramel. This simple yet decadent cookie recipe will quickly become a family favorite, with its chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth taste. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies make an ideal treat for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious cookies!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

To make these mouthwatering cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup caramel bits (or soft caramel candies, chopped)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for added crunch)

Instructions for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the peanut butter and butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the sugars: Mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
6. Fold in the caramel bits: Gently fold in the caramel bits (and chopped peanuts, if desired), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Press each dough ball lightly with a fork to flatten slightly.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool on the sheet. This will help retain their soft and chewy texture.
• Use high-quality peanut butter: The flavor of the peanut butter is essential in these cookies, so opt for a good-quality, natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars or oils.
• Add a touch of sea salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie before baking will enhance the sweet and salty flavor of the cookies, making each bite even more irresistible.
• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

• Perfect flavor balance: The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet caramel creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.
• Chewy texture: These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, offering the perfect cookie texture.
• Customizable: Add in chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate to make these cookies uniquely your own.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth with their perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!

Serving and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

Serving Tips

• Serve warm: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are still warm. The caramel is extra gooey and the peanut butter flavor is at its peak. To enhance the experience, serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
• Pair with ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is a classic and comforting dessert.
• Cookie platter: These cookies make a perfect addition to a holiday cookie platter or dessert tray. Their unique sweet and salty flavor will complement other treats like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and sugar cookies.
• Perfect for gifting: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or jar and gift them to friends and family. They make a thoughtful homemade gift, especially around the holidays.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store your Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week, maintaining their chewy texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Separate layers: If you’re stacking the cookies in an airtight container, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Keep them soft: To help maintain the cookies’ soft texture, add a slice of bread to the storage container. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep your cookies fresh longer.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy these delicious cookies for days or even weeks to come!

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies. It will add a nice crunch to the cookie dough, enhancing the overall flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture of your cookies will be slightly different from those made with smooth peanut butter.

2. How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
To make your Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies more chocolatey, you can add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the baked cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

3. Can I make these cookies without caramel bits?
Yes, if you don’t have caramel bits, you can use soft caramel candies instead. Simply chop the caramel candies into small pieces and fold them into the dough. Alternatively, you can substitute with toffee bits or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend you choose is suitable for baking cookies and provides a similar texture to regular flour.

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