Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of peanut butter caramel cookies! The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with that luscious, nutty peanut butter flavor, perfectly complemented by the sweet, gooey caramel bits. It’s a flavor combination that dances on your taste buds! I remember the first time I made these cookies for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t help but feel like a baking rockstar! They disappeared in a flash, and I had to make another batch just to keep up! Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion. You’ll fall in love with their rich flavor and easy preparation—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
- 1 cup peanut butter – creamy or crunchy, whichever you prefer, but I love creamy for that smooth texture!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – this gives the cookies that rich, molasses flavor that pairs so well with peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – just a bit for sweetness and to help achieve that chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s soft enough to mix easily, but not melted.
- 1 large egg – binds everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because who doesn’t love that warm, inviting vanilla flavor?
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – this is what helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – a pinch of salt brings out all the delicious flavors!
- 1 cup caramel bits – these little gems melt into gooey pockets of sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the foundation of the cookie dough!
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
Alright, let’s get those cookies baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—oh, that smell is heavenly!
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Now for the fun part—gently stir in 1 cup caramel bits until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious peanut butter caramel cookies waiting for you to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 27 minutes!
- Rich, mouthwatering flavor that combines peanut butter and caramel.
- Perfectly chewy texture with gooey caramel bits in every bite.
- Easy to make, so it’s great for bakers of all levels.
- Guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments from family and friends!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately—baking is a science, after all! I like to use a kitchen scale if you have one handy. If you prefer softer cookies, you can reduce the baking time by a minute or two; just keep an eye on them! Also, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them firm up without breaking. Lastly, don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment a little!
Variations on Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these peanut butter caramel cookies! You can add chocolate chips for a rich, decadent twist. Just fold in about a cup and enjoy that chocolatey goodness! Or, try adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch that complements the softness of the cookies. Want a little more flair? Swirl in some melted chocolate or even drizzle caramel on top before serving. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peanut butter caramel cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm cookie fresh out of the microwave!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the figures provided here are just estimates. For each peanut butter caramel cookie, you’re looking at around 150 calories, with 10g of sugar and 3g of protein. They’re a delightful treat, but always enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ About Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
Got questions about these delicious peanut butter caramel cookies? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, How long can I store them? You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option!
Another popular question is, Can I substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you’re out of caramel bits, chocolate chips work wonderfully too. And if you need a nut-free version, you can swap the peanut butter for sunbutter or almond butter.
Lastly, many people ask, What’s the best way to ensure they don’t dry out? Make sure to not overbake them—just until the edges are golden—and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Trust me, you’ll want to keep that gooey goodness intact!
Learn more about peanut butter cookies and explore different variations!
Print
Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter caramel cookies with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in caramel bits.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips for caramel bits.
- Adjust baking time for softer cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peanut butter caramel cookies