Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible combination of gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and the signature crunch of Butterfinger candy with these delightful Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and decadence, making them a crowd-pleaser that will have your family asking for more.

Crafted with love and a touch of magic, these cookies have become a cherished tradition in my home. The aroma of real Butterfinger bits mingling with caramel as they bake is simply irresistible. Whether it’s sneaking a piece of candy while preparing the dough or bonding with my kids over crushing the bars by hand, making these cookies is a joyful experience that always brings us together.

From Halloween treats to family gatherings, these cookies are a hit all year round. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pack them for a picnic dessert, these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are sure to impress. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and create memories that will have your loved ones craving these delightful treats time and time again.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect balance of gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars for a decadent treat
• Versatile recipe allows for creative ingredient swaps to cater to different dietary needs and seasonal variations
• Cookies stay soft and fresh for up to four days at room temperature, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert
• Freezes well for longer storage and quick, on-demand fresh-baked cookies

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination: Indulge in the perfect balance of gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and the unmistakable crunch of Butterfinger candy bars in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for family gatherings, bake sales, or as a special treat for friends and neighbors.
• Nostalgic and Fun: Recreate memories of childhood treats with the classic flavors of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter, bringing back the joy of bake sales and holiday cookie swaps.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap in seasonal candies or caramels, experiment with different toppings and add-ins, or make gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
• Easy to Store and Freeze: Keep a stash of these cookies on hand by freezing baked cookies or unbaked dough, ensuring you always have a delicious treat ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
• Quick and Convenient: With the option to freeze cookie dough balls and bake them on demand, you can have freshly baked cookies in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly and Engaging: Get the whole family involved in the baking process, from crushing Butterfinger bars to mixing the dough, creating a fun and delicious bonding activity.
• Impressive Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile of the cookies by drizzling them with caramel sauce, elevating their decadence and adding a sticky sweetness.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: By chilling the dough before baking and avoiding overbaking, you’ll achieve a soft, chewy center that complements the crunchy texture of the candy bars.
• Year-Round Craving: Whether served warm with ice cream in the summer or paired with a hot drink in the winter, these cookies are a versatile and irresistible treat that will satisfy cravings anytime.

Ingredients for Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Add-ins

• 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 standard-size bars)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup caramel bits

For Drizzle and Topping

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger pieces for garnish

Pro Tips for Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe

For perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies every time, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve a soft, chewy center. Be mindful not to overbake the cookies to maintain their delicious texture. The caramel drizzle is optional but highly recommended to elevate the decadence and add extra sweetness to each bite. When storing the cookies, place them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture and keep them soft and fresh.

For a fun twist, try swapping in other crispy or toffee-style candy bars in place of Butterfinger for a unique flavor experience. If you plan to freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough, make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving or baking for the best results. Consider involving your kids in the baking process by letting them crush the Butterfinger bars or help with mixing – it’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories in the kitchen.

How to Make Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment and Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one by one to the creamed mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated and batter is glossy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet batter gradually, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Add-ins

Mix crushed Butterfinger bars, caramel bits, and chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to improve cookie thickness and flavor.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Using a scoop, portion 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Arrange on baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the tops are slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Drizzle and Finish

After cooling, drizzle caramel sauce on each cookie and sprinkle with more crushed Butterfinger pieces before the caramel hardens.

Storage Tips

To store the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For extra softness, you can add a slice of bread inside the container to help retain moisture. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer first, then transfer them to a bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and only require a quick thaw on the counter before serving to enjoy them freshly baked.

The cookies can also be shaped into dough balls and frozen on a lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough on baking sheets and add two extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies in minutes, making it convenient for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Butterfinger candy bars on hand, consider swapping them out for chopped peanut butter cups or toffee bits for a similar crunchy texture and flavor profile in these cookies. Both options will still provide a delicious mix-in element to the dough.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these cookies dairy-free by using plant butter instead of regular butter and opting for allergy-safe caramel bits. Additionally, if you need a gluten-free version, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour while ensuring the dough maintains the right consistency for perfect cookies.

The caramel sauce in this recipe adds a sticky sweetness and decadence to the cookies. If you prefer not to use caramel sauce, you can try substituting it with a different type of flavored sauce, such as chocolate or butterscotch, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of these indulgent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, consider serving them warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, gooey cookie with the cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience that will leave your guests craving more. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the ice cream and top with a sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger pieces for an added crunch.

For a fun twist, create a cookie sandwich by spreading a layer of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges of the sandwich in more crushed Butterfinger candy for an extra pop of flavor and texture. This playful dessert is perfect for picnics, birthday parties, or any gathering where you want to impress with a nostalgic and delicious treat.

FAQs for Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookie Recipe

Can I use a different candy bar instead of Butterfinger in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap in other crispy or toffee-style bars, but Butterfinger provides a unique peanutty crunch that adds a special flavor to these cookies.

Do I have to add the caramel drizzle to the cookies?

While the caramel drizzle is optional, it enhances the decadence of the cookies and adds a sticky sweetness that complements the other flavors. Feel free to omit it if you prefer.

Can I freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough?

Yes, both the baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze well. Simply thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving, or place frozen dough on baking sheets and add extra baking time when ready to bake.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

To maintain the softness and prevent the cookies from drying out, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain moisture in the cookies, keeping them fresh for longer.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating these irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, remember that the joy of baking lies not only in the scrumptious treats that emerge from your oven but also in the memories and moments shared with loved ones as you mix, shape, and indulge together. These cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a special occasion or simply to spread some sweetness in your day, these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are sure to impress and leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the delicious rewards that come with each bite of these delectable cookies. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful moment spent indulging in these delightful treats!