If you have a love for crunchy, chewy, and irresistibly sweet treats, then you are going to adore this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe. Combining the iconic crispiness of Butterfinger candy bars with luscious caramel bits and a hint of salty pretzel crunch, these cookies bring a delightful explosion of textures and flavors in every single bite. Perfectly golden and just the right amount of chew, they are an amazing treat to bake for yourself, gift to friends, or brighten up any dessert table with a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, from the rich butter that adds tenderness to the crumbly crunch of pretzels for an unexpected twist.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The base for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookie edges crisp up beautifully.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a touch of deep caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic note.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure for your dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft center.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars: The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable crispy peanut butter crunch.
- ½ cup caramel bits: Melts into little pockets of gooey sweetness.
- ½ cup crushed pretzels (optional): Adds a salty crunch, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving your cookies a soft, tender crumb with the right amount of sweetness.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until well combined. This will help bind the ingredients and add a rich aroma that complements the caramel and Butterfinger perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt so your cookies bake evenly and taste balanced.
Step 4: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Crunchy Goodies
Delicately fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces, caramel bits, and if you want that irresistible salty crunch, the crushed pretzels. These additions create the signature texture and flavor combo that this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe is famous for.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for some spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack – this helps them set perfectly.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few extra caramel bits or crushed Butterfinger pieces on top right after baking. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can add beautiful presentation and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their rich sweetness and crunch balance perfectly with creamy or refreshing drinks and desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with layers of caramel sauce or sandwiching them with a creamy peanut butter or chocolate spread for a delightful twist. They also make fantastic edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon – an instant smile starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful chewy texture and crunch for up to 5 days, making them perfect to bake ahead for parties or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or so to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For renewed softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This melts the caramel bits slightly again and revives that fresh-baked feel you love.
FAQs
Can I use different candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger bars give a unique peanut butter crispness, candies like Heath bars or crushed peanut brittle can provide a similar crunch and buttery flavor. Just chop them finely for even distribution in the dough.
Are the pretzels necessary in the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe?
Not at all. The pretzels are completely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy that added salty crunch. They bring a delightful contrast that elevates the overall taste, but the cookies are fantastic even without them.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t skimp on the chilling time if your kitchen is warm. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet helps them keep their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, like pretzels and caramel bits, are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What’s the best way to scoop the cookie dough?
A standard tablespoon or a small cookie scoop works perfectly. It helps keep the cookies uniform in size so they bake evenly and have a consistent texture throughout.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that blends sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy elements in the most fun and flavorful way possible. Once you bake a batch, these will quickly become your go-to cookies for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite candy bars, and get ready to fall in love bite after bite!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, a perfect blend of rich caramel, crunchy pretzels, and sweet Butterfinger candy pieces embedded in a soft, buttery cookie base. These American-style dessert cookies offer a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth with a decadent homemade treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- ½ cup caramel bits
- ½ cup crushed pretzels (optional for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces, caramel bits, and crushed pretzels if using, for texture and bursts of flavor.
- Portion and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring their perfect texture.
Notes
- Cookies tend to spread during baking; avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain shape and even baking.
- For a gooey caramel finish, press a few extra caramel bits on top of each dough ball before baking.
