Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies: Prepare to have your cookie expectations shattered! Imagine the irresistible combination of a chewy, caramel-infused cookie, studded with the unmistakable, peanut-buttery crunch of Butterfinger candy. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

While the Butterfinger candy bar itself has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, these cookies are a modern marvel, born from the desire to elevate the classic cookie experience. They take the beloved flavors of childhood and transform them into a sophisticated, yet utterly comforting treat.

What makes these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance. The soft, chewy caramel cookie base provides a sweet and buttery foundation, while the crushed Butterfinger pieces deliver that signature peanut butter and crunchy texture that everyone adores. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coarsely chopped Butterfinger candy bars (about 6 fun-size bars)
• 1 cup caramel bits
• ½ cup crushed pretzel pieces

Preparing the Dough:

1. First, let’s cream together the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for creating a light and airy cookie! You want the mixture to be pale and almost doubled in volume.
2. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla really enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
3. Now, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. You want to mix until the flour disappears, but no further.
5. Finally, fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and crushed pretzel pieces. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid overmixing. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and salty pretzels is what makes these cookies so irresistible!

Chilling the Dough:

1. This is a very important step! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. I find that chilling for at least an hour yields the best results. If you chill it longer than 2 hours, you might need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheets.
2. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
3. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want the edges to be nicely browned, but the centers should still be slightly soft.
4. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.

Optional: Adding a Caramel Drizzle:

If you want to take these cookies to the next level, you can add a caramel drizzle. Here’s how:

1. Melt about ½ cup of caramel bits in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the caramel, as it can burn easily.
2. Drizzle the melted caramel over the cooled cookies. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this step.
3. Let the caramel set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies:

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This will ensure that the cookies are light and fluffy.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour disappears, but no further.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
• Add extra toppings: Feel free to add extra chopped Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, or crushed pretzel pieces to the tops of the cookies before baking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter Chips: Add ½ cup of peanut butter chips to the dough for an even more intense peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the dough for a richer, more chocolatey cookie.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet contrast.
• Different Candy Bars: Experiment with other candy bars, such as Snickers, Twix, or Heath bars. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
• Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the dough for added crunch and flavor.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: This is usually caused by not chilling the dough enough or using too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and use the correct amount of butter.
• Cookies are too dry: This is usually caused by overbaking. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, but not dry.
• Cookies are too tough: This is usually caused by overmixing the dough. Mix until the flour disappears, but no further.
• Cookies are not browning: This could be due to your oven temperature being too low or using old baking soda. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and use fresh baking soda.

Enjoy your delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are more than just a cookie; they’re an experience. The perfect balance of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy makes them utterly irresistible. If you’re looking for a cookie that will disappear in minutes and leave everyone begging for more, then this is absolutely the recipe for you. Trust me, the combination of the rich caramel, the distinctive Butterfinger flavor, and that satisfying crunch is a winning formula that will have you baking batch after batch. But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. The unique flavor profile sets them apart from your average chocolate chip cookie, and the ease of preparation makes them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, who can resist the allure of Butterfinger candy, especially when it’s baked into a warm, gooey cookie? Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these cookies are absolutely divine on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate the experience. Try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. Or, for a fun twist, crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and crunchy topping. Looking for variations? You could experiment with different types of caramel candies. Sea salt caramels would add an extra layer of flavor complexity. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder for a sweet and spicy kick. For those who prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. And if you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add some chocolate chips to the dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. You could also try using different types of nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor. Another fun variation is to make these into ice cream sandwiches! Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a delicious and refreshing treat. You could even dip the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate and sprinkles for an extra touch of fun. I truly believe that these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and I guarantee that everyone who tries them will be hooked. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing cookies. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you make any modifications of your own? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m excited for you to try this recipe and discover the joy of baking these delightful cookies. Enjoy!

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