Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

These chewy, buttery cookies bring together crushed Butterfinger candy bars, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts for an irresistible crunch and rich flavor. The soft brown sugar dough yields cookies that are perfectly chewy with golden edges. Sea salt flakes sprinkled on top add the ideal balance of sweet and salty, highlighting the caramel and nutty notes. Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes creates a luscious texture that is hard to resist. These cookies are perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself, offering a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.

The first time I baked these cookies, my kitchen smelled so amazing that my family couldn’t wait for them to cool and devoured every last one immediately.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Brings a rich base and creates the chewy texture you want for the ultimate cookie choose high quality real butter for the best flavor
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel taste
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps crisp the edges perfectly
• Large fresh eggs: Bind the dough firmly and provide tenderness
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully
• Allpurpose flour: Gives structure and chew measure with care using the spoon and level method
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently and keeps them soft
• Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor
• Crushed Butterfinger candy bars: Add that unmistakable peanut buttery crunch chop finely for even distribution throughout the dough
• Caramel bits: Melt into small gooey pockets inside every cookie for extra richness
• Chopped peanuts: Bring an additional crunch and a hint of saltiness roasting them yourself intensifies the flavor
• Sea salt flakes: On top provide a sweet and salty finish flaky types like Maldon offer the perfect texture

Instructions

Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature:

Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature for about thirty minutes before starting This helps the ingredients mix evenly and results in a smoother dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Beat the softened butter together with the light brown and granulated sugars on medium speed for about three minutes The mixture should become light and fluffy which is essential for achieving that crisp edge and chewy center combination in your cookies

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them Then stir in the vanilla extract blending it evenly throughout the batter

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour baking soda and salt This helps spread the leavening agents evenly in the dough ensuring consistent texture

Mix Together Wet and Dry:

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on the lowest mixer speed to avoid overmixing Stop mixing as soon as all the flour is incorporated to keep the cookies tender and soft

Fold In Add-Ins:

Using a spatula gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy pieces caramel bits and chopped peanuts until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough Be careful not to overmix at this stage to maintain the texture

Shape the Dough:

Scoop generous tablespoon sized portions of dough and place them a few inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat Giving the cookies sufficient space allows them to spread properly and get those perfect golden edges

Add Sea Salt Topping:

Just before baking sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each dough mound This final touch balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor

Bake:

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to twelve minutes They should have golden edges while retaining a soft center which is the sign of perfect bake

Cool:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack This resting time allows the cookies to set up perfectly without breaking

When I first added caramel bits to this dough I worried the cookies might turn too sticky but the caramel melts just enough to create golden pockets that add richness without messiness Every time I bite into these cookies the crunch of Butterfinger candy takes me right back to trick or treating memories from childhood.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week To keep them soft slip a slice of fresh bread inside the container for added moisture retention For longer storage place baked cookies in a resealable bag and freeze them for up to three months Thaw to room temperature before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If Butterfinger candy bars are unavailable try substituting with any peanut brittle style candy bar for a similar crunchy texture For a nut free version omit the peanuts and replace them with toffee bits or crunchy cereal pieces Caramel bits can be swapped for chopped soft caramel candies or butterscotch chips if preferred

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert They also make fun ice cream sandwiches for summer gatherings Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite toppings or dipping half in melted chocolate

Bake a batch of these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies for a crowd or a cozy night in They freeze well and make a delicious gift.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What creates the chewy texture?

The combination of softened butter and brown sugar produces a moist, tender dough that yields chewy cookies.

→ Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?

Yes, chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts can replace peanuts to maintain crunch and add different flavors.

→ What is the role of sea salt flakes?

Sprinkled on top, sea salt flakes provide a subtle contrast, enhancing sweetness and caramel notes.

→ How to tell when cookies are perfectly baked?

Cookies are done when edges turn golden while centers remain soft, usually after 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F.

→ Can caramel bits be replaced or omitted?

Caramel bits can be swapped with butterscotch chips or omitted, which will slightly reduce caramel flavor.