Description

Peanut butter caramel cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and caramel.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

To make delicious peanut butter caramel cookies, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

Peanut Butter (1 cup)

Peanut butter is the star of this recipe. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that makes these cookies special. Choose smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference.

Brown Sugar (1 cup)

Brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. It helps create a chewy texture that everyone loves in cookies.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup)

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread while baking. It balances the flavors perfectly.

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

Flour is the base of the cookie dough. It gives structure and helps hold everything together. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best results.

Baking Soda (1 tsp)

Baking soda is a leavening agent. It helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. This ingredient is essential for achieving the right texture.

Salt (½ tsp)

A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the cookies. It balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the peanut butter.

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma. It complements the peanut butter and caramel beautifully, making the cookies even more delicious.

Eggs (2 large)

Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They also help the cookies rise, giving them a soft and chewy texture.

Caramel Sauce (½ cup)

Caramel sauce is the finishing touch. It adds a gooey, sweet layer that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel.

Optional Ingredients

If you want to take your cookies to the next level, consider adding some optional ingredients. They can add extra flavor and texture:

Chocolate Chips (½ cup)

Chocolate chips are a delightful addition. They melt into the cookies, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness. This combination is a crowd-pleaser!

Chopped Nuts (½ cup)

Chopped nuts, like peanuts or walnuts, add a nice crunch. They enhance the nutty flavor and make the cookies even more satisfying.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for baking cookies evenly. A hot oven ensures that your cookies rise and bake perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly, ensuring your cookies rise properly.

Step 3: Cream Peanut Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cookies soft.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Beat them in until everything is well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Sauce

Now, fold in the caramel sauce. Use a spatula to gently mix it into the dough. This step adds a delicious gooeyness to your cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of dough. Shape them into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter caramel cookies warm or at room temperature!

Notes

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 150
Sodium: 100mg
Protein: 3g