Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that fuses creamy peanut butter, pools of gooey caramel, and rich chocolate into every bite, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are your answer. Perfectly soft, chewy, and beautifully decadent, these cookies are a knockout at any gathering and just as delightful for a cozy night in. With a surprise caramel center that oozes out as you take a bite, each cookie is an irresistible blend of salty, sweet, and buttery flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple, but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies plays a key part in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture. Here’s what makes every bite special:

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth foundation—always use unsalted to control the saltiness.
• Creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of these cookies, creamy peanut butter delivers that classic nutty flavor and soft, chewy bite.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread to perfect thickness.
• Light brown sugar: Supplies moisture and a subtle caramel flavor thanks to its molasses content—don’t skip it!
• Large egg: Binds everything together while ensuring a soft, cake-like texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings extra warmth to each bite.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, creating structure without making things dense.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies just enough lift and tenderness for a perfect crumb.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors (trust me, you’ll notice!).
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty chocolate add just the right amount of richness.
• Soft caramel candies (halved): The gooey surprise waiting in the center of every cookie—a true game changer!

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your cookies bake evenly and develop golden edges. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—it also makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that irresistible soft and chewy texture that makes Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies so special.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the large egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated and the dough looks smooth and cohesive. This duo adds richness and sets the stage for all the flavors to shine.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t over-mix—stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This guarantees a bit of melty chocolate in every bite of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Fill with Caramel

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Press half a soft caramel candy into the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the caramel, rolling it into a ball to seal the caramel inside. This step gives your cookies the signature gooey caramel core that everyone will adore.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack so they finish setting up beautifully.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

For a knockout presentation, drizzle your cooled cookies with a bit of melted chocolate or sprinkle them with flaky sea salt. Both options add incredible flavor and make your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies look bakery-worthy in minutes.

Side Dishes

These cookies are dreamy with a cold glass of milk or, if you’re feeling a bit extra, nestled alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, pair with your favorite coffee or a mug of hot chocolate—the perfect match for all that richness!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for an edible gift, or arrange them on a pretty platter with swirls of extra caramel and chocolate on the side for dipping. Turning Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies into mini ice cream sandwiches is another showstopper—just add a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and freeze until firm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and just as scrumptious, with the caramel center staying perfectly gooey and inviting.

Freezing

If you want to save some Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies for later (or bake ahead!), freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For unbaked dough, shape the balls with caramel inside and freeze, baking straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revives the caramel’s gooey texture and makes the chocolate slightly melty—trust me, it’s worth it!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture and crunch to the cookies. Just be aware that the dough may be a little thicker, but your Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies will still taste delicious.

What type Dessert

Look for soft caramels, as hard caramel candies can become too tough when baked. Brands like Kraft or Werther’s Soft Caramels work beautifully and create that perfect gooey goodness in the center.

How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?

Be sure to completely cover the caramel candy with dough before rolling into a ball. Pinch any open edges closed so the caramel stays encased during baking and you get a true gooey caramel center.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! This dough doubles beautifully, making it easy to whip up a larger batch if you’re baking for a crowd or planning to freeze extra cookies for later cravings.

Do these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies stay soft after baking?

Yes, these cookies are designed to stay gloriously soft thanks to the peanut butter and brown sugar. Stored properly, they maintain their soft texture with a gooey caramel center for several days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making (and devouring) these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies! They’re a pure joy to bake, share, and eat—each bite is a little celebration of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel coming together. Don’t hesitate to try them and make your own sweet memories!

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