Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies that combine creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and gooey caramel centers for an irresistibly chewy and decadent dessert. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a soft middle, these cookies offer a wonderful balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 16 soft caramels, unwrapped
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, providing a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to add moisture and enhance flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning in the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overworking it.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Assemble Cookies with Caramels: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly. Place one soft caramel in the center, then wrap the dough around it ensuring the caramel is sealed completely to prevent oozing during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and Finish: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Transfer to a wire rack and, if desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm to enhance the flavor contrast.
Notes
- For a gooey center, use soft caramels like Kraft or Werther’s to ensure they melt perfectly inside the cookie.
- If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it for about 20 minutes before shaping the cookies for easier assembly.
- These cookies are best served slightly warm so the caramel centers remain soft and melty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American