As I rummaged through my pantry one rainy afternoon, I stumbled upon a forgotten stash of Butterfinger bars — just calling for a sweet revival. This delightful inspiration led me to create my Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, the perfect indulgent dessert that melds rich caramel and crunchy chocolate in an easy-to-make treat. Not only are these cookies incredibly simple to whip up, but they also serve as a sure-fire crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With their gooey centers and crispy edges, you’ll find they elevate those cozy moments, whether for parties or just a cozy night in. Ready to bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe and make these unforgettable cookies together!
Why are Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies irresistible?
Gooey Goodness: The generous swirl of caramel creates a deliciously sticky center, ensuring each bite is unbelievably indulgent.
Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly get-together, these treats are sure to impress everyone and keep them coming back for more.
Dynamic Duo: The combination of Butterfinger pieces and the rich, buttery dough offers a delightful textural contrast that keeps your taste buds on their toes.
Pair them with a glass of milk or indulge further with a scoop of ice cream, just like with these delicious Cookies Cream Dessert. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of nostalgia with these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies — they just might become your new favorite indulgence!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture; light brown sugar can be used in place of dark.
- Granulated Sugar – Boosts sweetness and creates a crisp exterior; no substitutes recommended.
- Eggs – Binds ingredients and contributes to a tender texture; use a flax or chia egg for vegan alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of cookies; whole wheat flour can be used for added fiber.
- Baking Soda – Leavening agent for soft, puffy cookies; no substitutes recommended.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; use kosher salt for a milder flavor.
For the Mix-ins
- Butterfinger Bars – Provide the signature crunch and flavor; substitute with any chocolate-covered candy for variation.
- Caramel Sauce – Adds a gooey richness; homemade caramel can provide a gourmet touch.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin your cookie adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, allowing them to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ready for those delightful dollops of dough.
Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and moist cookie. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and airy, giving off a buttery aroma.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 2 eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost. Mix until combined, letting the rich scent of vanilla fill your kitchen and complement the sweetness of the sugar.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies tough instead of chewy.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chopped pieces of Butterfinger bars and the luscious caramel sauce using a spatula. Do this carefully, ensuring that the mix-ins are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. You’re looking for a delightful blend that promises rich flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread nicely while baking. As you shape them, you’ll see the candy bits peeking through, hinting at the deliciousness that’s about to emerge from the oven.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that gooey texture. Trust your instincts as the delightful aroma wafts through your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack. As they cool, the delightful Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies will firm up just the right amount, so they are perfect to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
Indulging in Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies is a heavenly experience, but pairing them with complementary dishes can take your dessert game to new heights.
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Milkshake Dream: A velvety chocolate milkshake amplifies the cookie’s creamy caramel flavor, creating a nostalgic pairing that’s utterly satisfying.
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Vanilla Ice Cream Canvas: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrasting temperatures and textures — the cold creaminess beautifully complements the warm, gooey cookies.
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Fresh Berries Brightness: A side of mixed berries adds a refreshing touch, cutting through the richness of the cookies with a burst of juicy sweetness.
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Coffee or Espresso: Brew a cup of rich coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. The bitter notes enhance the cookie’s decadent flavors, making each bite a treat.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over your cookies intensifies the chocolatey goodness, creating a sinfully indulgent dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce Dip: For a fun twist, serve with extra caramel sauce for dipping, elevating that gooey caramel in the cookies to new heights of indulgence.
Enhancing your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies with these delightful pairings will surely turn any occasion into a treasured memory!
Make Ahead Options
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheet as directed and refrigerate it; this not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To enjoy them at their best, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, ensuring they remain soft and gooey. Embrace these make-ahead options for effortless sweet treats anytime!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Get creative with these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies and tailor them to your tastebuds!
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter with margarine or coconut oil for a deliciously dairy-free cookie.
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Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs to make these treats vegan-friendly. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit until thickened.
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Nutty Twist: Add a half cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to enhance crunch and nuttiness in each bite.
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Chocolatey Delight: Replace Butterfinger with Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter twist, or use M&Ms for a pop of color and chocolatey fun!
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Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the warm cookies right after baking. This simple trick elevates the flavor beautifully.
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Whole Wheat Health: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to give these cookies a nutty flavor and boost their fiber content.
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Homemade Caramel: For a gourmet touch, use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought. It adds a rich, deeper flavor and a personal touch.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the dough for a warm, spicy twist that complements the sweetness.
If you’re in the mood for even more delicious recipes, don’t miss out on trying out these Chocolate Oat Cookies or indulge with some Fudgy Brownie Cookies. Happy baking!
How to Store and Freeze Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them soft and chewy, ready for indulgence.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just be aware that refrigeration may alter the soft texture slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag, ensuring they are well-sealed.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking or reheating. For baked cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey goodness.
Expert Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
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Softened Butter: Make sure to soften your butter to room temperature for easier creaming, which creates a more tender cookie.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix gently until just combined to maintain that chewy texture in your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies.
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Baking Time: Watch your cookies closely while they bake. Slightly underbaking them will ensure a gooey center, providing that delightful contrast.
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Chill the Dough: For a thicker cookie, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
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Proper Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and delicious.
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of Butterfinger bars should I use?
You can use regular-sized Butterfinger bars or mini ones, depending on your preference for chunk size. Either option provides the signature crunch that complements the gooey caramel center beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to substitute with another chocolate-covered candy like Reese’s or Crunch bars for a unique twist.
How should I store my Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method keeps them fresh and delicious. If you’d like to store them for longer, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but be mindful that refrigeration may alter the soft texture slightly.
Can I freeze the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze either unbaked dough or baked cookies. For unbaked dough, shape the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, cool completely first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
What if my cookies turn out too hard?
If your cookies end up hard, it may be due to overbaking. To avoid this, keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; for that perfect texture, they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. If they do turn out hard, try placing them in a sealed container with a slice of bread overnight — the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and soften up.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! To make these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. For a vegan version, you can use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, allowed to sit until gelatinous) instead of regular eggs, and ensure your caramel sauce is vegan-friendly.
What kind of toppings can I add?
For extra flavor, consider sprinkling a touch of sea salt on top before baking — it beautifully enhances the sweetness. You could also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an additional crunch or drizzle more caramel or chocolate over the top for an indulgent finishing touch.
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Your New Favorite Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and then add in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces and caramel sauce until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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