Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

The Ultimate Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

Whipping up these delectable butterfinger caramel crunch cookies brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Sweet chocolate chips mingle with crushed candy bars, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

Crunchy caramel pieces add unexpected texture that makes each bite memorable.

Soft centers contrast beautifully with crisp edges, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Baking enthusiasts will appreciate how simple ingredients create such complex flavors.

Home kitchens come alive with the warm, inviting aroma of these indulgent treats.

You deserve a cookie that delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies: Sweet and Crunchy Bliss

  • Blast Through Baking: Perfect for home bakers seeking a delightful challenge without overwhelming complexity, these cookies offer a fun and manageable baking experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Packed with beloved candy bars, caramel, and peanuts, these cookies guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments.
  • Sweet Sensory Adventure: Combining crunchy Butterfinger pieces, gooey caramel bits, and salty peanut chunks creates a multi-textured treat that delivers an exciting flavor explosion in every single bite.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Adaptable for various occasions from weekend baking projects to school events, these cookies provide a delicious homemade solution that feels both special and comfortingly familiar.

Ingredients for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

For the Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy foundation that adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the primary structure and framework of the cookie.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
For the Mix-Ins and Toppings:
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars, Caramel Bits, Chopped Peanuts: Add crunch, extra sweetness, and a delightful texture to the cookies.
  • Sea Salt Flakes: Provides a final burst of flavor contrast and elevates the sweet elements.

How to Bake Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients with a mixer until they become super creamy and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything looks smooth and incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.

Stop mixing as soon as everything looks combined to avoid tough cookies.

Step 5: Mix in Crunchy Goodness

Gently fold into the dough:
  • Crushed Butterfinger candy bars
  • Caramel bits
  • Chopped peanuts

Ensure these delicious chunks are evenly spread throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Salt and Bake

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cookie dough ball. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges with soft centers.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring these incredible treats.

Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

  • Gently combine dry and wet ingredients to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Adjust the amount of Butterfinger and peanuts to control the cookie's texture and nutty intensity.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
  • Sprinkle sea salt flakes just before baking to enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile and add a delightful crunch.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious texture and taste.

Variations on Butterfinger Cookies

  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace Butterfinger with crushed dark chocolate bars and add chocolate chips for an intense cocoa experience.
  • Nutty Crunch Sensation: Swap peanuts for toasted almonds or pecans, and incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a rich nutty profile.
  • Salted Caramel Explosion: Double the caramel bits, use salted caramel sauce drizzle on top after baking, and increase sea salt flakes for a bold flavor contrast.
  • Tropical Candy Crunch: Substitute Butterfinger with crushed macadamia nut brittle, add white chocolate chips, and mix in shredded coconut for a Hawaiian-inspired cookie.

Pairing Ideas for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Milk Stout: Complement the rich, sweet cookies with a smooth milk stout that echoes the caramel and chocolate notes. The beer's velvety texture balances the crunchy Butterfinger pieces perfectly.
  • Serve with Salted Caramel Latte: Match the cookies' sweet and salty profile with a warm salted caramel latte. The espresso's depth cuts through the cookie's sweetness while enhancing the caramel undertones.
  • Create a Dessert Plate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside these cookies. The cold, creamy vanilla beautifully contrasts the warm, crunchy cookie texture and amplifies the caramel and peanut flavors.

Storage Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from melting.
  • Wrap cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze uncooked dough for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Use chilled dough and ensure your butter isn’t too soft. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, which prevents adding too much flour that can make cookies dense.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Chilling the dough actually helps develop deeper flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

  • What if I don't have Butterfinger bars?

You can substitute with other chocolate or peanut butter candy bars like Reese’s or Heath bars. The key is to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile that complements the caramel and peanut elements.

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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Butterfinger caramel crunch cookies deliver a sweet symphony of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy candy bar pieces that dance across your palate. Sweet and salty notes blend perfectly, creating an irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring to the last delightful crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients (Dry):

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup crushed butterfinger candy bars
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 0.5 cup chopped peanuts
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Primary Ingredients (Wet):

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt flakes
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a luxurious base by whipping softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition, then infuse the mixture with vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
  4. Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel, then gradually merge with the wet ingredients, mixing delicately to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Introduce textural complexity by gently folding crushed Butterfinger pieces, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts throughout the dough, distributing ingredients evenly for maximum flavor impact.
  6. Portion the dough onto the prepared sheet, strategically spacing each cookie to allow room for spreading during the baking process.
  7. Enhance the cookies with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt flakes, then bake for 10-12 minutes until edges achieve a golden-brown hue while maintaining a soft, chewy center.
  8. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, enabling the texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture.
  • Crush Butterfinger bars coarsely to maintain crunchy candy pieces throughout the cookies.
  • Swap peanuts with almonds or skip nuts entirely for nut-free dietary needs.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Slightly underbake cookies for a softer, chewier center that melts in your mouth.
  • Experiment with different candy bar variations like Snickers or Crunch for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 203
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 89 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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