Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining three of the most beloved flavors—peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel—into one delicious, gooey, and irresistible treat. These cookies feature a soft, chewy peanut butter base, studded with chocolate chips and topped with a rich, melty caramel center. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with family and friends. The combination of sweet, salty, and chocolaty goodness will have you reaching for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel, these cookies are a dream come true. The peanut butter dough provides a rich, nutty base that complements the smooth, gooey caramel and the melty chocolate chips. The contrast in flavors and textures—chewy cookies with a slightly crunchy edge, creamy caramel, and chocolate—is truly irresistible. Plus, these cookies are easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home, Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

• 1/2 cup caramel bits or caramel sauce (for drizzling or filling)

• 1 tablespoon milk (if using caramel sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.

2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

4. Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips to the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

5. Shape the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Add caramel center: If using caramel bits, press 3-4 caramel bits into the center of each cookie dough ball. If using caramel sauce, you can bake the cookies without the caramel center and drizzle the sauce over the cookies after baking.

7. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If using caramel sauce, drizzle it over the warm cookies right after baking for an extra gooey finish.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 20 cookies

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 9-11 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Caramelized Nuts: Add some crushed caramelized nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.

• S’mores Cookies: Add mini marshmallows to the dough along with the chocolate chips for a fun twist on classic s’mores.

• Dark Chocolate Version: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet cookie.

• Peanut Butter Swirl: If you prefer more peanut butter flavor, swirl some additional peanut butter into the dough before baking for a more intense peanut butter experience.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To keep them fresh and chewy, you can also store them in the fridge, although they might firm up a bit. If you prefer to reheat them, just microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness and gooeyness.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to the cookies, but they will still taste just as delicious.

2. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies instead of using caramel bits. If using caramel sauce, make sure to drizzle it on top of the cookies after baking so it doesn’t burn.

3. Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make these cookies without the chocolate chips and focus on the peanut butter and caramel flavors, or you can add nuts or dried fruit for texture.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake the frozen dough balls directly, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I use store-bought caramel instead of caramel bits?

Yes, store-bought caramel candies can be used instead of caramel bits. Just chop them into smaller pieces and place them in the center of the cookie dough.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

8. How can I make these cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use a lower-sugar caramel sauce to make the cookies less sweet.

9. Can I add more caramel to these cookies?

Yes, you can add more caramel by drizzling extra caramel sauce on top of the cookies after baking or incorporating more caramel bits into the dough.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to make more cookies. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheet to accommodate all the dough balls.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a decadent and delicious treat that combines the best of all your favorite flavors. With a chewy peanut butter base, melty chocolate chips, and a gooey caramel center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating or just indulging in a sweet snack. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel today!

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