Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Treats are a perfect combination of soft, buttery cookies, gooey caramel, and crunchy candy pieces. Chopped Butterfinger bars and roasted peanuts add texture and a satisfying salty-sweet balance, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates every bite. These treats are simple to make, fun to share, and perfect for any occasion — from family weekends to dessert tables or casual snack breaks with coffee or milk.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 2–3 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
- ½ cup caramel bits, soft
- ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
For Finishing:
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. This ensures a soft and tender cookie.
3. Add eggs and vanilla:
Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth. This step helps the cookies rise properly while remaining chewy.
4. Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients on low speed, just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
5. Fold in mix-ins:
Gently fold in crushed Butterfinger candy, caramel bits, and chopped peanuts, distributing them evenly without overworking the dough.
6. Portion the dough:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave space for cookies to spread during baking.
7. Add sea salt and bake:
Sprinkle each dough ball lightly with sea salt flakes. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
8. Cool and set:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to let caramel set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Chill the dough briefly before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- Do not overbake: remove cookies when centers are soft; they firm as they cool.
- Even distribution of mix-ins ensures every bite has caramel, candy, and peanuts.
- Sea salt is essential — it balances the sweetness and highlights the caramel flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a resealable bag. Bake directly from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes in the oven.
- Reheat finished cookies in the microwave for a few seconds for a “just-baked” experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanuts: Swap for pecans, cashews, or other nuts.
- Butterfinger candy: Crushed Snickers, Twix, or Heath bars work well.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Egg-free: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Caramel bits: Dark chocolate chunks can be used to reduce sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cold glass of milk or coffee.
- Sandwich ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Crumble over yogurt or ice cream for extra texture.
- Drizzle extra caramel and arrange on a platter for a bakery-style presentation.
Pro Tips
- Keep caramel gooey: Add caramel bits halfway through baking for soft, melty centers.
- Uniform cookie size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even baking.
- Flavor variation: Mix different candy bars or nuts for creative twists.
FAQs
→ Can I substitute Butterfinger bars?
Yes, Snickers, Twix, or Heath bars provide a similar crunch and flavor.
→ How can I reduce sweetness?
Reduce sugar by half or swap caramel bits for dark chocolate chunks.
→ Is a gluten-free version possible?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
→ How do I keep cookies chewy?
Bake until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. They firm as they cool.
→ How can I enhance caramel texture?
Add caramel bits halfway through baking or slightly underbake to retain gooey pockets.
Final Thoughts
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Treats are indulgent, easy-to-make cookies that combine buttery dough, gooey caramel, and crunchy candy. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With customizable mix-ins and easy storage options, these cookies are a versatile addition to any dessert lineup and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.