Looking for treats that mix peanut butter’s creamy taste with caramel’s gooey richness? You’ve found it. Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are a sweet delight in every bite. They’re inspired by Cindy Mushet’s recipe from “The Art and Soul of Baking.”
These cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings and become a favorite. Cindy’s tips, like using smooth peanut butter, ensure they turn out perfectly. The recipe is easy to follow, great for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Key Takeaways
- Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies combine creamy peanut butter and gooey caramel for an irresistible treat.
- This easy cookie recipe is derived from Cindy Mushet’s “The Art and Soul of Baking.”
- Cindy’s tips include using smooth peanut butter to avoid dry and crumbly batter.
- These homemade cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be stored for 3-4 days.
- The recipe yields 28 cookies, providing plenty to share or savor on your own.
Introduction to Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are a mix of sweet and crunchy that takes the classic peanut butter cookie to the next level. They are perfect for any baking project. These cookies started in the early 1900s and became popular during the Great Depression for their taste and value.
The cookies are known for their crisscross pattern, made with a fork. Now, they have caramel and more peanut butter, making them even better. This recipe, inspired by Cindy Mushet, is a modern twist that everyone will love.
Today, you can find many flavors of peanut butter cookies, including soft and chewy ones. They are a beloved American treat. The history of peanut butter goes back to the Aztecs and Incas, with the modern version created in the 20th century.
Recipes for peanut butter cookies first appeared in the late 1920s. Over time, ingredients like brown sugar and chocolate morsels were added to make them even tastier.
These cookies have evolved into many flavors and variations. The recipe for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies uses baking soda and baking powder for the right texture. They are perfect for any festive occasion. For the full recipe, visit the baking recipe.
Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies have become more popular, with a 65% increase in sales. Market research shows 80% of people prefer them over regular sugar cookies. On average, each person eats 12 of these cookies a year. Interestingly, 45% of cookie lovers are between 25-35 years old.
Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies
To make these tasty cookies, you’ll need specific ingredients. These ensure the cookie dough and peanut caramel work well together. We’ll go over what you need for each part of the recipe.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
The cookie dough is the base of this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to start:
- 3¼ cups of all-purpose flour, unbleached
- ¾ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
Salted Peanut Caramel Ingredients
Now, let’s make the cookies even better with a gooey caramel center. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 40 soft caramel candies like Werther’s Originals
- Flakey sea salt for sprinkling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3¼ cups |
| Baking soda | ¾ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Packed light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Smooth peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Soft caramel candies | 40 |
| Flakey sea salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
To make perfect cookies, follow these steps carefully. This will help you enjoy the mix of peanut butter and caramel. You’ll end up with about three dozen tasty treats.
Making the Cookie Dough
First, cream butter and sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies. Then, add an egg and vanilla extract.
Mix in creamy peanut butter slowly. Next, sift dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. Blend them into the wet mix for a smooth dough. Now, the dough is ready to be shaped.
Baking the Cookies
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, make small dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball with a fork for the crisscross pattern.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Salted Peanut Caramel
In a small saucepan, mix sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar turns amber. Carefully add butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it’s smooth.
Let the caramel cool a bit. Then, drizzle it over the cooled cookies. This adds a special flavor that makes the cookies stand out.
This recipe has been shared 248 times, with 112 on Facebook and 136 on Pinterest. It’s a favorite in many homes. Start baking today and enjoy homemade cookies.
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add egg, vanilla, and creamy peanut butter.
- Mix in sifted dry ingredients.
- Preheat the oven and prepare dough balls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and cool.
- Prepare caramel and drizzle over cookies.
Here’s the nutritional info per serving (36 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Trans Fat | 0 grams |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 17 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugars | 9 grams |
| Protein | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 64 milligrams |
Alternative Fillings and Variations
While salted peanut caramel is key in your peanut butter caramel cookies, trying new fillings can make them even better. There are many delicious options to make your cookies unique.
Chocolate ganache brings a creamy, rich taste that contrasts well with peanut butter. If you love sweet treats, dulce de leche is perfect. For a fun twist, add Concord grape jelly for a peanut butter and jelly vibe.
Adding crushed graham crackers to the dough adds more flavor and texture. This cookie base is great for making new, exciting flavors that everyone will love.
Finishing your cookies with a caramel drizzle makes them look and taste amazing. It adds a special touch to your treats.
Whether you choose the classic or try something new, these cookie variations are sure to be fun and rewarding to make.
Storing and Serving Your Cookies
Keeping homemade cookies fresh is key. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This way, they stay gooey and delicious. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Soft peanut butter cookies can stay moist for up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing is great for prep ahead or leftovers. You can freeze the peanut butter cookie dough for up to 2 months. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before putting them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime.
Freezing baked cookies is also a smart move. Store them in heavy-duty freezer bags or vacuum-sealed containers. This keeps them fresh for whenever you crave a sweet treat.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container at Room Temperature | 3-4 Days | Great for maintaining caramel gooeyness |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 Week | Helps keep cookies moist |
| Freezer (Dough) | Up to 2 Months | Shape dough into balls before freezing |
| Freezer (Baked Cookies) | Several Months | Use vacuum-sealed containers for best results |
To enjoy your Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies, let them come to room temperature. This enhances their flavors and textures. For an extra special treat, warm the cookies and serve with ice cream. Each bite will be a mix of soft, chewy, peanut butter, and caramel goodness.
Baking Tips and Tricks
Making perfect peanut butter caramel cookies is both an art and a science. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these tips will help. They ensure your treats turn out just right every time.
Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
Choosing the right peanut butter is key. Use creamy peanut butter to avoid dryness and get a moist, chewy texture. Natural peanut butter might not work as well for these cookies. For extra crunch, try chunky peanut butter. The right peanut butter makes your cookies taste and feel amazing.
Perfecting the Caramel
Getting the caramel just right is essential. Use the right ingredients and follow the steps carefully for a smooth, rich caramel. Here’s a quick guide:
- Ingredients: Make sure you have 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 11 ounces caramels, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter.
- Even Melting: Melt the caramels evenly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Consistency: Get a thick, yet pourable consistency by boiling the mixture gently.
- Combination with Peanut Butter: Once the caramel is ready, mix in the peanut butter slowly for a perfect blend.
- Cooling: Let the caramel cool down a bit before adding it to the cookies.
Pay close attention to these steps for cookies with a rich, balanced flavor. These tips will help you make delicious cookies that everyone will love.
| Key Elements | Tips and Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Creamy for classic cookies, chunky for extra crunch |
| Melting Caramel | Stir continuously to avoid burning |
| Consistency | Thick, yet pourable; boil gently |
| Combining Ingredients | Blend peanut butter gradually into melted caramel |
| Cooling | Ensure caramel has cooled before adding to cookies |
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that combines homemade charm with a gooey caramel center. These cookies pay homage to the rich history of peanut butter cookies. They became popular during the Great Depression for their affordability and nutritional value.
This recipe uses simple ingredients to bring back the nostalgia of an American classic. With step-by-step instructions and baking tips, you can make these sweet desserts at home. The mix of rich peanut butter and luscious caramel is irresistible.
The history of peanut butter goes back to ancient times. Its modern version was perfected in the 20th century by a doctor. George Washington Carver also played a big role in making it popular.
Whether you’re keeping a family baking tradition alive or starting a new one, these cookies are a must-try. You can customize them to your liking and store them for later. They’re perfect for any gathering or event. Their unique flavor and easy preparation make them a versatile and enjoyable choice, like pineapple dump cake.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for the cookie dough?
You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Also, a large egg, vanilla extract, and creamy salted peanut butter. Don’t forget flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
How should I prepare the salted peanut caramel filling?
Start by making caramel with sugar and water. Then, add chopped salted peanuts and heavy cream. This will give you a gooey center.
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
No, it’s best to use smooth peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can make the dough dry and crumbly.
How can I store my Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the dough in heavy-duty bags.
What are some variations for the cookie filling?
Try chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or jam. You can also use Concord grape jelly or add crushed graham crackers for extra flavor.
How do I perfect the texture of my caramel filling?
Cook the sugar and water mixture carefully to avoid burning. Add chopped salted peanuts and heavy cream for better texture and taste.
How should I serve the cookies for the best flavor and texture?
Serve them at room temperature for the best taste. You can also warm them slightly for a special treat, especially with ice cream.