If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that checks every box—chewy, gooey, crunchy, and oh-so-sweet—then these Caramel Cookies are for you. Packed with melty dark chocolate, rich caramel bits, and crispy Butterfinger chunks, they’re the kind of dessert that disappears from the party tray before you’ve had time to set the milk out.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday bash, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies offer the perfect balance of buttery dough, molten caramel, and that nutty, toffee crunch from the Butterfinger. They’re indulgent, dramatic, and downright delightful.
Drawing from your love for indulgent cookies (like the Blueberry White Chocolate Cookies, and The Best Oatmeal Cream Pies) and caramel-infused treats (like the Peanut Butter S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Bars), these cookies are a must-bake. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Cookies
- Soft, Gooey Centers: Thanks to just-right baking and caramel bits.
- Loaded with Texture: Chocolate chunks, caramel, and Butterfinger in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Ideal for cookie swaps, parties, or gift boxes.
- Decadent Yet Easy: No chilling, no fancy tools—just mix and bake.
- Perfectly Sweet: Balanced by a touch of salt and rich brown sugar.
Irresistibly Gooey Caramel Cookies with Butterfinger Bites
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
- Medium mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer or spatula (for creaming and mixing)
- Whisk or fork (for dry ingredients)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning dough)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or piping bag (for drizzling caramel)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chunks, caramel bits, and chopped Butterfinger pieces gently with a spatula.
- Scoop the dough into large balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then drizzle thick caramel sauce over the tops.
- Let the caramel set or serve warm for gooey perfection.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
What you will need + Sweet Swaps
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Tip: Room temperature makes it easier to cream. - 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
Flavor boost: Dark brown sugar adds more depth. - ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
Substitute: A 1:1 gluten-free blend works too. - 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
Alternative: Use semi-sweet chips or chopped milk chocolate. - ½ cup caramel bits
Tip: Use baking caramels, not soft chews. - 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- ½ cup thick caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Shortcut: Store-bought or homemade works!
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Baking Tip: Use light-colored pans for even browning.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This creates the perfect base for chewy cookies.
Tip: Cream thoroughly for a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in 1 tbsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Tip: Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir just until incorporated.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—this keeps your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in 1 cup dark chocolate chunks, ½ cup caramel bits, and 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
Tip: Fold carefully to keep candy pieces intact.
Step 6: Scoop and Space
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form large dough balls (about 2 tbsp each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
Tip: Chill dough for 10 minutes if too soft.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked. Check at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking; ovens vary
Texture Tip: Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes to finish baking and set up.
Step 8: Caramel Drizzle
Once slightly cooled, drizzle thick caramel sauce over each cookie. Use a spoon or piping bag for clean lines.
Step 9: Cool or Serve Warm
Let the caramel set for 10 minutes or serve warm for ultra-gooey centers. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Optional Add-Ins & Flavor Variations
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: For a salted caramel finish.
- Toffee Bits or Pecans: For extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 tsp to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in ¼ cup before baking for a Reese’s vibe.
- Mini Marshmallows: Stir in a few for a gooey, s’mores-inspired twist.
Topping Suggestions
- Sea Salt Flakes: Enhances caramel and chocolate flavors.
- Chopped Peanuts: Extra crunch to complement Butterfinger.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Sweet contrast to dark chocolate.
- Toffee Bits: More caramelized crunch on top.
- Sprinkles: Colorful and fun for festive occasions.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Subtle sweetness and elegance.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Makes 24)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
Note: Exact values may vary based on chocolate and caramel brands used.
Storage & Serving Tips
Storage:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Keeps up to a week—just warm before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen with 1-2 extra minutes.
Tip: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Serving:
- Warm Them Up: Microwave for 10 seconds for melty centers.
- Dessert Upgrade: Sandwich ice cream between two cookies.
- Party Display: Stack on a tiered tray with caramel dip on the side.
Tip: Rewarm caramel sauce separately for drizzling.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Butter → Vegan Butter: Dairy-free richness.
- Eggs → Flax Eggs: Vegan binding alternative.
- Flour → Gluten-Free Flour: Dietary-friendly structure.
- Butterfinger → Snickers: Different candy crunch.
- Caramel Bits → Butterscotch Chips: Similar gooey texture.
What to Serve with Caramel Cookies
- Cold Milk: Classic and perfect for dunking.
- Coffee: Espresso or cappuccino to balance sweetness.
- Fruit & Cheese Platter: Adds a savory contrast at events.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Ultimate indulgent combo.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and cozy for indulgence.
- Caramel Latte: Complements the caramel theme.
FAQs
Do the caramel bits melt too much in caramel cookies?
They melt into gooey pools—yum! Just be sure not to use soft caramel chews.
Can I make gluten-free caramel cookies?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check candy labels for gluten.
Will caramel cookies spread a lot?
A little! For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
How do I prevent caramel cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking, and use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Bake on a cool sheet.
These caramel cookies with Butterfinger bites are more than just dessert—they’re a celebration in cookie form. Soft, chewy, caramel-drizzled, and studded with irresistible candy chunks, they bring bold flavor and festive energy to any table.
Perfect for holiday trays, birthday parties, or just a Tuesday sweet fix, these cookies are your new secret weapon. Bake a batch, share them with your favorite people, and don’t forget to tag me @recipesgenerators with your delicious creations!
