Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe
These cookies aren’t just your average sweet treat—they combine the nostalgic crunch of Butterfinger candy bars with pockets of melted caramel for a chewy, rich texture that’s truly unforgettable. The sea salt finish adds the perfect contrast, enhancing the flavors and elevating each bite. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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unsalted butter, softened
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granulated sugar
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light brown sugar
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large eggs
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vanilla extract
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all-purpose flour
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baking soda
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salt
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chopped Butterfinger candy bars
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caramel bits
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sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars and caramel bits.
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Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
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Lightly sprinkle each dough ball with sea salt.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Calories: 185 kcal per cookie
Variations
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent finish.
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Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped roasted peanuts or pecans for additional texture and flavor.
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Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized versions by using a smaller scoop—reduce baking time slightly.
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Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
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Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or cornflakes for even more crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the caramel and refresh the texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the caramel from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper on your baking sheets will help prevent the caramel from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I use caramel squares instead of caramel bits?
Yes, just cut the caramel squares into small pieces before folding them into the dough.
Are Butterfinger baking bits okay to use?
Absolutely. Butterfinger baking bits can be used in place of chopped bars for more even distribution.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes, scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They’re ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Can I substitute the Butterfinger with another candy?
Sure! Try using Snickers, Heath bars, or Reese’s for different flavor profiles.
Why add sea salt on top?
Sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle crunch, balancing the overall flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
What type of caramel bits should I use?
Use soft caramel baking bits, typically found near the chocolate chips in the baking aisle.
Do these cookies spread a lot during baking?
They spread moderately. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies are the perfect fusion of candy bar crunch and rich, buttery cookie goodness. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, these cookies will win over any crowd with their gooey centers and crisp edges. Make a batch—you won’t regret it!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent and irresistible cookies loaded with Butterfinger pieces and gooey caramel bits, finished with a touch of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars and caramel bits.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra gooey caramel, slightly underbake the cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent sticking.
- You can freeze the dough balls for later baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
