Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies drizzled with salted caramel offer a decadent twist on a classic treat.

Nutty flavors mingle beautifully with sweet, golden caramel sauce.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of richness and indulgence.

Homemade desserts always spark joy in our kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together to create something magical.

Friends and neighbors will beg you for this recipe.

The combination of salty and sweet makes these cookies impossible to resist.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in minutes.

Why Peanut Butter Cookies With Salted Caramel Drizzle Are Crave-Worthy

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Desserts: Packed with rich peanut butter flavor and a luxurious salted caramel drizzle, these cookies guarantee smiles at any gathering.
• Master Bakery-Style Techniques: Learn professional baking skills like creating perfect crisscross patterns and crafting homemade caramel sauce with simple step-by-step instructions.
• Customize Sweet Sensations: Adjust salt levels, experiment with different peanut butter brands, or add chocolate chips to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Impress with Gourmet Touches: The elegant salted caramel drizzle transforms classic peanut butter cookies into a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

What You’ll Need For Peanut Butter Cookies With Caramel Drizzle

• Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives rich, nutty flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's overall flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar, Water: The base for creating a rich, amber-colored caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the caramel.
• Butter: Provides a silky, luxurious texture to the caramel.
• Sea Salt: Offers a contrasting flavor that elevates the sweetness of the caramel.

Simple Steps To Make Peanut Butter Cookies With Caramel Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie performance.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure ingredients are thoroughly blended and lump-free.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract and blend until fully integrated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Create Classic Cookie Texture

Use a fork to press gentle crisscross patterns on each cookie, giving them that traditional peanut butter cookie look.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 9: Cool Cookie Masterpieces

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Craft Luxurious Salted Caramel

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat without stirring until the mixture transforms into a rich amber color.

Step 11: Finish Caramel Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Sea salt

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and gloriously glossy.

Step 12: Drizzle and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cooled, generously drizzle warm caramel over the top.

Step 13: Add Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle additional sea salt over the caramel to create a tantalizing sweet-salty contrast.

Step 14: Allow Caramel to Set

Let caramel rest for 10-15 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency before serving or storing your gourmet cookies.

Tips To Make Peanut Butter Cookies Extra Special

• Prevent Sticky Dough: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that creates a softer, more consistent texture.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Watch caramel closely while cooking and remove from heat immediately when it turns golden amber to prevent burning and bitter taste.
• Select Right Peanut Butter: Choose creamy, unsweetened peanut butter for best results, avoiding natural varieties that separate or oily brands that can alter cookie texture.
• Master Fork Technique: Press fork gently and lightly when creating crisscross patterns to maintain cookie thickness and prevent excessive flattening.

Delicious Twists On Peanut Butter Cookies With Caramel

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before shaping, creating rich, decadent cookies with extra sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Sensation Cookies: Mix chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and deep nutty undertones.
• Banana Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace one egg with mashed ripe banana, introducing subtle fruity notes and natural moisture to the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these treats without compromising taste.

Perfect Pairings With Peanut Butter Cookies And Caramel

• Pair Perfectly with Milk: Creamy whole milk balances the rich, sweet peanut butter cookie and cuts through the buttery caramel, creating a classic childhood-inspired comfort drink.
• Complement with Dark Roast Coffee: Strong, bold coffee provides a robust contrast to the sweet cookies, highlighting the nutty peanut butter and caramel notes with its deep, slightly bitter undertones.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Echoing the cookie's caramel drizzle, this ice cream amplifies the dessert's flavor profile, offering a cool, smooth texture that enhances the warm, chewy cookie experience.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Chai Tea: Spicy, aromatic chai tea adds a sophisticated layer of warmth and complexity, its subtle spices beautifully complementing the sweet, salty elements of the cookie.

Store Peanut Butter Cookies With Caramel The Right Way

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature.
• Store cookies in sealed container for up to one week, ensuring caramel drizzle is completely set before stacking to maintain cookie texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, storing up to 2-3 months for long-term enjoyment.
• Keep caramel sauce in glass jar with tight lid in refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing you to drizzle fresh sauce over cookies when ready to serve.

FAQs For Peanut Butter Cookies With Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s smooth and not separated. Natural or commercial brands both work well.

• How do I know when the caramel is the right color?

Look for a deep amber color, similar to honey. This typically takes 8-10 minutes of cooking. Don’t stir, just swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning.

• What if my caramel crystallizes?

If sugar starts to form sugar crystals, add a splash of water and gently stir. Alternatively, start over with clean, dry utensils and pan. Low, steady heat prevents crystallization.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Peanut Butter Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible peanut butter cookies with salted caramel drizzle melt hearts with their perfect balance of sweet and salty comfort. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and luxurious caramel make these cookies a must-have treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel and Topping:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup additional sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars in a large mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Use a fork to create classic crisscross patterns on each cookie, gently pressing down.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown, rotating sheets halfway through.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
10. For caramel, combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating without stirring until mixture turns amber.
11. Carefully whisk in cream, butter, and sea salt, stirring until smooth and glossy.
12. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle warm caramel over the top.
13. Sprinkle additional sea salt over caramel for enhanced flavor contrast.
14. Allow caramel to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

• Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to control sweetness and avoid extra additives.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, consistent mixing and better texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg