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These Peanut Butter Caramel Center Cookies combine two of my favorite flavors. When that gooey caramel meets rich peanut butter something magical happens. The way they smell while baking makes waiting almost impossible.
What Makes These Special
The beauty of these cookies is their surprise center. That moment when you bite in and discover warm caramel is pure joy. They're simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for celebrations.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: Creamy works best here.
- Sugars: Both kinds for perfect texture.
- Butter: Nice and soft adds richness.
- Egg: One large brings it together.
- Vanilla: Pure extract for best flavor.
- Flour: Creates our cookie base.
- Baking Soda: For perfect lift.
- Salt: Balances sweetness.
- Caramels: Get soft ones they melt beautifully.
- Cream: Helps smooth the caramel.
- Sea Salt: That finishing touch.
Let's Start Baking
- First things first:
- Get that oven warm and ready.
- Mix with care:
- Cream those ingredients until fluffy.
- Build the base:
- Add your egg then dry ingredients.
- Caramel magic:
- Melt it slow and smooth.
- Shape with love:
- Wrap that dough around caramel carefully.
- Into the oven:
- Watch for golden edges.
- Final touch:
- That sprinkle of sea salt makes everything pop.
Make Them Your Own
Try drizzling chocolate on top or adding crushed peanuts. Need them gluten free? A good cup for cup flour works perfectly here.
Keep Them Fresh
These are amazing warm but stay good for days in a sealed container. You can even freeze the dough balls ready to bake whenever a craving hits.
Quick Answers
- Make ahead? The dough waits patiently in the fridge.
- Prevent leaks? Seal those edges well.
- Salted butter? Just adjust your added salt.
- Warm them up? A quick zap brings back the goo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do my caramel centers leak?
Make sure to completely seal the dough around the caramel. Chill the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking if the dough feels soft.
- → Can I use natural peanut butter?
Regular creamy peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter can make cookies too dry and crumbly due to lower oil content.
- → How do I know when they're done?
Edges should be lightly golden but centers still soft. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Don't overbake or caramel will harden.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Freeze shaped cookie dough balls without caramel for up to 3 months. Add caramel center just before baking. Baked cookies don't freeze well.
- → Why add heavy cream to caramels?
Heavy cream keeps melted caramels soft and prevents them from hardening too much after baking. It creates a gooier center.