Peanut Butter and Caramel Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Peanut butter is an iconic ingredient in American cuisine, popularized in the early 20th century. Peanut Butter and Caramel Cookies have become classics due to their simplicity and unique taste. The addition of caramel brings a new dimension of flavor and irresistible sweetness, making this recipe a cherished variation of this great classic.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• For the Cookies:
  • 200 g peanut butter
  • 100 g softened butter
  • 150 g brown sugar
  • 100 g white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Caramel:
  • 150 g caramel (in candy form or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy.
3. Add Egg and Extract: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Prepare the Caramel: If using caramel candies, melt them with the cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 5 cm apart. Create a small well in the center of each dough ball to hold some caramel.
7. Add Caramel: Fill each well with a small amount of melted caramel.
8. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center.
9. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even more intense flavor, choose chunky peanut butter.
• Do not overbake the cookies to preserve their softness and the gooey texture of the caramel.
• You can substitute the caramel with milk chocolate chunks for another indulgent variation.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Nutty Cookies: Add chopped pecans or peanuts for extra crunch.
• Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Stir in dark or milk chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Salted Caramel: Incorporate a pinch of sea salt into the caramel for a flavor contrast.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking takes about 10 to 12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The Peanut Butter and Caramel Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but remain soft in the center for the perfect result.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk, black coffee, or sweet tea.

They can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Arrange the cookies on an elegant plate, possibly sprinkling with caramel pieces or chopped peanuts for a decorative touch.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Peanut butter is a source of protein and healthy fats. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Natural ingredients like brown sugar also add minerals.