These caramel and peanut butter cookies are a true flavor explosion, offering a perfect blend of buttery, crumbly cookie dough, luscious caramel, and crunchy roasted peanuts, all topped off with a smooth chocolate coating. The cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite a pure delight. The combination of sweet caramel, salty peanuts, and rich chocolate creates a balance of flavors that is both indulgent and satisfying. These cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience that must be savored.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love these cookies for their incredible flavor and texture. The soft, buttery dough pairs perfectly with the rich, homemade caramel, while the roasted peanuts add a satisfying crunch. The final touch of chocolate takes these cookies to the next level, making them a truly decadent dessert. These cookies are easy to make and even easier to eat, and their elegant appearance makes them perfect for gifting or serving at special occasions. The balance of sweetness and richness in every bite ensures that these cookies will quickly become a favorite.
Perfect Occasion:
These caramel and peanut butter cookies are ideal for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in something special. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, as a sweet treat after dinner, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their rich flavors and elegant presentation make them a great choice for sharing with friends and family, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself.
Decoration Tips:
To make these cookies even more appealing, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops for a beautiful finish. You can also sprinkle some extra crushed peanuts on top of the chocolate before it sets for added texture and flavor. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve the cookies on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper for an elegant presentation that highlights their beauty.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 125 grams of softened butter or margarine
- 1 egg
- Slightly less than 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teacup of vegetable oil
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 3.5 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour
For the Caramel:
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
For the Topping:
- 1 bowl of roasted unsalted peanuts
- 250 grams of melted chocolate (use the double boiler method)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramel:
- Start by making the caramel. Place the sugar in a pan and heat it over medium heat without stirring, allowing it to melt and turn a deep caramel color. Be careful not to burn it, as this will make the caramel bitter. Once melted, carefully add the hot cream and vinegar, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens. Set the caramel aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, egg, powdered sugar, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you form a soft, non-sticky dough.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness that is neither too thin nor too thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This recipe should yield about one tray of cookies. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) until the cookies are lightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, dip each one into the slightly warm caramel, or generously spoon caramel over the top. Immediately press the caramel-covered cookies into the bowl of roasted peanuts, ensuring they stick to the caramel.
- Coat with Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method and dip the caramel and peanut-covered cookies into the chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, then place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray to set. For an extra touch, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the tops once they’ve cooled and hardened.
- Final Touches:
- Let the cookies set completely in a cool place. For best results, allow them to rest for about 30 minutes to ensure the caramel firms up. Store any extra cookies in the freezer for a quick treat later—they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Enjoy!