Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are soft and chewy with a surprise caramel center! The peanut butter and caramel combo is heavenly & simple thanks to Milk Duds!

peanut butter surprise cookies stuffed with a Milk Dud candy

Once baked, the caramel melts and creates a gooey center to these chewy peanut butter cookies that adds an extra layer of texture and taste. With their unique flavor, caramel cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover.

Candy in Cookies- The Secret Surprise

Peanut butter caramel surprise cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet goodness of caramel. But what sets these cookies apart from other peanut butter cookies is the hidden surprise inside – a delicious Milk Dud center!

The candy center can be made with a variety of candies, from chocolate-covered caramels to peanut butter cups. The candy is placed in the center of the cookie dough before baking, so that when the cookies are finished baking, the candy has melted into a delicious, gooey center that is sure to please. We chose Milk Duds for our cookie surprise for the chocolate and peanut butter flavor combination, it’s a classic and never disappoints. Give these cookies a try today and taste how amazing they are for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Perfect for peanut butter lovers: If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this recipe is definitely for you. The combination of peanut butter and caramel is simply amazing and will satisfy any peanut butter craving you may have.
Surprise filling: The surprise filling of caramel in the center of each cookie adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for those who are new to baking. With just a few ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create a delicious batch of cookies in no time.

plateful of peanut butter cookies stuffed with a Milk Dud

Caramel Surprise Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients

Shortening: You need 1 ½ cups of butter-flavored shortening to create deliciously moist cookies.

Peanut butter: Add in 1 ½ cups of peanut butter for incredible flavor and texture.

Sugar: Make these cookies sweet and chewy by using 2 cups of granulated sugar, divided.

Brown sugar: Using 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar gives these treats a wonderful depth of flavor.

Eggs: Help bind all the ingredients together by adding in 4 eggs.

Flour: The base of this cookie recipe is 3 ¾ cups of flour.

Baking soda: You need 2 tsp of baking soda to help the cookies puff up nicely as they bake.

Baking powder: In addition, use 1 ½ tsp of baking powder as the secondary leavening agent.

Salt: Balance the sweet flavors in this cookie recipe by adding in 1 tsp of salt.

Milk Duds: The special cookie surprise is 10 ounces of Milk Duds hidden inside the cookie dough.

How to make Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Cookie dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar and brown sugar until well mixed. Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

After that, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Proceed to gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.

Chill dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill.

Shape

When the dough is nearing the end of the chilling period, preheat the oven to 350°. Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats and set them aside.

Place the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Then, use a medium 1.5 TBSP cookie scoop to scoop a level portion of dough. Next, place a Milk Dud in the center and form dough around it and then roll it into a ball, and then roll the cookie dough ball in the bowl of sugar.

Bake

Arrange the cookie dough 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Place the cookies in the preheated oven and back for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes before moving to wire racks.

Serve cookies warm and enjoy!

peanut butter surprise cookies stuffed with milk duds

Variations of Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies

There are many ways to add some variety to peanut butter caramel surprise cookies. Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough can create a delicious combination of flavors. The chocolate can add a rich sweetness that complements the peanut butter and caramel.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies can add a savory element that balances out the sweetness of the caramel and peanut butter.
Pecans: Chopped pecans can add a crunchy texture to the cookies and complement the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Chips: Adding peanut butter chips to the cookie dough can enhance the peanut butter flavor and add a subtle crunch.

How long are these cookies good for?

Peanut butter caramel surprise cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. After that, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.

Can I freeze these candy surprise cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and make sure to label them with the date. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

delightful peanut butter cookies with milk duds

How do I make peanut butter caramel thumbprint cookies?

To make peanut butter caramel thumbprint cookies, simply follow the recipe for peanut butter caramel surprise cookies and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the indentation with caramel sauce and bake as directed.

How do I prevent my peanut butter cookies from getting hard?

To prevent peanut butter cookies from getting hard, make sure to not overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they are just starting to turn golden brown on the edges. Also, store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to help keep them soft.

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are soft and chewy with a surprise caramel center! The peanut butter and caramel combo is heavenly & simple thanks to Milk Duds!

Love cookies as much as we do? Try more great recipes here:

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and caramel, and the added surprise of the candy center makes them even more special. These caramel cookies are easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

PEANUT BUTTER SURPRISE COOKIES

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Candy in Cookies- The Secret Surprise

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Caramel Surprise Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients