If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the creamy, slightly salty depth of peanut butter and the crispy, chocolaty crunch from Butterfinger pieces. The result is a perfect balance of texture and taste that makes it nearly impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, these cookies deliver a nostalgic punch and a fresh twist all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible cookies. Each ingredient plays a unique role, contributing to the rich texture, sweetness, or the delightful crunch that makes this cookie so memorable.
- Butter, 3/4 cup softened: This adds richness and contributes to the tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Gives sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Peanut butter, 1 cup: The star ingredient bringing depth and nuttiness.
- Egg, 1 large: Acts as a binder, holding all ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour, 1 & 1/2 cups: The base that gives structure to the cookies.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and develop a light texture.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Assists with leavening for perfect fluffiness.
- Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Butterfinger candy, 16 ounces chopped: The crunchy, chocolaty surprise that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming your softened butter until it’s smooth and spreadable. Then add in both the granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of air. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for a tender cookie with just the right amount of chew.
Step 2: Blend in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the peanut butter, which gives these cookies their signature flavor. Add the egg to help bind everything together, and then pour in the vanilla extract to deepen and round out the taste. Mix everything until it’s fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so your cookies bake perfectly. Gradually add this dry mixture to your peanut butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together — be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the Butterfinger Candy
Here’s where the magic happens: gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy. Spread throughout the dough, those crunchy, chocolaty pieces will give each bite an exciting texture contrast and bursts of pure nostalgic goodness.
Step 5: Chill Dough and Prepare for Baking
Pop the dough into the fridge for a while to chill. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent too much spreading while baking, which maintains those perfect, slightly chewy edges and soft centers.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven, then scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack to finish setting up — patience is key for the best texture!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flare, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right when the cookies come out of the oven. This small touch enhances the peanut butter’s savoriness and balances the candy’s sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serving them with your favorite beverage creates a comforting, nostalgic snack experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cookies stacked on a festive platter for a party or gift them in a charming box tied with a ribbon. You could even sandwich a little vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an unforgettable dessert treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To bring back their just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the soft texture and lets the Butterfinger chunks get melty and gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture but might slightly change the softness of the dough. Both versions are delicious, so it’s up to your personal preference.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it helps control the spread of your cookies during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with that perfect bite.
Can I substitute Butterfinger candy with another type of candy?
You can, but keep in mind that Butterfinger bars provide a unique crispy, peanut buttery crunch. Similar candy bars with crunchy centers might work, but the flavor profile will change.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to maintain their deliciousness.
What if I want to make smaller or larger cookies?
Feel free to adjust the size! Just keep in mind that larger cookies may require a longer baking time, while smaller ones will bake faster—so watch closely to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, chewy peanut butter cookie that hides crunchy Butterfinger treasures inside. This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that turn an ordinary cookie moment into something truly special. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. Give them a try and watch your cookie game reach new heights!
Print
Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter goodness and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces baked into soft, golden cookies. With a rich, buttery base and a satisfying crunch, these cookies make a delicious treat for any peanut butter and candy lover.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins
- 16 ounces Butterfinger candy, chopped
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Then add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, creating a rich and uniform dough base.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Butterfinger Candy: Gently fold the chopped Butterfinger candy pieces into the dough to evenly distribute the crunchy bits throughout the batter.
- Chill and Form Dough Balls: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to handle. Once chilled, form the dough into small balls suitable for baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious peanut butter Butterfinger cookies as a sweet treat!
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and enhances flavor.
- You can substitute Butterfinger candy with other crunchy peanut butter candies for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than hard.
