If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and crave that addictive crunch of candy bars folded into your cookies, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich buttery sweetness, and the unmistakable crispy, candy-coated flavor of Butterfinger bars. Each bite delivers a perfectly balanced texture, where chewy meets crunchy and sweet meets salty, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cookie time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze because they are all pantry staples and easily found at your local grocery store. Each plays a starring role, from the creamy peanut butter giving depth and richness, to the crunchy Butterfinger pieces that add that surprise texture and bold flavor to every bite.
- 3/4 cup butter, softened: This adds moisture and rich flavor, creating the perfect base for our cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create a slightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel and chewiness, complementing the peanut butter beautifully.
- 1 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives the cookies their signature creamy, nutty flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warm, sweet notes.
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, so the cookies hold their shape without being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and attain a lovely texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give the perfect lift and lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 16 ounces Butterfinger candy, chopped: These crunchy candy pieces are what make these cookies truly stand out, adding that irresistible crunch and chocolatey crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Begin by softening your butter until it’s nice and smooth. Then add both the granulated and brown sugars, beating them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and full of air. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the creamy peanut butter for that rich, nutty flavor. Crack in the egg to help bind everything, and pour in the vanilla extract to add that subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor perfectly. Mix these together until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time for the magic of flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add these to your wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can toughen your cookies, so make sure to stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Butterfinger Candy
This is the exciting part where the Butterfinger pieces come into play. Gently fold in the chopped candy bars, ensuring they’re well distributed without breaking them down too much. These chunks will provide that signature crispy crunch in every bite!
Step 5: Chill the Dough and Shape the Cookies
Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Once chilled, roll the dough into balls about the size of a tablespoon for perfectly sized cookies.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy. Let your cookies cool on a wire rack to set before diving in – this will keep their delightful texture intact.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies don’t necessarily need extra garnishes because they’re packed with flavor, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch if you’re serving them at a party. Alternatively, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
Side Dishes
Offer a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop alongside these cookies to complement the rich peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. A hot cup of coffee or tea also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness and making for a cozy treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of peanut butter or chocolate ganache in the middle. Or chop the cookies up and sprinkle them over ice cream sundaes to add texture and flavor. Presenting them in decorative tins or wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Keeping that crunch and flavor intact, they’re perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing their special texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes exceptionally well. Simply form and freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For a just-baked taste, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This helps refresh their softness and enhances the peanut butter aroma, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might be a bit chunkier, but it works wonderfully if you love that extra crunch.
What if I can’t find Butterfinger candy bars?
If Butterfinger bars are unavailable, you can substitute with other crunchy peanut butter candies or chopped peanut butter cups. The flavor profile will change slightly but maintain that excellent candy crunch.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio, but results may vary on texture and rise.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg substitute, and check that your candies are dairy-free. The peanut butter will still give you that rich, satisfying flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key to preventing excessive spreading. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted before mixing. Baking at the right temperature ensures cookies set up quickly and maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and thrilling about biting into these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe treats. They bring together the best of familiar flavors with an exciting crunch that feels like a celebration in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s not just a cookie, it’s a delightful experience that will have you reaching for more. Your cookie jar deserves these!
Print
Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 25 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are a delightful treat combining creamy peanut butter with crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. Soft and chewy with a perfect golden-brown exterior, these cookies offer a sweet, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for cookie lovers.
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
Candy
- 16 ounces Butterfinger candy, chopped
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat the mixture until fluffy to ensure a light and tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and well combined, providing rich flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to prevent overworking the dough and keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Butterfinger Candy: Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to add a crunchy, chocolatey peanut butter crunch.
- Chill Dough and Shape: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Once chilled, form the dough into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and helps maintain the candy pieces intact during baking.
- You can substitute Butterfinger candy with any crunchy peanut butter candy bar if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a more intense peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugar.
