If you are searching for a cookie that perfectly balances the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the irresistible crunch and sweet caramel crunch of Butterfinger candy, you have found your match. This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe blends classic ingredients into gooey, golden-baked delights studded with chunks of candy bar magic. It’s a truly unforgettable treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, ideal for sharing with friends or savoring as a personal reward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this recipe is straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays its role, from the richness of peanut butter to the sweet, crunchy surprise of Butterfinger pieces.
- Butter, 3/4 cup softened: Provides creamy richness and helps create tender cookies.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and browning.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Brings moisture and a hint of molasses depth for chewiness.
- Peanut butter, 1 cup: The star ingredient, delivering the signature nutty flavor and soft texture.
- Large egg, 1: Binds everything together and gives structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The base that holds the cookie intact without heaviness.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle lift, balancing texture.
- Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Elevates sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Butterfinger candy, 16 ounces chopped: The magical crunch factor, folded right into the dough for delicious bursts of candy in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the granulated and brown sugars and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy. This process builds the base of your cookie’s light and tender texture while incorporating air for a lovely rise.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the peanut butter for that rich, nutty flavor, along with the large egg which helps bind everything. Stir in the vanilla extract, giving the batter a fragrant warmth that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want tender cookies, not tough ones.
Step 4: Fold in Chopped Butterfinger Candy
Gently fold in chopped Butterfinger pieces. These chunks bring delightful caramelized crunch and bursts of sweet peanutty flavor that make this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe stand out from any cookie you’ve ever tried.
Step 5: Chill Dough and Form Cookies
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps control spreading while baking, producing thick, chewy cookies. Once chilled, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced apart on a prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on a wire rack before indulging in their gooey, crunchy goodness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over these cookies adds a special finishing touch that makes them look as fabulous as they taste. For added texture, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes right before serving to highlight the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy beverage balances the sweet, salty crunch and turns this cookie into a comforting snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with small bowls of extra chopped Butterfinger pieces and peanut butter for dipping. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter frosting for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 5 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep those Butterfinger chunks intact and crunchy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze baked cookies by placing them in a sealed freezer bag and enjoy them later by thawing at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to regain their freshly baked softness and push those Butterfinger flavors front and center once again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your cookies, making each bite even more interesting with peanut chunks to complement the Butterfinger candy.
What if I can’t find Butterfinger candy bars?
While Butterfinger is ideal because of its signature crunchy peanut buttery caramel, you can substitute with other crisp peanut butter candy bars such as Butterfinger Bites or similar treats for a comparable texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it helps control cookie spread during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with better texture overall. You could bake immediately, but the cookies might be thinner and crisper.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies maintain their freshness and fabulous texture for up to 5 days. After that, they’re best enjoyed slightly warmed or as a crunchy snack option.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe truly combines the best of peanut butter bliss and candy crunch in every bite. It’s a recipe I love making when I want to impress friends or just treat myself with something that feels special and comforting. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly these cookies become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 25 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies combine creamy peanut butter with crunchy chunks of Butterfinger candy for a delightful treat. Soft and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth candy surprise in every bite, they make perfect homemade cookies for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- 16 ounces Butterfinger candy, chopped
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Combine thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and a homogeneous dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in Butterfinger Candy: Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy pieces, evenly distributing the crunchy candy bits throughout the dough for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Chill and Form Dough Balls: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator to firm up, making it easier to handle. Once chilled, shape the dough into approximately 1-inch balls for uniform cookie size.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely to set the texture. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies!
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, ensuring thicker cookies.
- Do not overmix the flour into the batter to keep cookies tender and soft.
- If you prefer, you can substitute Butterfinger candy with other crunchy chocolate peanut butter candies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
