If you are craving a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich peanut butter flavor with crunchy candy bar bits, you have to try this Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. Each bite offers a deliciously soft and chewy texture bursting with buttery peanut goodness combined with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, making these cookies an absolute favorite for every dessert lover. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe promises baked delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient, carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Every ingredient plays its role, from the creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the golden brown sugars that give these cookies their signature chewy softness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and helps give the cookies their soft texture.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the cookies with that classic peanut butter flavor we all adore.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness while contributing to the cookie’s chewy exterior.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and deep caramel tones for chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation that gives shape and form to these delectable cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides gentle lift and spread for the ideal cookie consistency.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars (1 1/4 cups): The star ingredient that delivers satisfying crunch and bursts of chocolate-caramel goodness.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F, allowing it to warm while you prep the dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-smooth. This creaming process is key—it introduces air, which helps your cookies become perfectly tender and chewy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your buttery mixture looks fluffy and pale, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix everything well so the flavors meld together into a luscious dough base, setting the stage for deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which prevents any clumps and promotes a consistent texture in your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can make your cookies tough rather than chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Butterfinger Pieces
Now for the fun part—fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars. Their crispy, peanut-buttery crunch will add incredible texture to every bite, elevating this cookie to a level that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on your lined baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start turning a soft golden color while the centers are just set but remain delightfully soft, ensuring maximum chewiness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set perfectly and prevents them from breaking apart when moved.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet charming finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie just after baking. This brings out the sweetness and adds a subtle layer of flavor that’s truly irresistible. You can also drizzle melted chocolate for chocolate lovers.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creamy drinks complement the rich peanut butter and help balance the sweetness, making the entire snacking experience absolutely blissful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper for an inviting, homemade vibe. If you’re feeling festive, decorate a cookie platter with whole Butterfinger bars and mini peanut butter cups as accents. Wrapping them individually in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon also makes excellent party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps retain their chewy texture and delightful flavors so you can enjoy them days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to bake these cookies later, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer and just add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time. This way, fresh, chewy cookies are always at your fingertips.
Reheating
Warm up stored cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that soft, chewy texture and fresh-baked warmth that makes these cookies so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture to the cookies, enhancing the crunch factor along with the Butterfinger pieces, though the dough might be slightly less smooth.
What if I don’t have Butterfinger bars? Any substitutions?
While Butterfinger candies are ideal, you can substitute with any crunchy peanut butter candy bars like Butterfingers’ competitors or chopped peanut butter cups, but expect slight variations in texture and flavor.
How do I make these cookies extra chewy?
Try slightly underbaking the cookies and letting them finish setting on the pan. Using a combination of granulated and brown sugar also helps lock in moisture, giving that ideal chewiness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results, but note the texture might vary slightly.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and peanut butter are softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if needed. Also, avoid using too much baking soda, which can cause excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, chewy cookie filled with peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger chunks. This Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is not only easy to follow but guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your dessert collection. Give it a try soon; your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have plenty of happy smiles around the table.
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of Butterfinger candy bars for a delightful treat. Perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of crisp edges, these cookies are an easy-to-make dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 1/4 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending until fully combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Fold in Candy: Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without breaking them down too much.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, shape the dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges appear lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and setting the texture.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the pan.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen; add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
