If you’re a fan of rich, nutty delights with a surprising crunch, then this Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth with the warm embrace of peanut butter, punctuated by the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy pieces. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples transformed into a joyful, crowd-pleasing treat that balances sweetness, texture, and a bit of candy bar magic. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these unforgettable cookies. Each component is straightforward but essential, building the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in every bite.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides creamy richness and helps achieve that chewy texture we love.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup: Adds deep, nutty flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps with cookie structure and slight crispness on edges.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture, enhancing chewiness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s tenderness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Lifts all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: The foundation of the cookie’s soft yet sturdy body.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps cookies rise and spread just right.
- Baking powder, 1/2 tsp: Adds a gentle lift for a lighter texture.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors brilliantly.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars, 1 1/2 cups: The secret star—crunchy, peanut-buttery candy bits that give these cookies their amazing character.
How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready to perfectly bake the cookies with the ideal balance of heat for a soft interior and golden edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps with the cookie’s tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they fully integrate into the creamed mixture, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor depth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. By blending these dry ingredients first, you guarantee that the leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful to stop as soon as there are no more streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Butterfinger Pieces
Now for the fun part—gently folding in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars. These crunchy bits create delightful bursts of flavor and texture that set these cookies apart.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Space them about two inches apart because they will spread a little. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see the edges turning a beautiful golden color while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set perfectly without losing their tender, chewy charm.
How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate. These additions make the presentation more inviting and add an extra layer of flavor that complements the chewy cookie base.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic for good reason—milk perfectly balances the sweetness and richness. For an adult twist, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a creamy hot chocolate for cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a colorful platter or stack them in a mason jar to gift friends and family. You can also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of chocolate or peanut butter ganache for a decadent treat that will wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly chewy and delicious for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months without losing their scrumptious texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy chilled or frozen cookies, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This restores their delightful chewiness and brings out the fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies an extra layer of texture. Just keep in mind it may make the cookies a bit more textured overall, but still delicious.
What can I substitute for Butterfinger candy bars?
If you don’t have Butterfingers on hand, consider using any peanut butter-flavored candy bars or chopped peanut brittle to maintain that sweet, crunchy surprise in your cookies.
How do I keep my cookies chewy?
The key is not overbaking and using both granulated and brown sugars, which helps retain moisture. Removing them when the edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft ensures chewy perfection.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture. The cookies may be slightly different in structure but will still taste amazing.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Definitely! Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly magical about this Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout in any cookie repertoire. The rich peanut butter flavor combined with the crunch and sweetness of Butterfinger candy bars creates a delightful balance you’ll want to savor again and again. So grab your ingredients, embrace the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these wonderful cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies combine creamy peanut butter with crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces for an irresistible chewy treat. Perfectly sweet and packed with texture, these cookies are a delightful dessert or snack that’s easy to bake and sure to please peanut butter and candy lovers alike.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is mixed.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending slowly until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Candy: Gently fold the chopped Butterfinger candy bars into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed to provide texture and pockets of candy in every bite.
- Portion the Dough: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, signaling the cookies are cooked through but still chewy inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breaking.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can toast the Butterfinger pieces lightly before folding them into the dough.
- Make sure not to overbake to maintain the chewy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer more texture in the cookie base.
