Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cookie that brings together rich peanut butter flavor and the irresistible crunch of candy bars, then this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, chewy cookies loaded with pieces of Butterfinger candy, balancing sweet and salty notes with a satisfyingly crispy texture. These crave-worthy cookies are simple to make yet deliver a gourmet taste that feels straight from a bakery, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a little moment of cookie bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe to life. From the creamy peanut butter that lends richness to the crisp chopped Butterfingers that give every bite a delightful crunch, every component is essential.

• 3/4 cup butter (softened): Provides a creamy base for rich flavor and soft texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the dough.
• 1 cup peanut butter (not natural): The star ingredient offering that classic nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds tenderness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with a sweet, warm aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The structural backbone of the cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light lift contributing to a tender crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates flavors.
• 16 ounces Butterfinger candy, chopped: The magical crunch and flavor surprise that sets these cookies apart.

How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Slowly add both the granulated and brown sugars, beating the mixture until it’s light and fluffy with no chunks of butter in sight. This step is key to creating a delicate texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, stir in a full cup of peanut butter — I love using Jif here for the ideal consistency and flavor. Followed by one egg and the vanilla extract, which rounds out the dough with just the right aromatic sweetness. Beat everything together until fully combined, making sure to scrape the sides so nothing is left behind.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl or on top of the flour in your mixing bowl, mix together the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This little trio ensures your cookies rise beautifully while keeping their tender crumb. Then gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, taking care not to overwork the dough to avoid tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Butterfinger Pieces

This is the exciting part! Add in the generous 16 ounces of chopped Butterfingers, folding them in carefully so they’re evenly dispersed without breaking down the candy too much. These nuggets promise every cookie bite will have sweet, crunchy pops of candy-coated peanut buttery goodness.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, though an hour or even up to 24 hours will deepen the flavors and keep the dough from spreading too much while baking. The chill time also makes it easier to scoop and shape the dough into perfect balls.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop the dough into 2-inch balls, spacing them an inch or two apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, watching for the edges to set and the middle to lose its shiny wetness. If your cookies stay too rounded, gently press them down right after baking for that perfect cookie shape.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle some finely chopped Butterfinger pieces on the warm cookies just as they come out of the oven. It adds an inviting sparkle and a fresh hit of candy crunch that will have everyone swooning over presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy latte for the ultimate combo. They also pair beautifully with simple vanilla ice cream, making a fun dessert experience that balances the cookie’s salty-sweet profile perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these cookies at a party or gifting them, stack them with parchment paper between layers in adorable mason jars or festive tins. Decorative ribbons and a handwritten tag with “Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe” will make it extra special and personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve fully cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their fresh-baked softness and candy crunch for up to three days, making them perfect for weekday treats or weekend indulgences alike.

Freezing

This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly! You can freeze cookie dough balls in a ziplock bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen — just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to four weeks, thawing them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a low oven or microwave for just a few seconds if you want that just-baked feeling. However, many fans of this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe actually prefer eating them at room temperature, when the Butterfinger chunks hold their perfect crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

It’s best to use a regular, non-natural peanut butter for this recipe because natural peanut butter’s oil separation can affect the dough’s texture and the cookies’ consistency.

What if I can’t find Butterfinger Bits?

No worries! Simply chop standard Butterfinger candy bars into chunks about the size of small nuts. This provides the same texture and flavor impact in your cookies.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading. Also, avoid adding too much butter or overmixing the dough to maintain the ideal cookie shape.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These cookies have a beautiful balance: soft, tender centers with crisp edges and crunchy bits of Butterfinger throughout for an amazing texture contrast.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend designed for baking to keep that perfect cookie crumb.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. It’s an exciting twist on a classic peanut butter cookie that brings delightful crunch and candy bar flair to each bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply to brighten your day, these cookies promise smiles with every mouthful. I encourage you to dive into this joyful recipe and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection.

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