These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie. With the addition of crunchy Butterfinger bits, they offer a unique texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies will surely impress anyone who tries them. The thick, soft texture combined with the sweet crunch of Butterfingers makes these cookies unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and Butterfinger creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking—perfect for when cookie cravings hit unexpectedly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are guaranteed to impress family and friends with their deliciousness!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer saves time and ensures thorough mixing, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking to ensure consistent results every time.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: Using a scoop helps create evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Ingredients
These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies require just a few simple ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter (softened (1 and 1/2 sticks))
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup peanut butter (don’t use natural pb)
- 1 large egg
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces Butterfinger (chopped)
How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add both sugars (granulated and brown) to the butter mixture. Beat well for about 2 minutes until fluffy with no chunks of butter remaining.
Step 2: Mix in Peanut Butter and Egg
- Add in the peanut butter—Jif is recommended for its creamy consistency—and mix until fully incorporated.
- Crack in one large egg and pour in vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Carefully add flour along with baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt on top without stirring yet.
- Use a teaspoon to gently combine dry ingredients before turning on the mixer until just mixed.
Step 4: Add Butterfinger Bits
- Fold in the chopped Butterfinger bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes but preferably up to an hour.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while you prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls about two inches apart on each sheet.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes until edges are set but centers are not shiny.
Step 7: Cooling Time
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for at least five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience.
With Milk
- Pair with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the rich peanut butter flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create a delightful ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor for a sweet treat.
Drizzle of Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an added touch of indulgence. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work beautifully.
Cookie Crumble Topping
- Crumble some cookies over yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats, making them the star of your dessert table at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a chewier texture.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to using too much flour and dry cookies.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality peanut butter (avoid natural varieties) to achieve that rich flavor and creamy texture you desire.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. They should look slightly underbaked in the center for optimal texture when cooled.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
Pairing these delicious cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance their flavor and make for a well-rounded treat. Here are some great options:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
These sweet berries provide a luxurious pairing that complements the peanut butter flavor perfectly.Vanilla Ice Cream
The creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with warm cookies.Milkshake
A thick milkshake made with chocolate or vanilla blends well with the flavors of peanut butter.Nutty Trail Mix
A mix of nuts and dried fruits adds crunch and a variety of flavors that match well with these cookies.Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or tea provides a comforting beverage option that enhances your cookie enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the right cookie texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, stopping as soon as you see no dry flour in the mixture.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps cookies maintain their shape while baking. Aim to chill for at least 15 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
- Using natural peanut butter – Natural peanut butter can alter the cookie’s texture because of its oil content. Stick with regular peanut butter for best results.
- Not spacing cookies properly on the baking sheet – Cookies need room to spread out. Make sure there’s enough space between each ball of dough on your baking sheet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
- Freeze cookie dough balls in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies can be stored in a sealed container for up to 4 weeks.
Reheating Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Warm cookies on a skillet over low heat, flipping after a few seconds until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies:
How can I customize Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, different types of candy bars, or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond or cashew butter work well too, although they will change the flavor slightly.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long do these cookies last?
Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 4 weeks.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are an incredible treat that combines soft, thick cookie goodness with delightful crunch. The mix of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite candies or nuts for even more deliciousness. Try this recipe today and indulge in a delightful dessert experience!
Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the rich, creamy essence of peanut butter with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bits, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your own sweet cravings, these cookies are sure to impress with their thick, soft texture and mouthwatering taste. Plus, they are quick to prepare and can be frozen for later enjoyment, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch today!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup softened butter (1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces chopped Butterfinger candy
Instructions
- 1. In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Mix in granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- 2. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract.
- 3. Gradually add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
- 4. Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger bits.
- 5. Chill the dough covered in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- 6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart.
- 7. Bake for about 10 minutes; edges should set while centers remain slightly soft.
- 8. Allow cookies to cool on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 151
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 118mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg