Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that will completely change your dessert game, look no further than these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies. This recipe is a true treasure in my collection and has become a family favorite. The combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger bits creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging on a busy weeknight.

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up! Whether you need a sweet surprise for a family gathering or want to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Trust me when I say your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have warm cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough or even freeze it for later—cookies whenever the craving strikes!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of smooth peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger bits makes every bite an adventure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies! Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that soft, thick cookie we all crave.

• 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 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 and 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)

Variations

This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients to suit your tastes.

• Add some chocolate chips: Mix in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty twist.
• Try other candies: If you’re not a Butterfinger fan, swap in chopped Snickers or Milky Way bars for a different flavor profile.
• Go nutty: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

How to Make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is essential because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Add Sugars

Next, add both granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the bowl. Beat them together until fluffy—about two minutes will do! Remember, we want no chunks of butter here; smoothness is key to achieving that perfect dough texture.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter

Now it’s time for the star ingredient: peanut butter! I recommend using Jif for its creamy consistency. Mixing it in adds that rich flavor we adore.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add in one large egg along with one and a half teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined. These ingredients help bind your dough while adding moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

With the mixer off, spoon one and a half cups of all-purpose flour into your measuring cup before leveling it off. Add this flour along with baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt on top but don’t stir just yet! Gently mix these dry ingredients together first to avoid clumps before combining them with the wet ingredients.

Step 6: Bring It Together

Turn on the mixer at low speed to combine everything without overmixing. Remember: overmixing can lead to tough cookies! Stop mixing when there are still some visible flour bits—this is crucial for that soft texture we love.

Step 7: Fold in Butterfingers

Now comes the fun part—add those deliciously chopped Butterfinger bits into your dough! Gently mix until they are just incorporated; we want those crunchy bits throughout but not broken down too much.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let that dough chill for about 15 minutes to an hour (or even up to 24 hours if you can wait!). Chilling helps improve texture while making it easier to scoop later on.

Step 9: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so those cookies won’t stick during baking!

Step 10: Shape & Bake Cookies

Shape your chilled dough into roughly two-inch balls – I love using my cookie scoop for this! Place them on prepared sheets at least an inch apart since they will spread while baking. Bake at 350 degrees F for about ten minutes until edges are set but centers might still look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect!

Step 11: Cool & Enjoy!

Let those beauties cool on the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. While I know it’s tempting to dig right in while they’re warm, waiting until they reach room temperature makes for an even better texture experience!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself)! Enjoy every crumb!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll create the most scrumptious Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies possible!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps to create a smooth, creamy dough that incorporates air better, resulting in fluffier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour and other dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture we all love!

• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill not only enhances the flavor but also helps maintain their shape while baking, giving you that perfect thick cookie.

• Adjust baking time as needed: Every oven is slightly different! Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; they should be set at the edges and slightly puffy in the center for optimal texture.

• Store properly: Make sure to store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious. They can also be frozen for future cravings!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some ideas on how to present these delightful treats beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk enhances the flavors of these cookies and helps wash down their richness.
• Coffee: Enjoying your cookies with a warm cup of coffee brings out the sweetness even more, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve your cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist!
• Fresh fruit: Pairing cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas offers a refreshing contrast to their rich flavor.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family with your delicious Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your cookies for maximum enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the container is airtight to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting stale.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them in a ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, store them in a sealed container for up to 4 weeks.

Reheating

• Bake frozen cookie dough balls directly on a pan, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• If reheating baked cookies, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies!

How do I make Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What makes Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies so unique?

These cookies stand out because they combine classic peanut butter cookie flavors with crunchy Butterfinger bits, creating an irresistible texture and taste that’s both nostalgic and delicious.

Can I use natural peanut butter in Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies?

For this recipe, it’s best to stick with regular peanut butter (like Jif) since natural peanut butter can affect the texture of the cookies, making them less fluffy.

How should I store my Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies a try! They are not only simple to make but also bring joy with every bite. The combination of soft peanut butter cookies with crunchy candy bits is simply unbeatable. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones—you might just find they become a favorite in your home!