Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

If there’s one cookie that brings together the best of creamy peanut butter and crunchy candy bar bliss, it’s this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie base bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, then finding delightful chunks of Butterfinger candy that add a satisfyingly crispy and sweet surprise. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels like a nostalgic treat, perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends and family. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance of the cookies. From creamy peanut butter to the crunchy Butterfinger pieces, every element contributes to that irresistible thick and chewy bite.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create the soft, tender crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the dough with classic peanut butter flavor and chewiness.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness for depth.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps create a slight crisp at the edges.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the base of the dough and determines the cookie’s thickness.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavens the cookies slightly for a perfect rise.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• Chopped Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup): Adds delightful crunch and bursts of toffee and chocolate throughout each bite.

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking—this preparation makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air to give your cookies a light, tender texture while blending in that richness you crave.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Extract

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined. This brings moisture and flavor into the dough and helps bind everything together so your cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, which leads to consistent texture in every cookie.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and thick rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chopped Butterfinger Pieces

Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, making sure every bite has a crunchy, sweet surprise. These chunks are what make this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe truly stand out.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop balls of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread without merging together.

Step 8: Bake Until Edges Are Golden

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a lovely light golden color, but the centers still look soft. This ensures the perfect chewy texture once they cool.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cookies to set to that ideal thick and chewy consistency you want.

How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, sprinkling a few crushed Butterfinger pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a hint of extra crunch and elegance before serving—perfect if you’re sharing with guests.

Side Dishes

Pair your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop for a nostalgic and comforting treat. The cool, creamy sides perfectly balance the sweetness and chewy texture of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a decorative platter or layering them between parchment paper for a charming cookie gift package. For parties, arrange them around bowls of peanut butter dip or chocolate sauce to make dipping even more fun and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, just as if you just baked them.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the dough balls or baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months and baked fresh, while baked cookies freeze well for about 2 months.

Reheating

To refresh frozen baked cookies, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them on low for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the gooey, chewy magic that makes this recipe so addictive.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to your cookies, complementing the Butterfinger chunks nicely. Just keep in mind the dough may be slightly more crumbly.

Do I have to use Butterfinger candy bars?

While Butterfinger bars are the classic choice here for that unique toffee and peanut butter crunch, you can experiment with similar candy bars like Heath or Skor for a different twist.

My cookies spread too much. How can I fix that?

Be sure your butter and peanut butter are just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, double-check your flour measurement to avoid too much moisture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How thick should the cookies be before baking?

Using a tablespoon measure for dough balls usually gives a good thickness. Don’t flatten the dough before baking—this recipe relies on that thick scoop for its signature dense chewiness.

Final Thoughts

This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is truly a treat that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking to impress a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver an unbeatable combination of rich peanut butter flavor and crunchy candy bits that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, grab those Butterfinger bars, and start baking—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear!

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