Name: Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweet childhood memories flood back when you bite into these irresistible peanut butter butterfinger cookies.

Crisp candy chunks create unexpected texture in every delectable morsel.

Crumbly edges give way to soft centers that melt on your tongue.

Decadent treats emerge from simple ingredients waiting in your pantry.

Nostalgic flavors blend perfectly with classic cookie comfort.

Quick mixing means minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

One batch never seems enough when these beauties come out of the oven.

Bake a double portion and watch them disappear in minutes.

What's the secret to keeping the Butterfinger pieces intact while mixing?

Gently fold the chopped Butterfinger pieces into the dough at the end of mixing to prevent crushing and ensure chunks remain visible in the cookies.

Can I use a different type of peanut butter?

Creamy or crunchy peanut butter works well, but stick to traditional smooth or crunchy varieties. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oils, as it can affect cookie texture.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and slightly underdone centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, creating a soft, chewy texture.

Why do I need to flatten the cookies with a fork?

Flattening helps the cookies spread evenly and creates the classic crisscross pattern. It also ensures uniform baking and a consistent shape for each cookie.

Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies That Crunch and Melt

Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars.
Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that ensure delicious results every time.
Great for casual gatherings, after-school snacks, or as a sweet gift that will impress friends and family with minimal effort.

Primary Fats and Sugars:

Butter: Rich base for cookie texture and flavor, best when softened at room temperature.
Peanut Butter: Adds creamy, nutty essence, choose smooth or crunchy based on preference.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create crisp cookie edges.

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the cookie structure.
Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, warm flavor complexity.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and base to the cookie dough, key for proper texture.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for creating soft, risen cookies.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Cookie Mix-In:

Butterfinger Candy Bars: Adds crunchy, caramelized peanut butter flavor and interesting texture.

How to Mix and Bake Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Butter
Peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Mix in:

Egg
Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir until just combined- don’t overmix.

Step 6: Introduce Butterfinger Magic

Gently fold chopped Butterfinger pieces into the cookie dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough into small balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Classic Cookie Marks

Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Centers might look slightly soft- this is perfect.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Savor your delicious creation!

Tips for Crunchy Edges and Soft Centers

Crush Butterfinger Carefully: Chop candy bars gently to prevent crumbling and maintain delicious chocolate-peanut butter chunks throughout the cookie dough.
Prevent Spreading: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Soften Ingredients Properly: Allow butter and peanut butter to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and more consistent cookie texture.
Measure Precisely: Use level measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient ratios, which guarantees perfect cookie consistency every time.
Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crisp texture.

Store These Cookies Without Losing Texture

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
Warm slightly crisp cookies in a 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their original texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

A cold glass of whole milk perfectly complements the rich peanut butter and sweet Butterfinger pieces, creating a classic dessert combo that balances the cookie's intense flavors.
Dark chocolate hot cocoa intensifies the cookie's nutty and caramel notes, offering a warm, decadent drinking experience that enhances the Butterfinger's chocolatey core.
A bold espresso or strong black coffee cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that highlights the peanut butter's depth and the candy's crisp texture.
Vanilla bean ice cream creates a luxurious pairing, its cool, creamy consistency melting against the warm, crunchy cookie for a delightful textural and flavor harmony.

Variations to Make These Cookies Your Own

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free dark chocolate-covered Butterfinger alternatives or crushed vegan candy bars.
Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile while maintaining the cookie's rich and creamy consistency.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated and brown sugar amounts by 25%, and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to create a less sweet, more balanced cookie with similar texture and taste.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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