Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are a game changer! Imagine the classic peanut butter cookie, elevated with chunks of Butterfinger candy. Each bite offers a delightful blend of soft, thick cookies with crunchy, peanut-buttery bits. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as an indulgent treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and Butterfinger creates a deliciously unique taste that will leave you craving more.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe yields about 25 cookies, so there’s plenty to share (or keep for yourself!).
• Freezer Friendly: You can easily freeze the dough or baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: A stand mixer helps achieve smooth batter quickly, while a bowl is great for hand mixing if you prefer.
• Cookie scoop: This tool ensures uniform cookie sizes, helping them bake evenly.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly after baking, avoiding sogginess.

Ingredients

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies require simple yet flavorful 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: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the 3/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Add Sugar Mixture

Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Beat well for about 2 minutes until fluffy with no chunks of butter remaining.

Step 3: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Add in 1 cup peanut butter. Blend until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add 1 large egg and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides again.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Spoon in 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. On top of the flour, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir gently to combine without mixing fully just yet.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Turn on your mixer to combine dry ingredients into the dough. Stop mixing as soon as it starts to come together; avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Add Butterfinger Chunks

Fold in the chopped 16 ounces of butterfingers, mixing until just incorporated.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour (or even longer!).

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 10: Shape Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into balls about 2 inches wide.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place cookie balls onto prepared baking sheets at least an inch apart from each other.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers may look slightly puffy.

Step 13: Flatten if Needed

If cookies haven’t spread much during baking, gently press down on each one with a spatula right after taking them out of the oven.

Step 14: Cool on Rack

Let cookies sit on pans for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 15: Enjoy at Room Temperature

For best results, allow cookies to cool closer to room temperature before indulging!

Final Note on Storage

This recipe yields about 25 cookies. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them fresh or with creative pairings that enhance their deliciousness.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the richness of the cookies, enhancing their peanut butter flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use these cookies to create delightful ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.

Topped with Chocolate Drizzle

• A drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. It’s a great way to elevate your cookie presentation.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies in cute bags with ribbons as party favors. They make great gifts and are sure to please guests at any gathering.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The flavors harmonize beautifully, making for a delightful snack break.

On Dessert Platters

• Include them on dessert platters with other treats. Their unique flavor will stand out among traditional desserts, delighting your guests.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

To ensure your Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are always a hit, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream smoothly and evenly into the sugars, resulting in a better dough texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 15 minutes helps maintain shape during baking and enhances flavor.

• Bake in batches: If you have multiple trays ready, bake them one at a time. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding in the oven.

• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; every oven is different. Look for set edges and slightly underbaked centers.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add extra Butterfinger bits or drizzle caramel sauce for added flair and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
3. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas provide a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies adds another dimension of sweetness and gooeyness.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve with a side of trail mix for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
6. Coffee Cake: Pairing these cookies with coffee cake creates a comforting dessert table perfect for brunch gatherings.
7. Homemade Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for an airy counterpart to the dense cookie texture.
8. Milkshake: Blend up a peanut butter milkshake to sip alongside your cookies for ultimate indulgence!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter can change the texture of your cookies. Stick with regular peanut butter for the best results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step if you want thick cookies!
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures accurate measurements for perfect cookies.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly at 350°F.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 4 weeks.

Reheating Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies along with their answers.

Can I use other types of candy?

Yes! Feel free to substitute Butterfinger with your favorite chocolate or candy bar like Snickers or Reese’s.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Can I freeze these Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with different candies or add-ins. Try making these delightful treats today and enjoy every heavenly bite!