Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a cookie that delivers an irresistible combination of bold peanut butter flavor and the sweet, crunchy surprise of Butterfinger candy, look no further than this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. These cookies are perfectly dense and chewy, with a golden exterior that gives way to a soft, indulgent center, studded generously with chopped Butterfinger chunks for an unforgettable texture and taste. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe promises joy in every bite and is bound to become a fast favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, classic ingredients come together in this recipe to create cookies with such depth of flavor and texture that you’ll want to bake them again and again. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy peanut butter enriching every bite to the Butterfinger candy adding a unique crunch and caramelized sweetness.

• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened to ensure smooth mixing and a tender cookie crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup: Provides that signature nutty richness and moist texture.
• Brown sugar, 3/4 cup: Adds buttery sweetness and helps keep the cookies chewy.
• Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Balances the sweetness and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
• Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a perfect chew.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
• All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The base that gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Leavens gently for a light, soft inside.
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
• Chopped Butterfinger candy bars, 1 cup: The standout ingredient that bursts with crunchy, buttery caramel flavor.

How to Make Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates an airy base that helps your cookies achieve that tender and chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly mixed. These ingredients bring moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing every bite of your Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and helps prevent clumps in the dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here because you want your cookies to stay tender, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Butterfinger Pieces

Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars. These chunks will caramelize slightly while baking and give your cookies that signature crunch and sweet, buttery flavor.

Step 7: Scoop and Space the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows them to spread just enough without merging into one another, preserving each cookie’s thick, chunky character.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden while keeping the centers soft. This balance is key to achieving that perfect thick and chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool Slightly Before Enjoying

Let your cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking. This rest time helps them set up so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, consider sprinkling a few mini Butterfinger pieces or chopped peanuts on top of each cookie before baking. Once cooled, drizzle a little melted peanut butter or chocolate over the cookies to add a decorative flair and amplify the flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, naturally. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert or with a creamy cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering or arrange them in a pretty tin wrapped with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can even sandwich some peanut butter frosting or Nutella between two cookies to reinvent this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe into a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To keep their chewy texture, avoid storing them in the refrigerator as it may dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. For dough balls, arrange them on a tray, freeze until firm, then store them in a zip-top bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore softness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough or rubbery after cooling.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will introduce delightful peanut bits in your cookie, adding even more texture. Just expect a slightly different chewiness, but the flavor will be fantastic.

What if I can’t find Butterfinger bars?

If Butterfinger candy bars aren’t available, try using other peanut butter candy bars or toffee bits. You can also mix in chopped peanut butter cups for a twist, but the classic Butterfinger crunch and flavor is truly unique.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This actually enhances flavor and texture, but be sure to let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping.

Why are my cookies too flat?

If your cookies spread too much, your butter might have been too warm or your dough was too soft. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes and ensure your measurements are accurate, especially the flour. Also, avoid overmixing the dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about enjoying a homemade cookie that is both thick and chewy, bursting with rich peanut butter and the unmistakable crunch of Butterfinger candy. This Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is easy to make, delightful to share, and completely addictive — a recipe that will make your kitchen smell like happiness and your heart a little lighter. Go ahead, bake a batch today and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.

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