Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

If you’re a fan of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a little crunch and caramelized sweetness, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. These Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies combine classic peanut butter cookie flavor with crushed Butterfinger candy bars for the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness.

Each bite delivers the nostalgic taste of homemade cookies with an irresistible twist of candy bar decadence. Ideal for bake sales, family gatherings, or a cozy night at home, these cookies bake up perfectly golden on the edges and soft in the center—just how cookies should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. Here’s what makes them irresistible:

• Chewy and soft texture: Perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Loaded with candy: Butterfinger pieces add a satisfying crunch and toffee-like flavor.
• Quick and easy: No chilling required—bake immediately for instant satisfaction.
• Peanut butter perfection: Rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the candy.
• Crowd favorite: Great for parties, holidays, or gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so delicious:

• Creamy peanut butter: The base of the dough, adding richness, flavor, and soft texture. Choose a regular creamy brand (not natural peanut butter) for best results.
• Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and helps achieve a chewy center with crisp edges.
• Granulated sugar: Contributes to sweetness and a slight crisp texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
• Milk: Keeps the dough soft and prevents dryness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Chopped Butterfinger candy bars: The star ingredient that adds crunch, chocolate, and a caramel-like sweetness throughout.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies

1. Don’t overbake: Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: Soft butter and room-temp egg help the dough blend smoothly.
3. Chop Butterfingers finely: This ensures even distribution and prevents large chunks from burning.
4. Avoid natural peanut butter: It can make the dough oily and less stable.
5. Line baking sheets with parchment: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
6. Space cookies properly: They spread a little while baking, so leave about 2 inches between each scoop.

Variations and Customizations

These chewy cookies are easily adaptable—try one of these fun variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra-rich finish.
• Add Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s: Mix them in for a colorful, candy-packed version.
• Stuffed Cookies: Wrap the dough around a mini peanut butter cup for a surprise inside.
• Oatmeal Version: Add ½ cup quick oats for extra texture and a heartier feel.
• Double Butterfinger: Stir in half the candy pieces before baking and press more on top as soon as they come out of the oven.

Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy these chewy peanut butter cookies with your favorite treats or drinks:

• A glass of cold milk: The classic pairing for rich peanut butter cookies.
• Hot coffee or cappuccino: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Vanilla ice cream: Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
• Hot cocoa: Perfect for cozy nights and holiday gatherings.

Storage Instructions

Keep your cookies fresh and chewy for days with these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 7 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months in a sealed container. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
• Freezing dough: Scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze, and store in freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Popular Questions

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit crumblier and nuttier.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Can I use Butterfinger baking bits instead of candy bars?

Yes, Butterfinger bits work perfectly and save chopping time while giving the same flavor and crunch.