Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers! By adding delicious chopped Butterfinger bits, these cookies become a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family nights—these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger bits creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Soft and Thick: Enjoy cookies that are soft in the center with a satisfying thickness, making each bite a delight.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even as a frozen snack for a cool treat.
• Great for Sharing: With a yield of about 25 cookies, they’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or co-workers.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to whip up these tasty cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for achieving the perfect dough consistency without much effort.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
• Baking sheets: A good surface helps distribute heat evenly for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

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: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 3/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl.
2. Add in 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Beat well for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
3. Mix in 1 cup of peanut butter, followed by adding in 1 large egg and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla. Beat until combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add in 1 and 1/2 cups of spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, but don’t stir it in yet.
2. On top of the flour, add in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir them together with a teaspoon to combine.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

1. Turn on the mixer to combine the dry ingredients into the dough but avoid over-mixing. Stop when some flour is still visible.
2. Gently fold in the chopped butterfinger.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F while lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Shape the chilled dough into balls about two inches wide using your cookie scoop.
3. Place them on prepared baking sheets with enough space between each ball.

Step 6: Enjoy!

1. Bake for about ten minutes until edges are set but centers aren’t shiny. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their flavor and texture, making every bite even more enjoyable.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Take two cookies and add your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious and indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, perfect for special occasions.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter flavor.

At Parties with Coffee

• Set these cookies out at your next gathering alongside coffee for a delightful sweet treat that pairs perfectly with the warm beverage.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on them while they bake; remove them from the oven when they’re still puffy and slightly underbaked for the best texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Enjoying these cookies alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here’s a list of great pairings.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic flavor enhances the cookies’ richness while adding creamy goodness.
2. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick milkshake offers a fun and indulgent drink option that pairs well with the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweet, rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some granola on top of yogurt for an added crunch that complements the cookie’s texture.
5. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee brings out the peanut butter flavor even more, making it an excellent pairing option.
6. Homemade Whipped Cream: Top cookies or enjoy it on its own; this light treat contrasts nicely with the dense cookie texture.
7. Peanut Butter Dip: Serve as a dip with apple slices or pretzels for an extra peanutty twist that cookie lovers will adore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the container can pack it down, resulting in too much flour. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate your dough for at least 15 minutes.
• Baking on an Unprepared Sheet: Not lining your baking sheets can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep cookies at room temperature to maintain softness.

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 bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, watching closely to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies.

What makes Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies special?

These cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with crunchy bits of Butterfinger candy, creating a unique and delightful treat.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best not to use natural peanut butter as it can alter the texture. Stick with regular peanut butter for optimal results.

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

Avoid overmixing the dough and chill it before baking. This will help keep them soft and chewy.

Can I customize my Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or swap out the candy for other types if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Their soft texture combined with crunchy candy bits makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and enjoy baking these fun treats!