If there was ever a cookie to make you feel like a kid again, it’s these Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies. Packed with layers of nutty creaminess and streaks of irresistible, crunchy Butterfinger candy, every bite is a nostalgic, chewy celebration of classic American flavors and pure fun. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, an after-school treat, or just to satisfy a peanut butter craving, these cookies are exactly what you need—simple to make, yet spectacularly delicious.

Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great cookies start with quality ingredients, and for Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, every item matters. These simple staples work together to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature chewy snap.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender base and lets the peanut butter flavor shine.
Creamy Peanut Butter (3/4 cup): The heart and soul of these cookies, giving them deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses warmth for extra chew.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar for the ideal sweetness and helps the tops get just a bit crispy.
Large Egg (1): Provides structure and helps the cookies hold together for that lovely pillowy texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings a smooth, bakery-fresh aroma and unifies the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The perfect canvas to hold all the peanut butter and Butterfinger goodness.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a soft, thick bite.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential for balancing the sweetness and making the peanut butter pop.
Butterfinger Candy Bars, chopped finely (1 cup, about 3 regular bars): The star ingredient, infusing each cookie with caramelized, crunchy, peanut-buttery shards.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): An easy secret for ultra chewiness and gentle softness in every bite.

How to Make Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin your baking adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F, ensuring every cookie bakes up just right. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—plus, it helps the cookies spread evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture is smooth and fluffy. This is what gives Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies their irresistible, tender crumb and luscious mouthfeel.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in a large egg and splash in the vanilla extract. Beat until completely incorporated. The egg brings everyone together—making sure the dough is moist and the flavors are totally in sync.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. This dry mix ensures that your leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any surprises in your finished Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix; you want the dough to stay soft and tender so the cookies don’t get tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Butterfinger Bits

Now, for the fun part—gently fold in the finely chopped Butterfinger candy bars. Each piece will melt into crunchy layers and caramelized pools within your cookies, turning every batch into a sweet surprise party.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look just a touch underdone for that signature chewiness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll finish setting up), then transfer them to a wire rack. The toughest part—waiting for them to cool enough to dig in! Enjoy that first warm, melty bite and share the love.

How to Serve Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped Butterfinger pieces or a pinch of flaky sea salt adds extra flair and a pop of texture. You could even drizzle with a little melted chocolate for a show-stopping finish that highlights the cookie’s candy-bar roots.

Side Dishes

These cookies play perfectly with an ice cold glass of milk—classic and unbeatable! For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or a creamy peanut butter milkshake to double down on the nutty decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them up and tie with bakers’ twine for an adorable homemade gift or arrange the Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies around the edge of a dessert platter for your next holiday celebration. Make cookie sandwiches by slathering a little marshmallow fluff or peanut butter frosting between two cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect to pack in lunchboxes or grab for a quick treat throughout the week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Put cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll taste just as delicious for up to 3 months, ready whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-baked magic back, pop a frozen or leftover cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The Butterfinger bits will get melty, and the cookie will be warm and chewy—as if it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds extra crunch and texture that complements the Butterfinger pieces. Just make sure to use a good-quality brand for best results.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but if you want even chewier Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies, a 30-minute chill in the fridge before baking will do wonders for texture and flavor. It also helps prevent extra spreading.

What’s the best way to chop up Butterfinger candy bars?

Unwrap each bar and use a sharp chef’s knife to chop into small, pea-sized chunks. Try to keep the pieces on the smaller side so they melt into crispy, flavorful bits throughout the cookie.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Be sure all other ingredients, especially the Butterfinger bars, are certified gluten-free and you’ll still get chewy, delicious results.

How do I keep the cookies soft for days?

Store them in an airtight container, and if you like, add a slice of bread to the container—the extra moisture will keep your Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies tender even longer!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like baking up a batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies and sharing them with friends and family. With their perfect chew, peanut-butter richness, and bursts of crunchy candy, you’ll win over hearts with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and you just might find your new favorite cookie—one to bake together, gift, and snack on any time.