Name: Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars (about 6 fun-size bars, divided)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you have a craving for a cookie that combines everything wonderful about peanut butter and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, you are in for a treat with this Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a perfect balance of chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and bursts of crisp Butterfinger chunks that melt slightly while baking, creating a candy bar lover’s dream in cookie form. You’ll find yourself reaching for one after another as the flavors and textures dance delightfully in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains three layers inside: a large block of light yellow butter at the bottom right, a mound of light brown soft sugar on the top left partially covering the butter, and a pile of white granulated sugar on the bottom right next to the butter. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with two raw eggs showing yolks and whites in the upper left corner, a white bowl filled with smooth brown peanut butter in the upper right, and a thin small glass container with dark amber liquid on the very left edge. A blue and white checkered cloth peeks in from the lower left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Butterfinger Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building that amazing flavor and texture you’ll love. From the rich peanut butter that adds creaminess, to the browned sugar that brings a hint of caramel, every element matters.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb necessary for a perfect cookie.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft but not cakey.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and contributes to a chewy texture.
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel note.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a bit of crispness and helps with spreading.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Imparts that classic, nutty flavor essential to these cookies.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and gives structure.
1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and chewiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the sweet flavors.
1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars: The star ingredient, chopping ensures every bite has those signature crunchy, peanut buttery candy bits.

How to Make Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agent and salt, setting the stage for perfectly balanced cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air into the cookie dough, contributing to the ideal texture.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs

Mix in the creamy peanut butter until smooth, then add your egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Combining these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures your cookies will bind well and develop that luscious, rich flavor you expect.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here for tender results.

Step 5: Fold in Butterfinger Chunks

Carefully fold in 1 cup of the chopped Butterfinger pieces, reserving the rest to press on top of each cookie later. These chunks will give bursts of the classic candy’s crispy peanut buttery crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into generous 3-tablespoon portions and place them on a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing excessive spreading while baking and enhancing the taste.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy—simple steps that save time and stress!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Transfer the chilled dough portions onto the prepared pans, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookie edges are set but the centers still look a little underdone. This keeps them chewy and soft.

Step 9: Cool and Add Extra Butterfinger

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. While still warm, press a few remaining Butterfinger pieces onto the tops—this adds extra candy bar texture and makes the cookies look irresistible.

How to Serve Butterfinger Cookies Recipe

An overhead view of a silver baking tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface, holding eight round scoops of light brown cookie dough spaced evenly apart, each dough scoop showing a rough texture with small visible bits inside, arranged in a loose grid pattern with some space between them; a blue and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the bottom left corner, and small parts of yellow packaging peek in at the top and bottom edges, all under soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt atop the warm cookies. The salt elevates the peanut butter essence and enhances the sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies truly addictive.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat. These classic companions bring out the best in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies and tying them with a rustic twine bow to gift to friends or family. You can also sandwich some peanut butter or chocolate spread between two cookies for an indulgent twist and extra satisfying texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Butterfinger Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, retaining their soft center and crisp edges.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy freshly warmed cookies anytime, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens them wonderfully while keeping the Butterfinger chunks delightfully melty and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Butterfinger Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor to the cookies, complementing the Butterfinger chunks. Just keep in mind your cookies might be a bit heartier.

Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and allows the flavors to develop more deeply. While you can skip this step, your cookies may turn out thinner and less flavorful.

Can I substitute Butterfinger with another candy bar?

While Butterfinger candy bars give a signature peanut buttery, crispy crunch to these cookies, you could experiment with similar peanut-flavored candies like peanut butter cups or peanut brittle. Just be aware the texture and flavor will vary.

How do I ensure my cookies come out soft and chewy?

Baking just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone is key to soft and chewy cookies. Overbaking will make them crispier and drier.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies with this recipe?

Yes! Adjust baking time accordingly—smaller cookies will bake faster, usually around 10 minutes, while larger ones may take closer to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges and centers to gauge doneness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about biting into a warm Butterfinger Cookie, with that perfect balance of chewy dough and crunchy candy that makes happiness feel just an oven away. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Butterfinger Cookies Recipe as much as I do—once you try it, these cookies will definitely find a permanent spot in your baking rotation!