Introduction: A Sweet Crunch in Every Bite
Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? But what about adding a fun twist with something that’s just as irresistible? If you’re a fan of Butterfinger candy bars, then you’re in for a treat! These Butterfinger Cookies combine the crunchy, peanut buttery goodness of Butterfinger candy with the chewy, soft texture of a cookie. The result is a delectable dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.
If you’re looking to surprise your guests or just treat yourself to something sweet, these Butterfinger cookies are an easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. This recipe is simple to follow, and the outcome is always delicious. So, let’s get baking!
What is Butterfinger?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Butterfinger so special. Butterfinger is a candy bar made by Nestlé, featuring a crisp, crunchy, peanut butter core coated in chocolate. Its signature texture comes from the layers of crispy, airy peanut butter, and it’s known for its sweet yet salty flavor. Butterfingers are often a favorite in both candy and dessert recipes because of their unique crunch and peanut butter flavor.
Incorporating Butterfingers into your cookie dough adds not only a delightful crunch but also a nutty, caramel-like sweetness that complements the softness of a classic cookie. This is what makes Butterfinger Cookies the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy.
Ingredients and Prep
To make these delicious Butterfinger Cookies, here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of Butterfinger candy bars, chopped into small pieces (about 4-5 full-sized bars)
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (optional for an extra chocolatey touch)
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients help to add moisture and flavor to your dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Incorporate the Butterfinger Pieces:
- Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy pieces. These will add that signature crunchy peanut butter flavor to your cookies. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, toss in a cup of chocolate chips to make these cookies even more irresistible.
- Scoop the Dough:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still soft. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and retain their shape.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butterfinger Cookies
To ensure that your Butterfinger Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much and help them hold their shape.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to chewy cookies is not overbaking them. They will continue to firm up on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
- Use Fresh Butterfingers: If possible, use fresh Butterfingers for the best flavor and texture. If your candy bars have been sitting around for a while, they may not give you that perfect crunch.
- Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make the cookies even more decadent.
How to Make This Recipe Your Own
These Butterfinger Cookies are already delicious, but you can take them to the next level by adding your own creative twist. Here are some ideas:
1. Add More Layers of Chocolate
- Want an even richer chocolate flavor? Add chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Make Them Peanut Butter Lovers’ Cookies
- For a more pronounced peanut butter flavor, consider using peanut butter chips in addition to or in place of the chocolate chips. This will enhance the peanut butter crunch from the Butterfinger candy.
3. Holiday or Themed Cookies
- Change up the candy bars to fit the season! For example, use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups during Halloween or Peppermint Bark during Christmas for a fun holiday twist.
4. Mix in Some Pretzels
- For a sweet-and-salty combo, add crushed pretzels to the cookie dough. The saltiness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Butterfingers and the chocolate.
Why Butterfinger Cookies Are Loved by All
Butterfinger cookies are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they combine two beloved flavors: peanut butter and chocolate. The crispy texture from the Butterfinger candy adds a satisfying crunch that you don’t get in typical chocolate chip cookies. They’re the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy at home, they’re always a hit.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can make them your own by adding different mix-ins or toppings, as mentioned above. And, they’re easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry, which makes them the ideal last-minute dessert option.
Serving Suggestions
These Butterfinger cookies are perfect for just about any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
- With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than dipping these cookies into a cold glass of milk. It’s the perfect snack after school or work.
- As Party Favors: Wrap up a few cookies in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon and give them out as party favors at your next celebration.
- For a Movie Night: Set these out with some popcorn for a cozy movie night at home.
- Holiday Treats: Pack them into festive boxes as a sweet gift during the holidays.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie
Butterfinger cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. With their crispy Butterfinger pieces, chewy texture, and sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are an irresistible combination of flavors that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Butterfingers and start baking!