Professional Tips
For extra flavor and a slightly thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking; cookie bakers often use a brief chill to help cookies hold their shape and deepen flavor without turning this into a long-rest dough. Don’t overbake—take them out when the edges are just turning golden and the centers still look a bit soft, because Butterfinger and chewy peanut butter cookie recipes note that they continue to set as they cool. If you want a flatter, chewier cookie, gently press the dough mounds down before baking, a trick several Butterfinger cookie recipes mention for controlling thickness.
You can easily swap the Butterfinger pieces with other candies if you’d like, such as Reese’s Pieces, toffee bits, or chopped peanut butter cups; similar recipes highlight these as fun alternatives when you don’t have Butterfingers on hand. Using regular (not natural) peanut butter tends to give a more consistent structure in cookies, which Butterfinger and peanut butter cookie developers often recommend to avoid separation and spreading issues.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to about 3–4 days, which aligns with general guidance for keeping peanut butter cookies fresh. Keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving the container open so they don’t dry out or turn stale too quickly. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer‑safe container or bag for around 2–3 months; peanut butter cookie storage guides explain that freezing in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment helps maintain their chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you want additional texture, and many peanut butter cookie recipes note that crunchy works as long as it’s not a very oily natural style.
Can I replace Butterfinger with other candy?
You can substitute Butterfinger with Reese’s Pieces, toffee bits, or other chopped candy bars; several Butterfinger cookie recipes mention similar swaps for variety or when using up assorted leftover candy.
Why are my cookies dry instead of chewy?
Butterfinger and peanut butter cookie troubleshooting usually points to overbaking, using too much leavening, or baking on a very dark pan as causes of dryness; pulling the cookies when the centers are just set helps keep them soft.
Can I chill the dough overnight?
Most peanut butter cookie doughs can be chilled longer, including overnight, as long as they’re well covered; storage guides suggest letting chilled dough sit at room temperature for a short time so it’s scoopable and then baking as usual.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies are an easy, flourless treat that takes a simple peanut butter dough and turns it into something special with crunchy candy bar pieces baked right in. They’re quick enough for weeknight baking, fun enough for parties or Halloween leftovers, and flexible enough to swap in your favorite candies while keeping that chewy peanut butter base. Save this recipe, try a batch with Butterfingers, and then experiment with Reese’s Pieces, toffee, or mixed candy chunks so you can build your own signature cookie version for your next cookie tray or content batch.