There is something truly magical about the combination of rich peanut butter and melty candy bars, and this Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. These cookies are chewy, sweet, and packed with the irresistible texture of chopped candy bars that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe is a delightful way to bring a little joy and indulgence into your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter that offers richness to the chopped candy bars that add bursts of sweetness, every component contributes to a truly memorable cookie experience.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds buttery richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that signature nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to a slight crisp on the edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The structural base that holds everything together.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift and soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 ½ cups chopped candy bars (like Snickers or Reese’s): The pièce de résistance delivering gooey pockets of chocolate, nuts, and caramel.
How to Make Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed—this ensures even baking from the very first minute.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the luscious, rich base of your cookie dough.
Step 3: Add Sugars
Next, stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial to give your cookies a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, combining thoroughly. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor that is key to an indulgent cookie.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Candy Bars
Gently fold the chopped candy bars into the dough. This step is the fun part where every bite is guaranteed a delicious surprise of melted chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Use a cookie scoop to place dough blobs about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread and form beautiful edges.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to watch for golden edges while the centers stay soft—this balance gives you that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they can firm up slightly before moving them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top just after baking or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies. These little garnishes elevate your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate can turn any snack time into a cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these cookies into a playful dessert by stacking them into mini cookie sandwiches with a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache in the middle. They also make fantastic gifts when wrapped in festive boxes or jars, sharing your love for this Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe far and wide.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their chewiness and freshness for up to 5 days. This way, you can enjoy your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe goodies throughout the week without losing a bit of their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some magic for later, freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a low oven or microwave for just a few seconds. This melts the candy bar bits slightly, bringing out those gooey pockets that make this Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit more texture and crunch to your cookies, which can be a fun variation. Just be sure the peanut butter is well mixed with the butter for even consistency.
What types of candy bars work best in this recipe?
Snickers and Reese’s are classics since they bring a full range of flavors like chocolate, caramel, nougat, and nuts. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite candy bars to create your own twist on this Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but will still be deliciously satisfying.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure not to over-soften the butter, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you notice excessive spreading. Proper dough consistency helps maintain shape and chewiness.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps like using vegan butter, a flax or chia egg substitute, and dairy-free candy bars, you can enjoy a vegan version of the Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe that’s just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the pure joy of biting into a warm, chewy cookie loaded with peanut butter and gooey candy bar pieces. The Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to try them. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into this delicious adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with chunks of your favorite candy bars for a decadent treat. Soft and chewy with a delightful crunch from chopped candy bars, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups chopped candy bars (like Snickers or Reese’s)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Sugars: Add granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the creamed butter mixture; beat until the mixture is light and fluffy for the best cookie texture.
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until well combined to provide moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasonings.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Candy Bars: Gently fold the chopped candy bars into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly without breaking them up too much.
- Portion the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft to achieve a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier blending with peanut butter.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- You can substitute the candy bars with your favorite chocolate or caramel candies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit candy bars containing nuts.
