Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. These cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with your favorite candy bars, making them an irresistible indulgence. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover candy or treat your friends and family, these cookies deliver a delightful mix of chewy and crunchy textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile: Use any combination of candy bars you have on hand to create a unique flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet treat at home; they never fail to impress!
• Deliciously Gooey: The melted candy bars create pockets of gooeyness that make every bite a delight.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences by swapping ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures thorough mixing for a light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Baking sheets: Even heat distribution is crucial for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chopped candy bars (Snickers, Reese’s, Milky Way, or a mix)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butters

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Egg

Add in both granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Fold in Candy Bars

Gently fold in the chopped candy bars into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough into balls about 1 ½ tablespoons each. Place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers still appear soft.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a treat at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Milk

• Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic combination.
• Chocolate Milk: For an extra indulgent twist, try pairing with chocolate milk. The creamy texture complements the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Decadent Treat: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor. This creates a deliciously rich dessert that’s fun to eat.
• Drizzle of Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the ice cream for added flavor and presentation.

Dessert Platter

• Cookie Variety: Arrange your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies on a dessert platter with other cookie varieties for a colorful display.
• Fresh Fruits: Include fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Elevated Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie to make them look fancy and taste even better.
• Sprinkles: Top with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch, perfect for parties or celebrations.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

To ensure your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies turn out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Bold Mixing Technique: Cream the butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for lighter cookies.
• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right cookie texture.
• Bold Chilling Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Bold Baking Time Awareness: Watch the cookies closely during baking; remove them when edges are golden but centers still look soft.
• Bold Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

These Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies can be paired with several side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent experience.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and salty flavor, enhancing your cookie enjoyment.
6. Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage like coffee or herbal tea creates a comforting atmosphere while enjoying these treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little sugar may make them not sweet enough.
• Overmixing the dough: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly baked cookies.
• Not chilling the dough: If you’re not happy with your cookie texture, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Avoid greasing the pan directly as it can alter cookie texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

• For long-term storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top. Heat for a few minutes until warmed through, keeping them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer more texture in your Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies. It will add extra crunch!

How do I customize my candy bar mix?

Feel free to mix different types of candy bars! Snickers, Reese’s, Milky Way, or even M&M’s work wonderfully in these cookies.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute for one egg if you’re looking for an egg-free option.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden while the centers look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies are not just delicious; they are versatile too! You can customize them with different candies or nut butters based on what you have on hand. These cookies are perfect for gatherings or simply indulging yourself at home. Try making them today and enjoy their delightful mix of flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the rich flavor of creamy peanut butter with your favorite candy bars. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a delightful mix of chewy and crunchy textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you want to use up leftover candy or simply indulge in a sweet creation, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering cookies ready to enjoy in no time. These versatile delights can be customized with various candy combinations, catering to any sweet tooth. Serve them at parties, bake sales, or as a cozy dessert at home—the compliments will keep coming!

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Ingredients

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• 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
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chopped candy bars (like Snickers or Reese’s)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just blended.
6. Fold in chopped candy bars gently into the dough.
7. Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg