Irresistibly Chewy Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies: An Easy Recipe
As a devoted fan of classic peanut butter cookies, I’m always looking for ways to elevate this beloved treat. The simple addition of miniature candy bars transforms an already delicious cookie into something truly extraordinary – welcome to the world of candy bar cookies! These delightful confections are a staple in my kitchen, especially during the festive holiday season, but honestly, they’re so good, you’ll want to bake and devour them all year round. Imagine a soft, chewy peanut butter base, studded with sweet peanut butter chips, and crowned with a gooey, melted candy bar. Pure bliss in every bite!
The Irresistible Appeal of Candy Bar Cookies
What makes these peanut butter candy bar cookies so incredibly special? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The foundational peanut butter cookie offers a rich, nutty, and slightly salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the candy bars. When baked, the candy bars melt into pockets of pure indulgence, creating gooey centers that are simply divine. Whether you’re a fan of nougat, caramel, chocolate, or a combination, there’s a mini candy bar out there to elevate your cookie experience. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover Halloween candy or to simply add an unexpected twist to your regular cookie rotation.
My Journey to the Perfect Candy Bar Cookie Recipe
My love affair with candy bar cookies began almost a decade ago when I stumbled upon Cherie’s Snicker Peanut Butter Cookies on my blogging friend Barbara’s wonderful blog. Her recipe sparked a creative wave, leading me to develop my own version, building on that initial inspiration. While the core idea of topping cookies with candy bars remains, I’ve experimented with various techniques to incorporate these delightful sweets, each offering a slightly different, but equally delicious, result. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content.
Creative Ways to Infuse Candy Bars into Your Cookies
One of the most exciting aspects of making candy bar cookies is the freedom to get creative with how you integrate the candy. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
- Pressing Mini Bars into Dough Balls (My Preferred Method): This is the technique detailed in my recipe below. Simply roll your cookie dough into balls, place them on your baking sheet, and gently press a mini candy bar (like a Snickers, Milky Way, or Three Musketeers) right into the center of each dough ball. As the cookies bake, the candy bar softens and melts, creating a delightful, gooey surprise in the middle of each chewy cookie. This method ensures a prominent candy bar feature in every cookie, making them visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
- Chopping and Mixing into the Dough: For a more integrated candy experience, chop your chosen candy bars into smaller pieces and fold them directly into the cookie dough. Then, roll the dough into balls, flatten with a fork (for that classic peanut butter cookie criss-cross pattern), and bake. This ensures even distribution of candy throughout the cookie, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. This method works well with almost any candy bar, and you can even mix different types for a “surprise” cookie.
- Wrapping Dough Around Whole Mini Candy Bars: If you’re looking for a truly epic candy bar experience, flatten a portion of cookie dough into a thin circle, place a whole mini candy bar (such as a full Snickers mini or a larger fun-size bar) in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. This creates a larger, more substantial cookie with a big, soft candy bar core. Be sure to seal the dough well to prevent the candy from oozing out excessively during baking.
- Baking in Mini Muffin Pans: For perfectly portioned, cup-shaped treats, lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Fill each cavity with a small ball of cookie dough, then press a mini candy bar into the center of each. The muffin pan helps the cookies maintain their shape and creates a neat, contained candy bar center. This is a great option for parties or when you want a slightly smaller, more elegant presentation.
Peanut Butter Chips: The Secret to Extra Sweetness and Flavor
This particular recipe also incorporates peanut butter chips, which truly amplify the peanut butter flavor and add an extra layer of sweetness. These chips melt slightly, creating small bursts of creamy peanut butter goodness throughout the cookie. If you prefer a less intense peanut butter flavor or want to balance the sweetness, you can easily substitute them with classic chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet all work wonderfully) or even white chocolate chips for a different twist. Alternatively, if you want the focus to be solely on the candy bar, feel free to omit the chips altogether. The beauty of baking is in making it your own!
Explore More Peanut Butter Cookie Adventures
My passion for peanut butter cookies runs deep, leading me to experiment with countless variations over the years. If you’re as obsessed with peanut butter as I am, you’ll love exploring these other delicious recipes:
- Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies: A decadent fusion of nutty peanut butter and rich, creamy Nutella.
- Chocolate Filled Peanut Butter Cookies: Classic peanut butter cookies with a delightful chocolate center.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: A personal favorite, these combine the best of both worlds in a rich, dark cookie.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: A heartier, chewier option with the added texture of oats and chocolate chips.
- For a fun, no-bake project, try my Easy Homemade Candy Bars, crafted with graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate – an incredibly simple and satisfying treat!
Don’t forget about these other crowd-pleasing options: my huge and colorful Monster Cookies, featuring peanut butter, oats, and M&M’s; my rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars, perfect for sharing; and of course, the ever-popular classic Peanut Butter Cookies that started it all. I pride myself on having a vast arsenal of peanut butter cookie varieties. If you have a favorite or know of one I simply must try, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
This post was originally published on November 23, 2009, and has been updated with fresh details and baking insights.
Candy Bar Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup creamy or chunky, if you prefer peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 10 ounce package Reeses peanut butter chips
- 20 ounces mini size candy bars 60 mini candy bars (Milky Way, Snickers, Three Musketeers)
Before You Begin: Essential Baking Tips
Instructions for the Perfect Batch
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an insulated baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cookies tender. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, add the peanut butter and beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Gently stir in the peanut butter chips until evenly distributed.
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Roll the dough into uniform balls, or use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For the signature candy bar effect, gently press one mini candy bar into the top center of each cookie dough ball.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them; mine typically take about 11.5 minutes for that perfect golden edge and soft center.
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Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set before transferring. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As noted, full cooling is essential for the best texture and to prevent crumbling.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Bar Cookies
- What kind of candy bars work best for these cookies?
- Miniature versions of chewy or caramel-filled candy bars are ideal. Snickers, Milky Way, Three Musketeers, and even Twix work wonderfully. Avoid candy bars that are too brittle or have a very firm filling, as they might not melt as nicely into the cookie.
- Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Absolutely! If you prefer a more pronounced peanut texture in your cookies, chunky peanut butter is a great choice. It will add an extra layer of crunch and flavor that many find delightful.
- My cookies are falling apart when I try to move them. What went wrong?
- This is a common issue, especially if you try to move them too soon after baking. The melted candy bar and the soft peanut butter cookie need time to cool and set. Ensure you let them rest on the baking sheet for at least 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
- Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can! Prepare the dough as instructed, roll it into balls (you can even press the candy bars in), then cover and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the dough balls (without the candy bars if you prefer) for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw slightly before baking.
- How should I store leftover candy bar cookies?
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion
These chewy peanut butter candy bar cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Combining the comforting familiarity of a homemade peanut butter cookie with the exciting surprise of a gooey, melted candy bar, they are truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver pure joy. So gather your ingredients, pick your favorite mini candy bars, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for more!
