Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
Description of this recipe
These Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic peanut butter cookies and the irresistible flavors of a Snickers bar. Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a perfectly baked peanut butter cookie, studded with chunks of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts. This recipe transforms the beloved candy bar into an extraordinary cookie experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these cookies for their unique combination of textures and flavors. The creamy peanut butter base is perfectly balanced with the sweet and salty elements of the Snickers bar. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the peanuts, a gooey caramel center, and a burst of rich chocolate. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re infinitely customizable—you can adjust the amount of Snickers chunks to your liking or add other mix-ins for a personalized touch.
Introduction
Baking cookies is a simple joy, and when you infuse that joy with the flavors of a Snickers bar, you create something truly magical. These Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are a testament to the idea that the best desserts are often the ones that combine familiar favorites in unexpected ways. The inspiration behind this recipe came from a desire to elevate the traditional peanut butter cookie, adding layers of complexity and indulgence.
The result is a cookie that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or a simple craving for something sweet. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. They evoke memories of childhood candy bars while providing the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Every step of this recipe is designed to ensure that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating cookies that are both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky, if you love extra texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Snickers Mix-Ins:
- 2–3 full-size Snickers bars, chopped into small chunks (reserve some for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
- Optional: Drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for finishing
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is evenly heated, which is crucial for consistent baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone mats provide even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked cookies. Chop the Snickers bars into small pieces (about the size of chocolate chips) and set aside. Reserve some for topping; this adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugars is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which results in a lighter, more tender cookie. Using an electric mixer makes this process easier and quicker. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and structure to the dough, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring consistent baking. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise and spread. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Gently fold in most of the chopped Snickers pieces and peanuts (reserve some for topping). Folding ensures that the mix-ins are evenly distributed without deflating the dough.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which results in even baking. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread without sticking together. Press down gently on each ball with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern (classic peanut butter cookie style). The fork marks not only add visual appeal but also help the cookies to bake evenly. Top each cookie with a few reserved Snickers chunks and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra flair. This adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as baking times can vary depending on the oven. The cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so it’s important not to overbake them. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
Melt some chocolate or caramel sauce and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch. This adds an extra layer of flavor and decadence. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. The saltiness of the sea salt balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
COOKING Rating:
Easy (Perfect for beginner bakers!)
Serving Suggestions:
- For Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level sundae experience.
- At Gatherings: Package them in cute boxes or bags for gifting during holidays or parties.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
- For Movie Night: Perfect alongside popcorn for a sweet-and-salty snack combo.
Tips:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs mix more easily, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Freeze for Later: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Mix-Ins Variety: Experiment with other candy bars like Milky Way or Twix for a fun twist.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
23-25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 220-250 per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 4-5g per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 100-120mg per cookie
Conclusion
These Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the nostalgia of a Snickers bar with the comforting charm of homemade cookies. With their rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and nutty crunch, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any occasion—or no occasion at all!
So grab your ingredients, chop up those Snickers bars, and bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. One bite of these chewy, chocolatey, peanut-packed cookies, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered cookie heaven—straight from your own kitchen! 🍪🥜🍫 These cookies bring joy to every baker and consumer. The combination of both, is always the best possible outcome. The Snickers brings familiarity to many and it is comforting. It makes any dessert 10 times better, and these cookies prove it. I would recommend this recipe for bake sales, parties, or even if you’re just having a bad day. These cookies help brighten it up and you will not be upset! These are very easy to make, so any skill leveled baker can do it. I would recommend these to anyone and everyone.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! However, natural peanut butter tends to be runnier than processed peanut butter, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough to achieve the right consistency. Make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring it to ensure it’s properly mixed.
Q2: What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute it with something else?
A2: Brown sugar adds a unique molasses flavor and moisture to the cookies, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with granulated sugar. For best results, add a tablespoon of molasses to the granulated sugar to mimic the flavor of brown sugar. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar as a 1:1 substitute.
Q3: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Q4: What can I do if my cookies are spreading too thin while baking?
A4: If your cookies are spreading too thin, the dough may be too warm. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. An oven that’s too hot can cause the cookies to spread too quickly. Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can also help prevent excessive spreading.
Q5: Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for roasted peanuts, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each type of nut will add a different flavor and texture to the cookies, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. You can also use a mix of different nuts for added complexity.
