If you have a soft spot for classic candy bar-inspired treats and love cookies that are generous in size and bursting with flavor, then you’re in for a real delight with this Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. Imagine thick, golden cookies loaded with peanut butter chips, semi-sweet chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and chunks of Butterfinger candy bars, all coming together in one incredible bite. These cookies manage to balance softness and crunch perfectly, making them the ultimate showstopper for any cookie lover’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create heavenly flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to build the perfect cookie base and deliver that signature taste.
- 6 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to your giant cookies, essential for that bakery-style heft.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and complements the all-purpose flour for a rounded texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt: Enhances all the sweetness while balancing the rich buttery flavors.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives a gentle rise that keeps the cookies thick but tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds just the right bit of lift and browning for that perfect cookie exterior.
- 1 lb. unsalted butter, room temperature: The star that brings rich creaminess and moisture for soft, chewy bites.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden color.
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and help with the perfect cookie texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor for that warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Adds melty, rich pockets of chocolate joy in every bite.
- 2 cups peanut butter chips: Give a creamy, peanutty contrast that echoes the Butterfinger bars.
- 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts: Introduce a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness.
- 14 fun size Butterfinger candy bars, chopped: The pièce de résistance, adding bursts of crisped peanut candy in each bite.
- Extra chips and peanuts for topping (optional): For an irresistible finishing touch and extra texture.
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as Maldon: Sprinkled on top for a final burst of flavor contrast.
How to Make Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, fine grain sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, which is key for a consistent bake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which leads to that bakery-style softness and crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to keep the dough smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting aroma that starts the cookie magic.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep this gentle.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chips, Peanuts, and Butterfinger Bars
Now for the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, dry roasted salted peanuts, and the chopped fun size Butterfinger bars. These mix-ins ensure every cookie bite is packed with delightful surprises.
Step 6: Scoop and Top
Use a large cookie scoop to drop generous mounds of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them well since these cookies will spread as they bake. Sprinkle extra chips, peanuts, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that professional bakery finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes. The edges should be golden while the centers remain soft and gooey. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for added visual appeal and decadence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you want to step it up, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, stack these giant cookies on a decorative platter or tie them with rustic twine for a charming gift. You can also turn them into ice cream sandwiches using your favorite flavors for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps them retain their softness without drying out, so you can enjoy every bite just like fresh from the bakery.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet for a few hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well when wrapped tightly and stored in airtight containers.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes the gooey texture and intensifies the buttery aroma, making each bite heavenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with more all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour alone will still yield delicious cookies, though the whole wheat flour adds a nice depth of flavor and slight nuttiness you might miss.
Where can I find flaky sea salt like Maldon?
Most well-stocked grocery stores carry flaky sea salt in their spice or baking sections. You can also find it online or substitute with kosher salt if necessary, but flaky salt adds that perfect finishing crunch and burst of flavor.
Is it necessary to add both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, both work together to give these cookies the perfect rise and tender crumb. Baking soda helps with browning and crisp edges, while baking powder provides even lifting for the soft center.
Can I use other candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
You can experiment with other crunchy peanut butter candies, but Butterfinger bars have a unique crisp texture and flavor that truly defines this recipe’s signature taste.
What makes these cookies “giant” and bakery-style?
The generous scoop size and combination of ingredients that create a soft, chewy interior with slightly crisp edges mimic those classic bakery cookies you love, just made bigger and better with the addition of candy bar bits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a special treat straight from your favorite bakery, you can’t go wrong with the Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe. They’re a fun, indulgent way to enjoy all your favorite flavors in one cookie, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a beloved classic in your collection.
PrintGiant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies Recipe
These Giant Bakery-Style Butterfinger Cookies are a decadent treat loaded with rich butter, crunchy peanuts, semisweet and peanut butter chips, and chopped Butterfinger candy bars. Chewy and buttery with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, these oversized cookies are perfect for those who love the classic Butterfinger flavor combined in a substantial cookie form. Soft in the center with crispy edges and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors, these cookies make an irresistible dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 giant cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 lb. unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups peanut butter chips (such as Reese’s)
- 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
- 14 whole fun size Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
Toppings (Optional)
- Extra semisweet chocolate chips
- Extra peanut butter chips
- Extra dry roasted salted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, fine grain sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter at room temperature with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until light, creamy, and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, dry roasted salted peanuts, and chopped Butterfinger candy bars, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, form large balls of dough about 3-4 tablespoons each (for giant cookies). Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanuts, and flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy these giant Butterfinger cookies fresh with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Room temperature butter is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture and cookie consistency.
- Chopping the Butterfinger bars finely ensures even distribution without huge chunks disrupting cookie shape.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour entirely if you don’t have whole wheat flour, but the whole wheat adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Adjust baking time slightly if making smaller or larger cookies to avoid under or overbaking.
- For extra crisp edges, flatten the cookie dough balls slightly before baking.
- These cookies freeze well: freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.