Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie only to find pockets of gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and little bursts of chocolate waiting inside. These Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you love about a candy bar and a homemade cookie rolled into one irresistible treat. Warm from the oven, the chocolate melts into swirls while the caramel adds that sticky, indulgent surprise. Trust me, these cookies are the kind you’ll want to eat straight off the baking sheet.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a craving for both candy and cookies. One afternoon, I spotted a bag of Snickers bars in my pantry sitting beside a jar of creamy peanut butter, and the idea practically baked itself. What came out of the oven was the perfect mashup—comforting peanut butter cookie dough with the playful decadence of chopped Snickers folded right in. It’s nostalgic, fun, and just a little over the top, in the best way.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Peanut butter cookies have been an American classic since the 1910s, originally popularized during the rise of peanut butter as a household staple. Snickers bars, created in 1930, became one of the world’s most beloved candy bars with their signature combination of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. Combining the two creates a dessert that feels both familiar and inventive—a modern comfort that bridges generations of sweet traditions.

Why You’ll Love Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are more than just sweet—they’re a little adventure in every bite.

Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even packaged as gifts.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples plus a few candy bars.

Quick and Easy: No chilling required—ready in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Swap in different candy bars or add extra chocolate chips.

Crowd-Pleasing: Who can resist cookies with caramel and chocolate swirls?

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be frozen for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

Great for Leftovers: Stay soft for days and taste even better slightly warmed.

Print

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smooth, even dough.
2. Chop Snickers into small chunks to avoid overly gooey pockets.
3. Don’t overbake—pull cookies when edges are set but centers look soft.
4. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release and less mess.
5. Add extra Snickers pieces on top before baking for bakery-style presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For creaming butter and blending dough.
Electric Mixer: Helps achieve fluffy, well-aerated dough.
Baking Sheet: Standard size, lined with parchment.
Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioned cookies.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without becoming soggy.

Ingredients in Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

This delightful combo of candy and cookie starts with the classics.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups – The structure of the cookies.
2. Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon – Gives a gentle lift and chewiness.
3. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances sweetness.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened – Creamy base for the dough.
5. Creamy Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup – Adds nutty richness.
6. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Sweetens and helps crisp edges.
7. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed – Adds chewiness and depth.
8. Egg: 1 large – Binds dough.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances flavor.
10. Snickers Bars: 1 1/2 cups chopped (about 4 regular bars) – The star mix-in.

Ingredient Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for GF cookies.
Butter: Swap with coconut oil for dairy-free option.
Peanut Butter: Use almond or sunflower butter for variation.
Snickers: Substitute with Milky Way, Twix, or peanut butter cups.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: Its creaminess provides the perfect base for candy mix-ins, balancing the sweetness with nutty depth.

Snickers Bars: Each chunk melts into a gooey, caramel-chocolate pocket surrounded by crunchy peanuts, giving the cookies their signature surprise.

Instructions for Making Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow along and let the magic happen:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a larger bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Stir in chopped Snickers pieces.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers look soft.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Press a few extra Snickers pieces on top immediately after baking for extra flair.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or store for later indulgence.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The cookies are chewy at the center with slightly crisp edges, punctuated by gooey caramel and melted chocolate. The peanut butter base makes them extra soft, while the chopped peanuts from the Snickers add a satisfying crunch. Every bite hits sweet, salty, and nutty notes in harmony.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill dough for thicker cookies if you prefer less spread.
• Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and baking.
• Rewarm in microwave for 10 seconds to revive gooey caramel.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overmix dough—this toughens the cookies.
• Avoid overbaking—soft centers make the best texture.
• Don’t chop Snickers too large—they’ll leak too much caramel.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 cookies
Calories per serving: 210
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make dough ahead and freeze for up to 2 months—just scoop onto a tray, freeze, then store in a bag. Baked cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate up to a week. Reheat briefly to restore gooey texture.

How to Serve Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Serve warm with a glass of milk or alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae. For gatherings, stack on a dessert tray and drizzle lightly with melted chocolate.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Crumble cookies into parfait layers with whipped cream and fruit.
• Use as a crust for a cheesecake base.
• Chop and fold into homemade ice cream.

Additional Tips

• Dust with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.
• Double the recipe—you’ll regret making too few!
• Bake slightly under for extra chewy cookies.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange cookies in a spiral on a platter, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and sprinkle chopped Snickers over the top. Pair with mini milk bottles for a playful presentation.

Variations to Try

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
• Double Chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into the dough for a richer base.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top cooled cookies with a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
• Oatmeal Twist: Swap part of the flour with oats for texture.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, it adds extra crunch to the cookies.

Q2: Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling makes thicker cookies.

Q3: Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, up to 2 months in airtight containers.

Q4: Can I use mini Snickers bars?
Yes, just chop them the same way.

Q5: How do I prevent caramel from leaking out?
Chop Snickers small and fold evenly into dough.

Q6: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 GF flour blend.

Q7: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Dough may be too warm—chill before baking.

Q8: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.

Q9: What’s the best way to store dough?
Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate up to 3 days.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just use multiple baking sheets.

Conclusion

Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate fusion of candy-bar indulgence and homemade comfort. With their gooey caramel pockets, nutty peanut butter base, and melty chocolate, they’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

Watch How To Make Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies