Irresistible Butterfinger Cookie Cups: Your Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe
Life can be a whirlwind of activities, and lately, our household has been no exception. Just last night, we found ourselves cheering on our kids at another flag football game. It’s a bittersweet experience, honestly. The season is only about six weeks long, but it’s packed with two practices and usually two games each week. Part of me wishes they could spread out the games a bit more, giving us a little breathing room. But then, another part of me wonders if I could actually handle this level of intense scheduling for ten weeks! It’s a delicate balance between encouraging their passions and managing the daily grind.
Amidst the chaos of team sports and family commitments, there are always personal milestones that bring immense satisfaction. Yesterday marked one such highlight for me: my running pace is finally back! Moving to Colorado a few months ago really threw a wrench in my routine and my times. For the past four months, I was consistently about 40 seconds per mile slower, which, for a runner, can be incredibly disheartening. It definitely wasn’t fun, and there were days I felt like giving up on regaining my speed. However, I’ve persevered, and I’m thrilled to announce that my last two runs have seen me return to my pre-move pace. This is a huge victory, and now I’m excited to start adding more distance to my runs. I can’t wait to visit my parents in Wisconsin this summer and see what kind of personal bests I can achieve in a different environment!
Whether it’s celebrating a victory on the field, a personal best on the running trail, or just surviving a busy week, there’s nothing quite like a delicious homemade treat to bring a smile to everyone’s face. And that, my friends, brings us to the food! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly combines convenience with irresistible flavor: Butterfinger Cookie Cups. These delightful little bites are perfect for any occasion, from a post-game snack to a celebratory dessert. The best part? They are incredibly versatile and easy to make, even when your schedule is packed.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Butterfinger Cookie Cups
These Butterfinger Cookie Cups are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite. Imagine a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie base, perfectly baked into a convenient cup shape, then generously filled with the iconic crunchy, peanut buttery goodness of mini Butterfinger candies. To top it all off, a rich, decadent drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish. This recipe is designed for both ease and maximum enjoyment, making it a fantastic choice for busy bakers or anyone looking for a quick yet impressive treat.
The Magic of Mini Candy Bars and Versatility
For these particular cookie cups, I opted for Butterfinger mini’s, which melt beautifully into the warm cookie dough, creating a gooey, irresistible center. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t have Butterfingers on hand, or prefer a different candy? No problem! You can use virtually any mini candy bar you love. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself with a surplus of holiday candy, be it Easter, Halloween, or Christmas. This recipe is an excellent way to use up those extra sweets!
Consider using Snickers for a caramel-nougat-peanut explosion, Twix for a biscuit-caramel delight, or even Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a double dose of peanut butter bliss. Heck, even classic M&M’s would work wonderfully, adding a pop of color and a satisfying crunch. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize these cookie cups to suit your taste or whatever candy stash you need to diminish. Want to make it even easier? Don’t stress about making cookie dough from scratch; store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough is a fantastic shortcut that cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Butterfinger Cookie Cups
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Ingredients
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, (use your favorite homemade recipe or readily available store-bought dough for convenience)
- Mini Butterfingers, (approximately 24 individual mini candies, or choose another candy like Snickers, Twix, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups)
- 1/3 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate work best for the drizzle)
- 1/3 cup Peanut Butter (creamy peanut butter will create the smoothest drizzle)
Instructions
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step will prevent your cookie cups from sticking and make removal much easier.
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Form the Cookie Cups: Take approximately one heaping tablespoon of chocolate chip cookie dough for each cavity. Press the dough firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin tin, creating a small cup-like indentation. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed to form a stable base for your candy.
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Bake the Cookie Bases: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and set. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
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Add the Candy Filling: Immediately upon removing the muffin tin from the oven, gently press one mini Butterfinger candy (or your chosen candy) into the center of each warm cookie cup. The warmth of the freshly baked cookie will soften the candy, allowing it to meld perfectly into the cup.
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Cooling Process: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling time is important as it allows the cookies to set and firm up, making them easier to remove without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Drizzle: While the cookie cups are cooling, prepare your decadent topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method for a more controlled melt.
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Drizzle and Serve: Once the cookie cups are completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture generously over each one. For an artistic touch, you can use a spoon or a piping bag with a fine tip. Allow the chocolate drizzle to harden for a few minutes before serving. This will create a delightful, slightly crisp topping. Enjoy your homemade Butterfinger Cookie Cups!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Cookie Cups
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a soft, chewy cookie cup is to remove it from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Press Candy Immediately: For the best meld, make sure to press the mini candy bars into the cookie cups as soon as they come out of the oven. The residual heat will soften the candy perfectly.
- Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the cookie cups to cool completely on a wire rack ensures they are fully set and the chocolate drizzle hardens properly, preventing a gooey mess.
- Even Dough Distribution: When pressing the dough into the muffin tin, try to make the cup walls as even as possible. This helps ensure uniform baking and a consistent final product.
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: While store-bought dough is a great shortcut, using quality chocolate chips and a creamy peanut butter for the drizzle will significantly enhance the flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of these cookie cups is their incredible flexibility. Here are some ideas to customize them:
- Candy Alternatives: As mentioned, almost any mini candy bar will work. Experiment with Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, M&M’s, or even chopped up candy bars. For a seasonal twist, try peppermint patties during the holidays.
- Cookie Dough Base: While chocolate chip cookie dough is a classic, you could also use sugar cookie dough, peanut butter cookie dough, or even brownie batter for a richer, fudgier cup.
- Toppings Galore: Instead of just a chocolate-peanut butter drizzle, consider:
- A dusting of powdered sugar.
- A dollop of whipped cream and a cherry.
- Sprinkles for a festive touch.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate drizzle to enhance the flavors.
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans) for extra crunch.
- Nut-Free Option: If allergies are a concern, swap Butterfingers for a nut-free candy and use a nut-free spread (like sunflower seed butter) for the drizzle, ensuring the cookie dough is also nut-free.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Butterfinger Cookie Cups are perfect for various occasions. They make excellent party desserts, lunchbox treats, or a sweet indulgence after a long day. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
To store them, place cooled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can also be kept in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their fresh-baked gooeyness.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Reward for Life’s Little Victories
Whether you’re celebrating athletic achievements, navigating a busy family schedule, or simply craving something sweet, these Butterfinger Cookie Cups offer a perfect solution. They are quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, embodying the spirit of simple pleasures and homemade goodness. The combination of chewy cookie, crunchy candy, and a rich, decadent drizzle is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So, next time life gets a little hectic, or you achieve a small personal victory, treat yourself and your loved ones to these wonderful cookie cups. They are a testament to how even the busiest days can end on a sweet and satisfying note.