Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’ve ever tasted the legendary Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies, you know how unforgettable they are. This copycat version brings the bakery-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen. These cookies are thick, soft, and chewy, packed with chopped Snickers bars and topped with a generous swirl of caramel buttercream. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, with just the right amount of chocolate and caramel.

Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday cookie tray, or just because you’re craving something rich and satisfying, these cookies never disappoint. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prepping in advance.

Why These Cookies Stand Out

Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a sweet treat. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation:

• Bakery-style thickness: Each cookie is large, soft, and dense with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Real Snickers inside: Chopped candy pieces provide chewy caramel, peanut, and nougat bursts.
• Peanut butter base: A rich and smooth dough elevates the flavor and texture.
• Frosted finish: The caramel buttercream adds a luxurious, sweet topping that takes the cookies over the top.
• Perfect for sharing: Makes a batch of 16 indulgent cookies, great for gifting or group gatherings.

Preparation Phase

Before diving into the mixing and baking, it’s important to get organized. Prepping your ingredients and tools ahead of time ensures your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Pro Tips Before You Begin

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
• Finely chop Snickers bars to avoid large gooey chunks that can affect cookie shape.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and the results more consistent. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hand mixer or stand mixer – for creaming butter and sugars
• Rubber spatula – for folding in flour and candy pieces
• 3-tablespoon cookie scoop – ensures evenly sized cookies
• Baking sheets – lined with parchment for even heat distribution
• Wire cooling rack – essential for cooling cookies after baking

Ingredient List

Gather the following ingredients before starting. They’re split into two groups: one for the cookie base and one for the caramel frosting.

For the Cookies

• 8 tablespoons (4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar (3.5 oz)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (2.5 oz)
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter (4.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (6.25 oz)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups chopped Snickers bar pieces, divided (about 13 fun-size bars)

For the Caramel Buttercream

• 12 tablespoons (6 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar (8 oz)
• 4–6 tablespoons thick caramel sauce
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. Add the egg and beat just until incorporated.
5. Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a spatula to fold the mixture until no dry flour remains.
6. Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped Snickers bar pieces.
7. Scoop the dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop. Place each scoop 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake one sheet at a time for 10–12 minutes. The tops should be crackled and the edges just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Caramel Buttercream

1. Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating after each addition until fluffy.
3. Add 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Adjust texture by adding more caramel or powdered sugar as needed. For a looser consistency, add a teaspoon of milk.

Frost and Decorate

• Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a swirl of caramel buttercream onto each.
• Top with the remaining chopped Snickers bar pieces.
• Refrigerate the cookies to set the frosting before stacking or serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are undeniably rich and indulgent, so how you serve them can make all the difference. Whether you’re plating them for a dessert table or storing them for later enjoyment, here are a few ways to elevate the experience.

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: Chilling helps the caramel buttercream hold its shape and intensifies the peanut butter flavor. For a softer bite, allow cookies to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• Perfect for gifting: These cookies stack beautifully when chilled. Use wax paper between each cookie and place in a bakery-style box or festive tin.
• Great for special occasions: Make a statement at birthdays, cookie swaps, or holiday parties with these thick, bakery-style cookies.
• Pair with beverages: Serve alongside a glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.

For the best presentation, use a piping bag to apply the caramel buttercream in a swirl pattern and sprinkle the chopped Snickers evenly across the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong without the right techniques. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies, along with tips to get them just right.

1. Overbaking the Cookies

Many home bakers think cookies need to look fully set before pulling them out of the oven. In truth, cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal. The key is to bake them until the edges are just golden, with soft, crackled tops.

2. Using Natural Peanut Butter

While healthier, natural peanut butter separates and lacks the stabilizers found in conventional brands. This can lead to oily or crumbly dough. Always use smooth, no-stir peanut butter for this recipe.

3. Incorrect Flour Measurement

Scooping flour directly with the measuring cup can lead to dense cookies. For accurate results, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off—or better yet, weigh it using a kitchen scale.

4. Not Chilling Before Stacking

The caramel buttercream needs time to set. Without chilling, the frosting can smudge and cause cookies to stick together. Always refrigerate frosted cookies before stacking or packaging.

How to Perfect the Recipe

Want to take your Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies to the next level? Try these enhancements and expert techniques:

• Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform size and even baking. A 3-tablespoon scoop yields thick, bakery-style cookies.
• Chop candy evenly: Aim for small, bite-sized Snickers pieces so they melt evenly into the dough without creating empty gaps.
• Beat butter and sugars thoroughly: Creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy is key to soft cookies with a light crumb.
• Experiment with frosting texture: If you want a pipeable frosting, chill it slightly before decorating. For a softer finish, keep it at room temperature.

Optional Add-ons

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the frosted cookies to balance the sweetness.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosting for an even more decadent finish.
• Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Side Dish Recommendations

While these cookies are a showstopper on their own, they also pair beautifully with a variety of other desserts and snacks. Here are eight side dish or serving suggestions that complement the rich, peanut butter-caramel flavor.

1. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

The cool, creamy texture and salty finish contrast beautifully with the dense, chewy cookie.

2. Chocolate Milkshake

Thick and cold, a chocolate milkshake balances out the cookie’s richness with its smooth texture.

3. Fresh Berry Salad

A tart fruit salad with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds freshness and cuts through the sweetness.

4. Peanut Butter Fudge

Small squares of peanut butter fudge mirror the cookie’s core flavor and add a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth element.

5. Hot Chocolate

A warm mug of cocoa is the perfect companion to a chilled cookie, especially on cozy nights or during the holidays.

6. Cheesecake Bites

Mini cheesecakes offer a creamy contrast to the cookie’s dense chew, making them a balanced pairing for dessert trays.

7. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a classic touch and makes for a dreamy cookie sandwich if you’re feeling creative.

8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

The salty crunch of chocolate-dipped pretzels pairs exceptionally well with the soft texture and candy topping of the cookies.

Expert Recipe Tips and Creative Variations

Mastering the perfect Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies doesn’t stop with the basics. A few additional tweaks and creative spins can personalize your batch and elevate flavor, texture, and appearance.

Expert Tips

• Use high-quality caramel sauce: The richness of the buttercream depends on the quality of the caramel. Look for thick, buttery caramel with minimal artificial ingredients.
• Let butter reach room temperature naturally: Microwaving to soften butter can partially melt it, which affects the dough’s structure. Let it sit at room temp for 30–60 minutes.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Cool cookies completely before frosting: Frosting too soon can cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.

Fun Variations

• Use other candy bars: Swap Snickers with Twix, Milky Way, or Reese’s for new flavor combinations.
• Add chocolate chips: Mix in dark or milk chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Make cookie sandwiches: Spread caramel buttercream between two cookies for a decadent sandwich treat.
• Turn them into bars: Press the dough into a greased 9×13 pan, bake, then frost and slice into bars for easy serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage is essential to maintain the taste, texture, and visual appeal of these cookies. Thanks to the sturdy caramel buttercream and candy topping, they hold up well for several days if stored correctly.

Storing Cookies

• Refrigerated storage: Place cookies in a single layer or stacked with wax paper between each layer in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Room temperature storage (unfrosted only): If you plan to frost the cookies just before serving, the plain cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze frosted cookies: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To freeze unfrosted cookies: Store in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Reheating and Serving Tips

• Let refrigerated or frozen cookies come to room temperature before serving.
• To slightly warm the cookie without melting the frosting, microwave for 5–7 seconds. This creates a gooey texture without compromising the buttercream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies, based on popular search trends and baking inquiries.

How do I store peanut butter cookies with frosting?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let cookies sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes. Freeze frosted or unfrosted cookies in layers with wax paper between each. Use an airtight container and consume within 2 months for best quality.

What kind of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can impact the dough’s consistency.

How do I make my cookies stay soft?

Do not overbake the cookies. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden and the centers are puffed and slightly underbaked.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can, but the texture will be different. Crunchy peanut butter adds small nut pieces to the dough, which may compete with the Snickers chunks.

What is in Crumbl’s original Snickers cookie?

Crumbl’s version includes a peanut butter base, chunks of Snickers candy, and a swirl of caramel frosting. This recipe closely replicates those components using accessible ingredients.

Can I use a different candy bar in the same recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe is adaptable. Twix, Reese’s, Milky Way, or even chopped peanut butter cups work well as substitutes or add-ins.

Conclusion

Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies deliver a flavor-packed experience that combines soft peanut butter cookie dough, gooey candy chunks, and creamy caramel frosting. With the right technique and tools, you can recreate these bakery-style cookies in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or keeping a secret stash in the freezer, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings, candies, and presentations to make the cookies your own.

For more Crumbl-inspired treats, check out our Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe and explore our guide on How to Make Bakery-Style Cookies at Home.