These Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious mashup of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies and rich, chocolatey Snickers bars. If you’ve ever had a cookie from Crumbl and wished you could make it at home, this copycat recipe delivers the same indulgent experience. Every bite includes smooth peanut butter flavor, chunks of caramel and nougat from chopped Snickers bars, and a swirl of thick caramel buttercream frosting on top. These cookies are bakery-quality, but simple enough to make in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, holiday dessert table, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The recipe is also great for edible gifts or cookie exchanges because it’s unique and visually stunning once frosted and topped.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft and chewy peanut butter cookie base.
- Packed with chopped Snickers pieces for texture and flavor.
- Topped with a thick swirl of caramel buttercream.
- No chilling required—ready in just over 30 minutes.
- Easy to follow and freezer-friendly.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make these Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need:
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar evenly.
- Mixing bowls: One large for cookie dough, one medium for the frosting.
- Silicone spatula: For gently folding in ingredients.
- Cookie scoop (3-tablespoon size): Ensures uniform cookies like Crumbl’s.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper: For even baking and easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly before frosting.
- Piping bag and tip (optional): For a clean swirl of frosting.
Each tool plays an important role in achieving that bakery-style finish. Skipping or substituting them could affect the final texture and look of the cookies.
Prep Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature butter and egg to help everything mix smoothly.
- Chop your Snickers bars into small pieces—about eight chunks per fun-size bar—to ensure even distribution and prevent large melted sections.
- Bake one tray at a time for consistent heat distribution.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting. Warm cookies will melt the buttercream.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 8 tablespoons (4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (3.5 oz)
- â…“ 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
- â…› 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 (such as Mrs. Richardson’s)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Add the egg and mix until just incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped Snickers pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough into 3-tablespoon portions. Space cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, one tray at a time. Cookies should be set on the edges with crackled tops.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Buttercream
- Beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Add 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Adjust the texture by adding more caramel to thin or powdered sugar to thicken.
Frost and Finish
- Once cookies are cool, frost each one using a piping bag or spoon.
- Top with remaining chopped Snickers pieces.
- Refrigerate to set the frosting. Store cookies in the fridge or freeze them for later.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
These Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are rich and decadent, which makes serving them a fun opportunity to get creative. Here are a few ways to enjoy them at their best:
- Serve at room temperature: Let the cookies sit out for 15 minutes if stored in the fridge to allow the frosting and cookie base to soften.
- Chill for a firmer texture: If you prefer a thicker, chewy bite, enjoy them straight from the fridge.
- Cut in halves or quarters: These cookies are large, so cutting them makes them easier to share on dessert trays or at parties.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt: This enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- Pair with drinks: These go especially well with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk for a classic pairing.
The balance of sweet and salty in the cookie itself, topped with the smooth caramel buttercream, offers a flavor combination that pairs well with both light and rich beverages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go off-track without the right technique. Here are the most common errors to avoid when baking these Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies, along with expert tips to get them just right.
1. Overmixing the Dough
Once the flour is added, it’s important to fold gently. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough or dry texture rather than a soft, chewy cookie.
Tip: Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. A few streaks of flour are fine—they’ll incorporate as you fold in the Snickers pieces.
2. Using Natural Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter often separates and contains more oil, which can make the dough too greasy and difficult to work with. It can also affect the consistency of the final bake.
Tip: Use processed, creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the best texture and flavor balance.
3. Undercutting the Frosting Time
Frosting too early or not chilling after frosting can cause the buttercream to slide or melt, especially in warmer kitchens.
Tip: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting. Chill cookies after frosting to set the swirl and make them easier to transport or stack.
4. Skipping the Cookie Scoop
Freehanded dough balls can vary in size, leading to uneven baking. A scoop ensures consistent size, shape, and doneness across all cookies.
Tip: Use a 3-tablespoon scoop for bakery-sized cookies and even baking.
5. Overbaking
These cookies should be just golden around the edges. Baking them too long can result in dry, crumbly texture instead of a soft, chewy center.
Tip: Pull cookies when the tops are crackled and edges lightly brown. They will continue to set on the baking sheet as they cool.
Side Dish Pairings
Pairing desserts may not be as common as entrees, but offering complementary flavors and textures alongside these cookies can elevate your dessert table or holiday platter. Here are eight sweet and satisfying options that go beautifully with Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies:
1. Salted Caramel Brownies
These double down on the caramel theme while offering a denser, fudgy texture that contrasts the softness of the cookies.
2. Mini Cheesecake Bites
The tang of cream cheese offsets the sweetness of the cookie’s caramel buttercream, offering a more balanced dessert spread.
3. Peanut Butter Fudge
Smooth, creamy, and rich, fudge adds another peanut butter element without repeating textures.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Light and fruity, these are a great option to cut through the cookie’s richness.
5. Mocha Shots or Espresso Cups
Not technically a side dish, but strong coffee or espresso balances the sweet, buttery flavor profile perfectly.
6. Caramel Popcorn Clusters
Crunchy and salty-sweet, these add texture contrast while matching the candy-like flavor notes.
7. Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla pairs perfectly when serving cookies warm or as a cookie sandwich.
8. Fresh Fruit Skewers
Strawberries, grapes, and kiwi slices offer a refreshing bite and add color to your dessert platter.
These options can be mixed and matched to build a complete dessert board or buffet. Whether you’re creating a party spread or enjoying a cozy night in, adding one or two of these sides makes the experience more memorable.
Expert Tips to Master the Recipe
To ensure your Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies come out soft, chewy, and bakery-worthy every time, keep these expert-level tips in mind:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This includes butter and eggs. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and evenly, creating a smoother dough and a consistent bake.
Avoid Overbaking
These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden and the tops appear crackled. They will finish setting on the baking sheet as they cool.
Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Frosting
Applying frosting too early can cause it to melt or slide. Ensure the cookies are fully cooled for clean swirls and better presentation.
Adjust Buttercream Consistency Carefully
Too thick? Add a small amount of cream or extra caramel. Too thin? Add a little more powdered sugar. The frosting should be soft enough to pipe, but firm enough to hold shape.
Chop Snickers Bars Evenly
Uneven chunks can cause lopsided cookies or messy pools of melted caramel. Cut each fun-size Snickers into about 8 small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
Use a Piping Bag for Clean Frosting Swirls
Although spreading with a spoon works, a piping bag with a round or star tip gives that signature Crumbl look.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Proper storage helps preserve the flavor and texture of your Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies.
Refrigeration
Place frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Chill for up to 4 days. If stacking is necessary, use wax paper or parchment between layers to prevent smudging the frosting.
Freezing
These cookies freeze well both frosted and unfrosted.
To freeze before frosting:
Let cookies cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
To freeze after frosting:
Place cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Avoid reheating frosted cookies, as the buttercream will melt. Serve cold or bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Snickers?
Yes. Milky Way, Twix, or even chopped Reese’s can be used as substitutes. Each will create a slightly different flavor but will still pair well with peanut butter and caramel.
Is it okay to use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter is not recommended. It tends to be oilier and less stable, which can lead to greasy or crumbly cookies. Use processed creamy peanut butter for best results.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough (covered) for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before scooping and baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Frosted cookies last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze and thaw as needed.
Do I have to use a piping bag?
No, but it gives a more polished appearance. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a spoon or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Can I skip the frosting?
You can. The cookies will still be flavorful and chewy thanks to the peanut butter and Snickers chunks. However, the caramel buttercream adds a rich finish that matches the Crumbl-style experience.
Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Every Bite
These Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies bring everything you love about the iconic cookie shop into your kitchen. From the creamy peanut butter base to the generous pieces of candy and luxurious caramel frosting, every bite is designed to be rich, chewy, and satisfying.
Perfect for holidays, birthday trays, or everyday indulgence, this recipe stands out because it blends nostalgic candy bar flavor with a gourmet cookie texture. You don’t need special equipment or advanced skills to create something that looks and tastes bakery-level.
With the right tips, tools, and a little care during preparation, you can bake a batch of cookies that’s not just a copycat—but possibly even better than the original.
Crumbl Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 8 tablespoons 4 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar 3.5 oz
- â…“ 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
- â…› 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 such as Mrs. Richardson’s
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer for about 2–3 minutes, until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Add the egg and mix just until incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold together using a spatula until no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped Snickers pieces.
- Scoop the dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to form about 16 cookies. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 10–12 minutes, until tops are crackled and edges are just turning golden. Avoid overbaking.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the caramel buttercream, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more caramel (for flavor), more powdered sugar (to thicken), or 1–2 teaspoons of milk or cream (to thin).
- Once cookies are completely cool, frost with the caramel buttercream using a spoon or piping tip.
- Top each frosted cookie with the remaining chopped Snickers pieces.
- Chill cookies in the refrigerator until the frosting is set. Once chilled, they can be gently stacked with wax paper between layers.
Leave a Comment