Payday Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the iconic flavors of a Payday candy bar and transform them into a home-baked treat, these Payday Cookies are about to make your dessert dreams come true. Bursting with roasted peanut crunch, a buttery-soft cookie base, and creamy, gooey peanut butter centers, each bite is a nostalgic throwback with an irresistible homemade twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Payday Cookies is how each ingredient plays a starring role—there’s nothing fussy, just pantry basics that combine for a truly show-stopping result. Here’s what makes these cookies so special, one simple component at a time.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb and that classic homemade flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and chewiness, while keeping the cookie soft in the middle.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, moist dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a warm, bakery-style aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone for the cookies, ensuring just the right texture.
• Egg White & Water Mixture: This duo helps the chopped peanuts cling to every inch of dough.
• Salted Peanuts: Coarsely chopped for maximum crunch and that signature sweet-and-salty contrast (don’t skip these—they define Payday Cookies!).
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The luscious filling that brings a gooey, nutty center bursting with flavor.
• White Chocolate & Vegetable Oil: The ultimate finishing touch—a sweet, creamy drizzle to echo the candy bar inspiration and make these cookies look irresistible.

Variations

What I love most is how easy it is to riff on the classic Payday Cookies formula—whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to special diets, there’s ample room to make these uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment, swap, or add extras!

• Chocolate Payday Cookies: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough or swap the white chocolate drizzle for a dark or milk chocolate version.
• Almond Twist: Use roasted salted almonds instead of peanuts for a fun flavor change (or try a blend of your favorite nuts for even more crunch).
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have cookies everyone at the table can enjoy.
• Extra Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a tiny swirl of caramel sauce along with the peanut butter center for a gourmet upgrade.

How to Make Payday Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating together the butter and light brown sugar on medium speed. Don’t rush this part—whip until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost mousse-like, about four minutes. This is how you achieve that light, bakery-style cookie texture every single time.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add your egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well, scraping the sides as you go, so the eggs are fully incorporated and the dough stays nicely emulsified (no streaks, please!).

Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Chill

Use low speed to gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. The dough should come together and look soft but not sticky. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for an hour—this step is absolutely worth it for perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 4: Coat Dough Balls in Peanuts

Set up a little assembly line: in one bowl, stir together the egg white and water; in another, your chopped salted peanuts. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip each in the egg white mixture, then gently roll to coat in peanuts. It’s a little messy, but trust me—it will be delicious!

Step 5: Fill, Bake, and Cool

Place the peanut-coated dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets with a couple inches between them. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a well into the center of each, then dollop in a bit of creamy peanut butter. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until set and golden, rotating pans halfway. Cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 6: Finish with White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate and vegetable oil together in the microwave in short bursts until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled Payday Cookies in zig-zags or swirls, and let them set. The glossy finish is both beautiful and the perfect sweet complement to all that salt and peanutty goodness.

How to Serve Payday Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Payday Cookies over the top with a dusting of extra chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after drizzling, while the chocolate is still tacky. Or try a barely-there puff of powdered sugar for a snowy bakery look without masking the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies aren’t shy—they pair superbly with classic accompaniments like cold milk, a rich hot chocolate, or a cup of dark roast coffee. For a playful dessert platter, set them alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat-yourself experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Payday Cookies look gorgeous presented in a rustic bakery box with tissue for gifting, or lined up on a pretty ceramic tray for a party. For a fun twist, turn them into ice cream sandwiches, or arrange in tall jars as part of a DIY cookie bar at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Payday Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—keep them fresh for up to four or five days. A layer of wax paper between stacks helps protect that delicate drizzle and prevents sticking.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Once completely cooled and drizzled, payday cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange in single layers separated by parchment and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temp for snacking any time the craving hits.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat these cookies, but if you want to gently refresh them, a quick 5–8 seconds in the microwave will soften the center and awaken that just-baked aroma. Be careful—the peanut butter filling gets hot quickly!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love classic candy bars and crave a fun project in the kitchen, Payday Cookies are destined to be your new go-to. Their salty-sweet crunch and gooey center never disappoint, and there’s nothing like seeing friends and family light up at first bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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