This Leftover Candy Cookies recipe will turn your favorite candies into amazing cookies with a delightful mix of flavors in every bite! It's a delicious way to make the most of your extra treats that will surely please kids and adults alike!
Need a twist from your regular cookies? Try my Sugar Cookies, Rice Krispies Cookies, and Oreo Cheesecake Cookies recipe!
Jump to:
What are Leftover Candy Cookies?
Leftover Candy Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with a delicious mix of leftover candies and a classic cookie dough. This easy cookie recipe is a fun and easy way to repurpose your extra candy bars, chocolate candies, peanut butter cups, chocolate bars such as Hershey's or Kit Kats, or any other candies you have in your pantry.
These leftover candy cookies can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are inspired by classic favorites cookies—but with a unique twist! Instead of using just one type of candy, many kinds of candies are mixed, making each batch unique with different flavors and textures.
People usually enjoy making these cookies after the holidays to use up leftover candies and minimize waste. It is also a fun baking activity for families because the kids can help add their favorite sweets.
Learn more about this leftover candy cookies recipe below and give this a try!
Substitutions
- Butter - Use unsalted butter, coconut oil, or margarine as alternatives.
- Granulated Sugar - Swap with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
- Egg - Replace with flax eggs, chia eggs, or applesauce.
- Peanut Butter - Substitute with almond butter, or sunflower butter.
Variations
- Mint Chocolate – Mix in chopped Andes mints, mint M&Ms, and a touch of peppermint extract.
- S’mores – Add mini marshmallows, graham cracker chunks, and chocolate pieces for a gooey treat.
- Spiced Chocolate – Use chocolate-covered cinnamon candies with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spiced flavored cookie.
- Nutty Mix - Add nuts such as macadamia nuts, peanuts, or almonds in the cookie batter before baking. Nuts add extra delicious texture in every bite!
Storage
- Store these leftover candy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You may put the baked cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
- For freezing cookie dough, scoop into balls, freeze, and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Creamy peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Mixed candies
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a large bowl, add butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Then, mix them until well-combined.
After that, add eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter into the bowl. Then, continue mixing.
In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Then, gradually mix into the peanut butter mixture, and fold in the mixed candies until evenly distributed.
Get a medium cookie scoop. Then, place each of your cookie dough balls on your cookie sheet and bake these cookies at 350F for about 10 minutes.
When done baking, put the freshly baked cookies on a cooling rack.
Finally, when cooled down enough, break one in half and enjoy the unique flavor of these delicious leftover candy cookies!
It is so easy to bake and all you need is a mixing skill!
Hint: Use a mix of chocolate, caramel, peanut butter cups, or candy-coated chocolates for fun textures.
⭐ Top Tip
Before mixing in the dry ingredients for the leftover candy cookies, don't forget to sift them very well. Sifting will prevent lumps in your cookies.
FAQ
More Recipes
Here are more cookie recipes you will enjoy making:
Leftover Candy Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups mixed candy (chocolate bars, M&Ms, caramel, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the mixed candy pieces.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Watch The Recipe Video!
Epic cookie says
hi Lainey! These look delicious. How Many cookies does this recipe make?
Thanks!
Lainey says
hello! This recipe can make about 2 dozen, I hope this helps!
Sweet says
Now this is a fun way to use up left over candies!
Ching says
I love how simple it is to make these colorful and delicious cookies! Thanks, Lainey! 🙂