Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both fun and delicious, you’ve got to try my Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe. These cookies combine that perfect mix of sweet, salty, and a little bit of crunch, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie. I absolutely love how the brown butter brings a rich, nutty depth to the dough, and the candy corn adds a whimsical pop of sweetness and color. Stick around because I’m going to share all my best tips so you nail these every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe blend classic cookie staples with that seasonal touch of candy corn and roasted peanuts, creating a fun texture and flavor dynamic. Keep an eye out for good-quality roasted peanuts—they really lift the cookie’s taste.

• Butter: Browning it yourself adds a nutty depth that’s totally worth the extra step.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and softness while enhancing caramel notes.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that pulls everything together.
• Flour: The base for your cookie, adding body and chew.
• Cornstarch: Gives extra tenderness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
• Peanuts: Roasted and chopped, they bring a wonderful crunch and subtle saltiness.
• Candy corn: Adds playful color and bursts of sugary sweetness throughout the cookie.

Variations

I’ve found that this Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe is a great canvas for tweaks — feel free to adjust according to what you love or have on hand. Get creative, and you might discover your own favorite spin!

• Nut Swap: I sometimes swap peanuts for pecans or walnuts for a milder nut taste, which my family loves.
• Candy Mix-up: Instead of candy corn, try using mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist that’s equally delicious.
• Diet-Friendly: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly healthier version that still tastes great.
• Extra Festive: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that irresistible sweet and salty combo.

How to Make Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for That Perfect Base

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Be patient and give it a gentle swirl every so often—watch as it changes from pale yellow into a golden honey shade. You want to catch it right when those small brown bits appear at the bottom, and a warm nutty aroma fills your kitchen. Trust me, this is where all the magic begins! Just don’t walk away because once it browns, it can burn quickly. Then, transfer it to a heatproof bowl and pop it in the fridge for about an hour to let it solidify slightly—this step makes your cookies thick and tender.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Brown Butter Until Creamy

Once the brown butter is firm but still soft, toss it in your stand mixer bowl. Add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar and cream together for about two minutes. You’ll notice it becomes fluffy and smooth—that’s the texture you want! Then, crack in the egg and stir in the vanilla extract, mixing again until it’s all beautifully combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Just Until Combined

Next, gently stir in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Don’t overmix here; a few streaks of flour are okay. Then fold in the chopped roasted peanuts and candy corn, giving everything an even distribution. This is where your cookies start to get personality!

Step 4: Chill While You Preheat and Bake to Perfection

Pop the dough in the fridge for a quick chill while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When ready, scoop out dough balls using a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, placing them spaced well apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes—you want the edges to be set but the centers still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key for that beautiful chewy texture.

How to Serve Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra candy corn pieces on top right before baking to dial up the festive look. Sometimes, I add a pinch of flaky sea salt for those perfect sweet-salty bites that keep everyone coming back for more.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of spiced tea. For parties, I like to serve them alongside my homemade pumpkin dip or a simple fruit platter for a balanced snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or autumn gatherings, I arrange these cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper and surround them with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins and colorful leaves. Another idea I tried was stacking them with layers of wax paper in cookie jars as gifts—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge also works—just bring them to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is a lifesaver for busy days or unexpected guests!

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Candy Corn Cookies with Peanuts Recipe is one of those treats that always brings a smile to my face—and to everyone who tries them. They’re perfect for cozy fall afternoons, playful holiday baking, or anytime you want a cookie that’s a little out of the ordinary. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your cookie rotation. Now go bake, share, and savor every delightful bite!

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