Peanut Fingers
Sweet and crunchy peanut fingers feature rich peanut flavor, chocolate coating, and crushed peanuts, making them a delightful treat for parties, snacks, or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, peanut butter, sugars, and egg thoroughly.
- Sift dry ingredients together; stir into the mixture.
- Chill the dough for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Put the dough through a cookie press, making 2 1/2-inch long cookies using a star-shaped plate.
- Place cookies on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Allow cookies to cool, then dip one end in melted chocolate.
- Immediately roll the chocolate-dipped end in crushed salted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will add fiber to your Peanut Fingers. If you're out of chocolate bars, melted dark chocolate or even a nut butter drizzle can work well too. Ensure the shortening is soft enough for easy mixing; you can microwave it for a few seconds if needed. Chill the dough for proper consistency before using the cookie press.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Fingers make a delightful treat for gatherings, especially paired with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They are perfect for lunchboxes or as an after-school snack. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or crumbled over yogurt, making them a versatile addition to your dessert menu. They also pair beautifully with Better-For-You Pound Cake for a sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm them in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Fingers contains roughly 1113 calories, with 28g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly due to its oil content. Natural peanut butter can make the cookies a bit denser. If using, ensure to mix it well to incorporate the oils evenly.
What can I substitute for the chocolate bars?
If you don't have chocolate bars, you can substitute with chocolate chips or melted chocolate from a bar. Just ensure they are of good quality for the best flavor. You can also try using white chocolate for a different taste.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Peanut Fingers, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/4 teaspoon to help with the texture. This will allow you to enjoy the cookies without gluten while maintaining their delicious flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).