Embrace Messy: Crumbly Butterfinger Cookies

Have you ever noticed how we tend to be our own worst critics? We hold ourselves to impossible standards, replay mistakes in our minds, and forget to offer ourselves the same kindness we so easily give to others. But what if we treated ourselves like a friend—with compassion, patience, and love? That’s exactly what these Butterfinger Cookies remind us to do.

Just like life, they’re a little messy, a little imperfect, but still incredibly sweet and worth savoring. With their crispy, crumbly Butterfinger pieces mixed into soft, chewy dough, each cookie is a delightful blend of textures that mirrors the beautiful chaos of our own experiences.

These cookies encapsulate the idea that perfection isn’t necessary to create something wonderful. So as you mix, bake, and indulge, take a moment to pause and appreciate yourself. You deserve this sweetness—not just from a cookie, but from yourself. Let the deliciousness remind you that it’s okay to embrace the messiness and enjoy every bite of this sweet journey.

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Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold & cubed

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks (instead of whole eggs for extra richness and tenderness)

1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup almond flour (adds tenderness and a slightly nutty depth)

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp sea salt

1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

¾ cup chopped dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips (for a more balanced sweetness)

½ tsp espresso powder (optional but enhances the chocolate depth)

Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (for that perfect contrast of sweet & salty)

Instructions:

Preheat & Prep with Intention:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As you prepare, take a moment to breathe deeply and acknowledge that it's okay to make mistakes in the kitchen—each misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Interactive Moment: As you set up, take a deep breath and place your hands over your heart. Close your eyes for a moment and repeat to yourself, “I embrace the joy of this process, imperfections and all.”

Cream Butter & Sugars: Acknowledging Imperfection:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter with both sugars until it becomes creamy but still slightly textured. Remember, just like this mixture, you don’t have to be perfect—embracing your unique qualities makes you worthy.

Interactive Moment: As you mix, say out loud, “It’s okay to be a little messy. I’m enough just as I am.” Feel the textures and appreciate the experience—no need for perfection here!

Add Egg Yolks & Vanilla: Celebrating Your Uniqueness:

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste, blending until smooth. While mixing, reflect on what makes you uniquely you—embrace the quirks and qualities that contribute to your character.

Interactive Moment: Share with someone nearby what makes you unique—perhaps a quirky talent or a personal trait. Embrace those qualities, knowing they add richness to your life!

Combine Dry Ingredients: Acknowledge the Mess:

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. It's okay if some flour spills—acknowledge this moment! Life’s messiness adds richness to your experiences.

Interactive Moment: Allow yourself a small spill—let some flour fly! Laugh it off and say, “Messiness is part of the fun!” Recognize that life is about embracing the unexpected.

Mix & Fold with Awareness:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger pieces and chopped dark chocolate. As you fold, remind yourself that just like these ingredients, you don’t need to be perfect to create something beautiful.

Interactive Moment: As you fold, say affirmations like, “I’m blending my experiences, messiness and beauty, to create something wonderful.” Feel the harmony of flavors, just like the harmony of your life.

Shape & Bake: Spacing Out the Stress:

Scoop the dough into small mounds, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. As you shape each cookie, recognize that spacing them apart mirrors giving yourself room to breathe and grow.

Interactive Moment: As you shape each cookie, say to yourself, “I give myself space to grow and explore.” Notice how the cookies have room to expand, just like you do in life.

Bake to Perfection: Embracing the Journey:

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. While they bake, take a moment to appreciate the journey—cooking doesn't require perfection; it's about the process and the joy it brings.

Interactive Moment: While they bake, take 5 minutes to jot down one thing you’re proud of and one lesson you’ve learned from a mistake. Remember that growth often comes from our challenges.

Cool & Enjoy: Savoring Every Moment:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Take a bite and allow the flavors to remind you: just like these cookies, it's okay to be slightly crumbly. You are worthy of sweetness, even when things aren’t perfect.

Interactive Moment: As you take your first bite, close your eyes and savor the flavors. Repeat to yourself, “I am worthy of sweetness, just as I am.”

Pro Tip for Extra Crumble & Compassion:

For a flakier, shortbread-like texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Just as this step helps create a delicate crumb, taking a moment to pause and reflect on your worth can create a sense of calm. Embrace the delicious messiness of life!

Interactive Moment: While waiting, take a few moments to meditate or practice deep breathing. As your dough cools, remember to give yourself patience and love during life’s chaotic moments—embracing the journey, just like you are with these cookie