Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a show-stopping treat that combines the creamy, nutty delight of peanut butter with the irresistible decadence of chocolate, all nestled inside a melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, incredibly easy to prepare, and turn a handful of pantry staples into something truly magical. Every bite is a little surprise—tender, slightly chewy cookie on the outside with a gooey, chocolatey center that will have everyone reaching for seconds. No wonder Peanut Butter Cup Cookies have earned their spot as a beloved classic in homes everywhere!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is that you don’t need anything fancy—each ingredient plays a starring role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each item matters:
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies a tender, rich base and helps them bake up perfectly light.
- Creamy peanut butter: Infuses every bite with that unmistakable peanutty flavor and creates a soft, chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps crisp the cookie’s edges just the right amount.
- Brown sugar, packed: Lends a subtle caramel note and extra moisture to keep cookies soft.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavors, making the peanut butter and chocolate pop even more.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure for cookie dough that holds its shape beautifully in the oven.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors sing.
- Mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped: The surprise at the center—these melt slightly into the cookie for a gooey chocolate-peanut butter payoff.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients
Let’s make sure everything is ready to go. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin pan. This ensures your cookies pop out easily with all their gorgeous shape and gooey centers intact. If you haven’t done so already, unwrap your mini peanut butter cups and pop them in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes—this is a nifty trick that keeps the chocolate from melting too quickly when you press them into the hot cookies later.
Step 2: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes—which sets up an airy, smooth dough base for your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Scrape down the bowl as needed, then blend in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps evenly distribute the leavening and salt so no bite is off-balance. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a soft, cohesive dough forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
With clean hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and nestle each one into the prepared mini muffin pan cup. Aim for uniformity so they bake evenly! Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are just lightly golden on top and set around the edges. Resist the urge to overbake; they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Step 5: Press in the Peanut Butter Cups
As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, quickly press a frozen mini peanut butter cup into the center of each one. You’ll love how the chocolate gently softens, creating that signature fudgy center that defines Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Let the cookies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Enjoy the sweet anticipation!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over each cookie while the chocolate is still soft. If you’re feeling extra festive, add tiny chocolate or peanut butter chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These details not only make your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies even prettier on the plate but also provide an added layer of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies are at their best with a tall glass of cold milk—that classic combination is hard to beat! If you want to create a dessert platter, consider pairing them with fresh strawberries, a handful of roasted nuts, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their sweet-salty punch plays especially well with anything creamy or fruity.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in mini cupcake liners for individual treats at parties or gift them in a cute tin wrapped with ribbon. Stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or tuck a couple into lunchboxes for a delightful midday surprise. These little cookies also make a fantastic edible party favor—just watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay wonderfully soft and flavorful for up to five days. Just slip a slice of sandwich bread in the container alongside the cookies to keep them moist even longer!
Freezing
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies freeze like a dream. After they’ve cooled completely, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight freezer container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. When cookie cravings hit, you’ll always have a stash ready to thaw and enjoy!
Reheating
If you like your cookies just a bit warm and gooey, pop a single Peanut Butter Cup Cookie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The center will get luscious and melty, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven magic that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter gives a smoother texture, chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch for those who love an extra bit of peanut in every bite. Just be aware that the cookies might spread a tad less.
Are there other candies I can use in place of the mini peanut butter cups?
Definitely! Mini chocolate caramel cups, bite-sized truffles, or even a square of your favorite chocolate bar make great substitutes. Each option gives a unique twist but keeps that spirit of surprise at the center of the cookie.
Do I need a mini muffin pan to make these cookies?
A mini muffin pan is highly recommended for that classic “cup” shape, but if you don’t have one, you can simply space the dough balls out on a regular baking sheet. The cookies will be flatter, but still delicious!
Can I double the Peanut Butter Cup Cookies recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully, making it ideal for parties or freezer prep. Just use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches as needed, keeping the assembly line moving with ease.
How do I keep my Peanut Butter Cup Cookies from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease your mini muffin tin well or use mini cupcake liners to prevent sticking. Letting the cookies cool slightly in the pan also helps them firm up before removal.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Peanut Butter Cup Cookies yet, now’s the time to dive in. With their delightfully soft texture, gooey chocolate centers, and crowd-pleasing flavor, these cookies promise to become a go-to in your dessert rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to help, and get baking—you’re about to create a little bit of cookie magic!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These soft and chewy cookies are filled with a surprise mini peanut butter cup in the center, making them a favorite for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Topping:
- 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Mix the dough: Cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Bake: Roll dough into balls, place in muffin tin, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Add topping: Press a mini peanut butter cup into each cookie immediately after baking.
- Cool: Let cookies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freeze the peanut butter cups before baking to prevent quick melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
