Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

If you’re a peanut butter and chocolate lover, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, nutty peanut butter and smooth, melty chocolate, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. Every bite is packed with the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, making them an instant favorite for cookie lovers of all ages.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Best of all, they’re super easy to make, requiring simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they disappear so fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect balance of flavors – The sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter create an unbeatable duo.
• Soft and chewy texture – These cookies stay deliciously tender with just the right amount of bite.
• Easy to make – No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Great for any occasion – Whether for holidays, bake sales, or just a sweet craving, these cookies always deliver.
• Perfectly portioned – The peanut butter cups nestle right into the cookies, making every bite deliciously chocolatey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cookies:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (125g) peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 24 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies come together quickly and bake up into soft, peanut-buttery perfection. Just follow these simple steps for the ultimate homemade treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture, so mix for at least 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. The peanut butter not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies soft and tender.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cookies a perfect rise.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them into the cups of an ungreased mini muffin tin. This helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, making it gooey and delicious.

Let the cookies cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once cooled, dig in! These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for later snacking.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps everything mix smoothly, giving you a uniform dough.
• Don’t overbake – The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.
• Work quickly when adding the peanut butter cups – Press them in while the cookies are still warm to help them melt slightly and stick.
• Use a mini muffin tin – This keeps the cookies from spreading too much and gives them the perfect shape.
• Chill the dough if it’s too soft – If your dough is sticky or hard to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Softening Butter: If you forgot to take your butter out of the fridge, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for 5-10 seconds (but don’t let it melt!).
• Measuring Flour Correctly: To avoid dense cookies, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Peanut Butter Substitutions: If you have a peanut allergy, you can try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture.
• Chilling the Dough (Optional): If you want extra thick cookies, refrigerate the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.
• Make It Extra Decadent: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies after they’ve cooled for a fancy touch.
• Reheating Cookies: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating to make the peanut butter cup soft and melty again.
• Gifting Idea: These cookies make a great homemade gift! Pack them in a decorative tin or jar for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.

Freezing Instructions:

• Unbaked Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking as usual.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture, which can be a fun twist. Just make sure to mix it well so the dough holds together.

Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Definitely! If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. They’ll spread a bit more, but they’ll still be delicious.

What’s the best way to unwrap peanut butter cups easily?
If your peanut butter cups are sticking to the wrappers, try chilling them in the fridge for a few minutes first. The colder chocolate is easier to peel.

Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cookie size to accommodate them. Flatten the cookie dough slightly before baking, and press a full-sized peanut butter cup on top after baking.

Related Recipes

If you love these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, try these other delicious treats:

• Marry Me Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Love at First Bite
• Biscoff Brownies: The Ultimate Treat for Biscoff Lovers
• Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
• Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate fans. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with the irresistible combination of flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try.

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