There’s just something about the combo of chocolate and peanut butter that gets everyone excited. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie with a rich, peanut butter filling and a smooth layer of chocolate oh my goodness. These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are pure bliss. Whether you’re sharing them with family or sneaking one (or three) for yourself, they’re the perfect treat. Trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: These cookies can be enjoyed at any time whether it’s a cozy evening snack or a sweet treat for a special occasion. They’re perfect for any time you need a little sweetness in your life.
Budget-Friendly: No need to break the bank! The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have some of them in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them a great choice for a last-minute dessert or when you’re craving something sweet right away.
Customizable: You can play around with the size and amount of chocolate in the cookies. Want a bigger peanut butter cup in the middle? Go for it! Or switch things up with dark chocolate if that’s more your style.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies they’re made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the result is anything but ordinary. Let’s break it down:
Peanut Butter: The creamy, salty-sweet filling that makes these cookies extra special. It’s rich, smooth, and absolutely perfect when paired with chocolate.
Butter: This adds that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookie dough. You can’t skip the butter it’s essential for that perfect, soft texture.
Sugar: To sweeten things up and balance out the peanut butter’s richness, we’ve got sugar. It makes these cookies irresistibly sweet.
Eggs: They help bind everything together, making the dough just the right consistency for rolling.
Flour: This is the base of the dough. It helps the cookies hold their shape, while still keeping them soft and chewy.
Baking Soda: Just a pinch of this helps the cookies rise and stay nice and fluffy.
Chocolate Chips: The star topping! Melting chocolate on top adds that decadent layer of sweetness and richness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your cookies the perfect texture.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, butter, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs and flour, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. You want the dough to be soft but firm enough to hold its shape.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Trust me, this will make cleanup a breeze!
Assemble the Cookies: Scoop out a portion of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a peanut butter cup in the center. Then, mold the dough around the peanut butter cup to form a ball. Repeat for all the dough.
Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. You want the cookies to be soft in the middle don’t overbake!
Finishing Touches: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you want to add a little extra touch, you can drizzle some melted chocolate on top once they’ve cooled.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk or just on their own. You won’t be able to stop at one, I promise.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 Calories per serving: 200-250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
These cookies are amazing on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch, serve them alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s straight-up indulgent. You could even drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top to really make it pop!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t overmix the dough this will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies, making them all bake at the same time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
- Try swapping out the peanut butter cups for your favorite candy for a fun twist on the classic.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! It will give your cookies a bit of extra crunch.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
4. How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll last up to a week.
5. Can I use other candies besides peanut butter cups?
Yes! Try using chocolate-covered caramel, Reese’s pieces, or even chopped chocolate bars.
6. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
You can use a flax egg or another egg substitute to make them egg-free.
7. Can I make these cookies without butter?
You can substitute butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown, but the middle will still look soft. Don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure to adjust your baking time as needed.
10. Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to get creative with your add-ins!
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter-chocolate combo. Once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again trust me, they’re a game-changer!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies combine rich peanut butter flavor with chocolatey goodness, making the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers! Easy to make and a great addition to any cookie jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 mini peanut butter cups (such as Reese’s)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each ball down slightly with a fork to flatten it.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- While the cookies are baking, unwrap the mini peanut butter cups.
- As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly to make it sink in.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For an extra twist, try adding chopped peanuts to the dough.
- If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, you can use that instead of creamy peanut butter.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg