Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines two of the most beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—into one irresistible cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the sweet and salty flavors of peanut butter, with a surprise peanut butter cup tucked inside each one. The result is a rich, decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, these cookies are the perfect option for holiday baking, gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a satisfying dessert. The combination of the warm, soft cookie dough and the creamy peanut butter cup center creates a heavenly bite every time. Whether you’re making them for a party or just as a sweet treat for yourself, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect Combination of Flavors
The sweet, salty peanut butter dough combined with the rich chocolate of the peanut butter cups creates a delicious, indulgent flavor that everyone loves.
2. Easy to Make
This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
3. Customizable
You can easily adjust the cookie dough by adding chocolate chips, or you can swap peanut butter cups with other candies like Snickers or Reese’s Pieces for a fun variation.
4. Crowd-Pleaser
These cookies are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or bake sales. They’re always a hit and will have everyone coming back for more.
5. Make Ahead and Freeze
The dough can be made in advance and frozen for later use, making it easy to have fresh cookies whenever you want them.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- Butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Mini peanut butter cups (such as Reese’s)
- Optional: Chocolate chips (for extra chocolate flavor)
Variations
- Reese’s Pieces Cookies: Add Reese’s Pieces candy to the dough for even more peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough and swirl some melted chocolate into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies: Use full-size peanut butter cups for a more substantial treat and create a cookie around a bigger surprise.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Add oats to the dough for a chewier texture and extra flavor. The oats will pair wonderfully with the peanut butter and chocolate.
- Peanut Butter & Caramel Cookies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or caramel bits inside the cookie dough for a sweet surprise along with the peanut butter cup.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cups
Unwrap the mini peanut butter cups and set them aside. If you prefer, you can freeze the peanut butter cups for 15-20 minutes to make them easier to handle when inserting them into the cookie dough.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hands. Place a peanut butter cup in the center of the dough and wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining dough and peanut butter cups, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey cookies with a glass of milk!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before forming the cookies. This will make it easier to shape and prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Since these cookies are soft and chewy, make sure to remove them from the oven when they’re slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
- Use Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Mini peanut butter cups are the perfect size for this recipe, but you can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, cutting them into quarters if you prefer.
- Make the Dough Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
How to Serve
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for a decadent dessert experience. These cookies are perfect for dessert tables at gatherings, family movie nights, or as a sweet gift for someone special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, smooth peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe. The texture will be a little different, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I use a different candy inside the cookie?
Absolutely! You can swap out the peanut butter cups for other chocolates like Snickers, Milky Way, or even caramel-filled candies.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Can I make these cookies without sugar?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit for a low-sugar option, though the texture may vary slightly.
5. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
6. Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?
Yes, you can, but be sure to cut them into quarters to ensure the cookie dough fully covers them.
7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free peanut butter cup cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
8. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Form the dough into balls and freeze them before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the dough is a great idea! It enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a nice texture contrast.
10. How can I make the cookies chewier?
To make the cookies chewier, use more brown sugar and less granulated sugar in the recipe. The molasses in the brown sugar helps create a chewy texture.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with mini peanut butter cups for a sweet and salty treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a treat everyone will love!