Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Indulge your sweet tooth with a classic twist! These incredible Peanut Butter Cup Cookies combine the best of chewy peanut butter goodness with the delightful surprise of a warm, melty mini peanut butter cup in every bite. Get ready for pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures designed to captivate your senses. Get ready to fall in love with these delightful peanut butter cookies.

• Irresistibly Chewy Texture: Enjoy a perfectly soft and chewy cookie base that practically melts in your mouth.
• Melty Peanut Butter Cup Center: Each cookie cradles a warm, gooey mini peanut butter cup, creating a delightful surprise.
• Quick & Easy Baking: Whip up a batch of these glorious peanut butter cup cookies in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: A guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or simply as a comforting treat for the family.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Little ones will adore pressing the chocolate into the warm cookies!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual snacking to celebratory desserts, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Creating these divine Peanut Butter Cup Cookies requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which are probably in your kitchen. Opt for good quality butter and fresh peanut butter for the best flavor outcome.

• 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (Ensures easy creaming and a smooth dough.)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar (Adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-like flavor.)
• 1 large egg (Bind ingredients and adds richness.)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract (Enhances all the sweet notes.)
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (Choose your favorite creamy variety, not natural-style with oil separation for best results.)
• 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped (The star of the show, ready to be pressed in!)

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Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking these peanut butter cup cookies a breeze.

• • Baking Sheets: Essential for baking an even batch.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
  • Mixing Bowls: A medium and a large one are needed for dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: (Handheld or Stand) Crucial for creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
  • Whisk: For combining dry ingredients evenly.
  • Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowls and gently folding.
  • Cookie Scoop (1-inch): Nice-to-have for consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.

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• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies completely, promoting a crispier bottom.

Recipe Overview

Get ready to bake up some magic with these easy-to-follow Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked peanut butter cup cookies every time.

Prepare Your Baking Space

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, generously line baking sheets with parchment paper; this ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes for easy transfer.

Combine Dry Ingredients

2. In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent cookie texture.

Cream Wet Ingredients

3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, making your cookies soft.
4. Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are perfectly well combined.
5. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and uniform.

Form the Dough and Bake

6. Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the flour is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
7. Scoop the dough into uniform 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the peanut butter cookies are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake; they will firm up as they cool.

Add the Peanut Butter Cups

9. As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, immediately press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to conform beautifully.
10. Allow the warm peanut butter cup cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step helps them set without breaking.

CHECK OUT: Chocolate Thumbprint Peanut Butter Cookies – If you love chocolate and peanut butter together, these will be another instant favorite!

Tips for Success with Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Achieve bakery-quality results with these expert tips for your peanut butter cup cookies.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; don’t scoop directly from the bag.
• Do Not Overbake: Cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet. Remove them when the edges are just golden.
• Use Good Quality Peanut Butter Cups: The better the chocolate, the better the cookie!
• Press Quickly: Press the peanut butter cups into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven for the best melt.

Variations & Substitutions

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are wonderfully versatile!

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate peanut butter cups.
• Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure all chocolate is nut-free.
• Chocolate Chips: If you don’t have peanut butter cups, press a few chocolate chips into the warm cookies instead.
• White Chocolate: Try white chocolate peanut butter cups for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These peanut butter cup cookies are a stand-alone delight, but a few additions can elevate the experience.

• With Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk perfectly complements the rich flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with your morning or afternoon brew for a delightful pick-me-up.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate dessert.
• Hot Cocoa: A cozy combo for a chilly evening.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

While these peanut butter cup cookies are a treat, they offer a few notable nutritional elements.

• Protein Boost: Peanut butter provides a good source of plant-based protein, contributing to satiety.
• Dietary Fiber: A small amount of fiber from the flour and peanut butter supports digestive health.
• Energy Source: Carbohydrates and fats offer a quick energy release, perfect for a treat.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your peanut butter cup cookies fresh and delicious for longer.

• Countertop: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer (Dough): Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to bake time.
• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven, gooey center experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Have questions about making the best peanut butter cup cookies? We’ve got answers!

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to stick to creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for consistent texture. Natural peanut butter can be oilier and may change the cookie’s consistency.

Why are my cookies flat?

Cookies can be flat if your butter was too warm, if you over-creamed the butter and sugar, or if your baking soda is old. Ensure butter is softened but not melted.

Can I use full-size peanut butter cups?

Mini peanut butter cups fit perfectly. Full-size cups might be too large and harder to press into the cookies without breaking them.

How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from melting completely?

Press them into the cookies immediately after baking. They will soften but usually hold their shape nicely as the cookies cool.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze as directed in the storage section.

More Delicious Dishes

If you adored these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, you’ll surely love these other delightful treats!

• Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – A classic, perfectly tender peanut butter cookie experience.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies – A beloved holiday cookie featuring a chocolate kiss.
• Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies – The ultimate chocolate and peanut butter fusion in a cookie!

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful moment of pure joy, a perfect blend of sweet and savory in every single bite. Don’t wait to bake up a batch! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more irresistible recipes.

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