Introduction

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the dream dessert for anyone who craves the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are a match made in heaven, combining the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, gooey center of a peanut butter cup. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, these cookies will be an instant favorite. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie paired with the melty peanut butter cup creates a blissful experience with every bite.

I first made these cookies when I wanted to bake something that was both familiar and fun, and they definitely didn’t disappoint. The best part? The surprise of biting into that soft, gooey peanut butter cup in the center! I love that they’re easy to make but feel a little special, thanks to that indulgent peanut butter cup filling. They’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet snack when you’re craving something satisfying.

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are not only delicious but also customizable. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, you could swap in dark chocolate peanut butter cups, or if you prefer more texture, throw in some chopped peanuts for a crunchy surprise. No matter how you make them, these cookies are a treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s face!

Perfect for:

Cookie lovers
Special occasions like birthdays and holidays
Chocolate and peanut butter fans
Dessert trays and parties
Afternoon snacks or evening treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Peanut Butter Cup Cookies will become your go-to cookie recipe:

Perfect Combination of Flavors: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, making these cookies a perfect treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft, with a chewy center that melts in your mouth, complemented by the slightly crisp edges.
Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and can be made in no time.
Unexpected Surprise: Each cookie hides a mini peanut butter cup inside, adding an extra surprise and burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or bringing to gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a sweet treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 18-24 cookies
Calories per cookie: Approximately 160-180 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

To make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
18-24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookie dough)

Ingredient Highlights

Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and makes the cookies rich and delicious.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: These bite-sized chocolate cups melt in the middle of each cookie, creating a gooey and indulgent center.
Butter: The butter ensures a soft, tender texture in the cookie dough and helps create the perfect chewy consistency.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination of both sugars gives the cookies their sweetness, with the brown sugar adding a bit of depth and richness.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Shape the Cookies:

Roll the Dough into Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar (¼ cup) to coat.
Place on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball slightly to flatten it.
Insert the Peanut Butter Cups: Gently press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each flattened cookie dough ball, slightly pushing it into the dough without squashing it.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are best served warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature. Here are some great ways to serve them:

With a Glass of Milk: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk to balance the richness and add a comforting, classic touch.
As Part of a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other cookies or desserts for an impressive spread at a party or gathering.
For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthdays. Serve them as a fun and indulgent treat at your next celebration.
For a Quick Snack: Grab a cookie or two when you need a quick and satisfying snack, especially when paired with coffee or tea.
With Ice Cream: Sandwich these cookies with your favorite ice cream for a fun and decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies turn out perfectly:

Don’t Overbake: Be sure to take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps them maintain their shape.
Use Fresh Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh peanut butter that’s creamy and smooth.
Opt for Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Mini peanut butter cups melt better inside the cookies and provide that perfect gooey center.
Customize the Filling: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter cups, you can substitute with other chocolate treats like chocolate chips, caramel-filled chocolates, or even Snickers.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Cookies: Add crushed pretzels into the cookie dough for a salty-sweet crunch.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Use white chocolate peanut butter cups instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies: Use crunchy peanut butter for a textured cookie that adds extra crunch and flavor.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add oats to the dough for a chewy, hearty variation of this cookie.
Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches: Use these cookies to make sandwich cookies with a layer of peanut butter frosting in between.
Peanut Butter and Banana Cookies: Add mashed ripe banana into the dough for a hint of banana flavor paired with peanut butter.
Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: After baking, dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a double chocolate experience.
Caramel-Peanut Butter Cookies: Add caramel bits to the dough or drizzle caramel on top for a sweet, gooey addition.
Peanut Butter Mocha Cookies: Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-infused twist on these cookies.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough along with the mini peanut butter cups for a double-chocolate treat.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the dough to bake at a later time. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer soft cookies, you can add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies easier:

Electric Mixer: An electric mixer makes creaming the butter and peanut butter together quick and easy.
Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized cookie dough balls for consistent baking.
Baking Sheets: Non-stick baking sheets or parchment paper will help prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
Wire Rack: A wire rack helps the cookies cool quickly and evenly after baking.
Cookie Cutter (Optional): If you want to shape your cookies into a specific shape, you can use a cookie cutter.

FAQ Section

Can I use larger peanut butter cups?
You can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of dough and the baking time.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies. Store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture and crunch in your cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Can I add more peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! You can add more peanut butter cups to make the cookies even more decadent, just be mindful of the balance of dough to filling.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines two of the best flavors—peanut butter and chocolate. The soft, chewy texture and gooey chocolate-filled center make each bite a heavenly experience. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

With easy preparation and endless customization options, you can add extra chocolate chips, sprinkle some sea salt on top, or even swap in your favorite peanut butter cups. These cookies are versatile and incredibly satisfying, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy these sweet, irresistible cookies! I can’t wait to see how your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!