Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Oh, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies—if there’s ever been a more perfect combo of peanut butter and chocolate, I haven’t met it yet. These cookies are like a warm, gooey hug for your taste buds! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that has just the right balance of peanut butter flavor and chocolate richness, with a little mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup hidden inside. Trust me when I say they’re every peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Sweet and Salty Perfection:

These cookies hit all the right notes—sweet, salty, rich, and indulgent. The peanut butter in the dough gives it that smooth, nutty flavor, and the mini peanut butter cups take it to another level with a burst of chocolatey goodness inside.

Chewy and Soft:

These aren’t your typical crunchy cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The peanut butter dough holds together beautifully, and each bite feels like a little moment of cookie heaven.

Easy to Make:

You don’t have to be a baking expert to whip these up. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and just a few easy steps. You can get a batch in the oven in no time!

Perfect for Every Occasion:

Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are the perfect choice. They’re always a hit at bake sales, cookie swaps, and family get-togethers.

Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the dough structure and holds everything together.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that light, fluffy texture.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Butter: Adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.

Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture and flavor.

Granulated Sugar: For that perfect sweetness.

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a bit of caramel flavor to the dough.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla for that aromatic sweetness.

Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These are the magical surprise in the center of each cookie, bringing that irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

3. Add the 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 combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

4. Form the Cookies:

Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the ball of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Gently press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie ball, pressing down lightly.

5. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook a little on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they look a bit soft when you first take them out.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk, and enjoy these heavenly cookies!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

With a Glass of Milk:

The classic pairing! These cookies are perfect with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk balances out the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.

On Their Own:

Honestly, they’re so good on their own, you don’t need anything else! Perfect for snacking or for dessert after dinner.

As a Gift:

Wrap up a batch of these cookies in a cute tin or cellophane bag for a homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough:

If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to work with.

Don’t Overbake:

These cookies can go from soft and chewy to dry and crumbly if you overbake them. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when the edges are golden, but the centers still look a little soft.

Use Fresh Reese’s:

Make sure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are fresh! If they’re too old, they might get a bit too hard in the center and not melt as beautifully.

Add Some Crunch:

For a fun twist, consider adding chopped peanuts or other mix-ins to the dough for added texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
A1: You can, but you’ll need to chop them into smaller pieces to fit inside the cookie. Mini cups are ideal because they fit perfectly in the center of each cookie.

Q2: Can I freeze these cookies?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake them straight from the freezer whenever you’re craving cookies.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q4: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A4: Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies a fun texture and more peanut flavor. It’s a great twist on the original recipe.

Q5: Can I substitute the peanut butter cups with something else?
A5: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter cups, you can use any type of chocolate candy (like chocolate chips or chunks) or even caramel-filled chocolates for a different flavor.

Q6: How do I store these cookies?
A6: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and soft!

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, you can! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the dough balls.

Q8: Can I add more chocolate to these cookies?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to mix in extra chocolate chips, chunks, or drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies once they’ve cooled for an even more decadent treat.

Q9: How can I make these cookies a little less sweet?
A9: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly, but keep in mind that they may lose some of the signature sweetness and texture. Try cutting back on the sugar by ¼ cup and adjust to your liking.

Q10: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Or, freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat to satisfy any peanut butter and chocolate cravings! Soft, chewy, and filled with gooey chocolate and peanut butter goodness, they’re a guaranteed hit every time you bake them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a simple afternoon snack, these cookies will never disappoint. So, preheat that oven, grab a cup of peanut butter cups, and get ready for some serious cookie indulgence!

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