Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cookie that combines rich, creamy peanut butter with pockets of melted chocolatey goodness, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe. Each bite is a perfect balance of chewy and soft textures, bursting with that classic peanut butter flavor and the delightful surprise of a Reese’s peanut butter cup right in the center. These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just because you want a little sweet escape at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe comes from simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a big flavor impact. Each one plays a crucial role in building the texture, taste, and irresistible aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb, so use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their beloved nutty flavor and smooth texture; Jif is recommended for its classic taste.
• Dark brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a deeper caramel note to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Helps create a light and slightly crisp edge on your cookies.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, lending structure and softness.
• Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The foundation that gives these cookies their perfect chew.
• Baking soda (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender texture.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter.
• Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups (7.6 ounces): The irresistible secret center that melts just right in the oven.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your mini muffin tins with nonstick spray. The mini muffin pan is key here because it holds the cookie balls perfectly while baking, allowing them to keep shape and create a lovely base for the peanut butter cup topping.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

Using a hand mixer, beat together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and combined. This step ensures your cookies have that rich and creamy peanut butter flavor throughout.

Step 3: Sweeten the Dough

Add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the mix, then cream everything together for about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air and helps the sugars blend perfectly, creating a light, tender cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Incorporate the egg into the mixture and mix just until it is fully combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind your dough into the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Mix in Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract, which brings out the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, rounding out the sweetness with a lovely aroma.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This dry mix will provide the structure and slight lift your cookies need.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredient mix to the wet butter and peanut butter mixture. Stir gently and only until the flour is fully incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 8: Form the Cookie Base

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each one into a mini muffin cup. This shapes your cookies perfectly and readies them for that incredible peanut butter cup center.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection and Add Peanut Butter Cups

Bake the cookies for 8½ to 10 minutes, until their edges start turning a golden brown. Remove from the oven, then gently press one Reese’s mini peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie. The slight warmth ensures the peanut butter cup softens and melds with the cookie without melting completely.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool in the pan for about 2 minutes before carefully removing them with a thin knife or spatula. Cooling them slightly in the pan helps the cookies set so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them to a rack.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra flair can go a long way. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter cups for added visual appeal and flavor. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated salty-sweet contrast that will blow your taste buds away.

Side Dishes

These cookies are pretty perfect on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate turns snack time into a cozy mini celebration. They also work wonderfully alongside a simple fruit salad or vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate everyone will appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a pretty cake stand or arrange them on a festive platter with fresh peanut halves and chocolate morsels as decoration. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine makes adorable edible gifts, perfect for holidays or care packages.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies around longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will hold up in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy cookies that taste freshly baked, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the peanut butter cup center beautifully and revives their lovely chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Chunky peanut butter will add a delightful crunch to your cookies, giving them extra texture and that homemade feel. Just be aware it might make the dough a bit more rustic.

What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?

You can use a regular baking sheet and shape your cookie dough into slightly larger balls, but the mini muffin tins really help keep the cookies uniform and perfect for holding the peanut butter cups.

Can I substitute the peanut butter cups with something else?

Sure! Try chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even your favorite nut butter-filled chocolates to customize the surprise center to your liking.

How do I prevent my cookies from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to spray your mini muffin tins generously with nonstick spray or use mini silicone muffin liners to ensure easy removal.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free cookies, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is a mouthwatering, simple way to bring joy to any occasion or just treat yourself with an indulgent homemade delight. The blend of peanut butter and chocolate in every warm, tender bite is truly irresistible. I hope you dive in, bake a batch, and share these little pockets of happiness with the people you love!

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