Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter fan (and honestly, who isn’t?), you’re about to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and every batch comes out perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor crowned with melty mini peanut butter cups. Stick with me here—I’ll share everything you need to know to get these just right and impress anyone lucky enough to grab one!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

At first glance, the ingredient list looks simple, but it’s that combo of peanut butter and sugar that creates the magic here. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses warmth, while the mini peanut butter cups seal the deal with their gooey chocolatey center.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Use creamy for that smooth, rich flavor that binds everything perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives that classic cookie sweetness and helps with the crackly top texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor; pack it lightly for the best balance.
• Baking Soda: Just a touch to give the cookies a bit of rise and that tender crumb.
• Large Eggs: Bring everything together and make the dough flexible; make sure they’re room temperature for even mixing.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle vanilla warmth that enhances the peanut butter.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just enough salt to balance the sweetness and highlight flavors.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: The star topping that melts into the cookie’s center—don’t skimp on these!

Variations

I love making this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe my own by tweaking a few things depending on the season or mood. The beauty is that it’s versatile—feel free to experiment and make it yours.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sometimes, I toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips to add a little extra melty chocolate surprise inside the cookie dough itself.
• Swap Nut Butters: If peanut butter isn’t your thing, almond or cashew butter works well, though the flavor will shift slightly.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a more natural sweetener, try replacing half the sugar with honey or maple syrup, but expect a softer cookie.
• Salted vs. Unsalted: If using salted peanut butter, reduce added salt to avoid an overly salty cookie experience.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Flavorful Base

Once your oven’s preheated to 350°F, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the creamy peanut butter with the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and baking soda. Don’t rush here—mix thoroughly so everything blends into a luscious dough. Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and shiny. The dough will be thick but scoopable, which makes me smile because that means the cookies will be super tender.

Step 2: Portion With a Cookie Scoop and Prepare for Baking

I always use a medium cookie scoop for consistent size—it really helps with even baking. Roll each scoop into a ball, then pop one cookie-sized ball into each cup of a mini muffin tin. This method keeps these cookies perfectly uniform and gives them a great shape without having to fuss with messy spoon scooping.

Step 3: Bake and Top With Peanut Butter Cups

Bake for about 10 minutes until the cookies have set with those telltale cracks on top. Timing is crucial here—you want the edges to be firm but the centers soft. As soon as they come out of the oven, quickly press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. This trick melts the chocolate just enough to make a gooey, irresistible center—trust me, it’s the best part!

Step 4: Cool Before Removing

Place the muffin tin on a wire cooling rack and let the cookies cool completely before removing. This step is crucial—if you try to pop them out while warm, they might fall apart. I usually let them sit for at least 20 minutes. Patience is definitely rewarded here with perfectly intact cookies.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple but festive—sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right on the cookies as soon as I press in the peanut butter cups amps up the flavor without overpowering. Sometimes I drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk is classic for a reason—it balances the rich peanut butter perfectly. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that feels indulgent but effortless.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties, I arranged these cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment, then scattered extra mini peanut butter cups and chopped peanuts around for a rustic look. For the holidays, a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint can turn these into a festive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. I find refrigerating dries them out too quickly, so I avoid the fridge unless it’s incredibly hot in my kitchen.

Freezing

Freezing baked cookies works beautifully. I place cooled cookies on a tray and freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They store well for up to 4 weeks, and thawing is as easy as leaving them at room temperature or enjoying them frozen straight from the freezer if you want a chilly treat.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the peanut butter cup in the center without melting the entire cookie. This little heat-up revives that fresh-baked feeling wonderfully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—there’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a cookie that’s soft, rich with peanut butter, and hiding a gooey peanut butter cup right in the center. I love how quick it is to make these, especially when I need a dessert fix without fuss. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them, and these cookies are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that bring smiles wherever they go. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the love with friends and family—you won’t regret it!

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