If you are a fan of the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is destined to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, chewy cookies packed with pockets of melty peanut butter cups and a subtle touch of vanilla that makes every bite irresistible. These cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth while bringing that beloved classic candy bar experience right into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe offers a comforting and indulgent delight that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet impactful is key to nailing these cookies. Each element plays a vital role— from the creamy peanut butter creating that luscious base to the baking soda helping the cookies rise just right. The chopped mini peanut butter cups add delightful chunks of chocolate and peanut butter that make these cookies extra special.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing a rich, smooth texture and unmistakable flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slightly crisp edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor by adding a warm, aromatic hint.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a tender rise and soft crumb.
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped: The ultimate surprise inside each cookie, melting into gooey pockets as you bite in.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Perfect for drizzling melted chocolate on top, adding a shiny finish and extra chocolate punch.
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional): A sprinkle balances the sweetness with a sophisticated salty crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes the cleanup a breeze. A well-prepared baking sheet sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Mix Your Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir everything together until fully mixed. The dough will be thick and sticky, which means you’re on the right track. This simple mix creates the luscious foundation of your cookies.
Step 3: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold the chopped mini peanut butter cups into your dough. Taking care here ensures each cookie gets an even distribution of gooey chocolate-filled nuggets that will melt deliciously during baking.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. This room allows the cookies to spread slightly without merging together in the oven.
Step 5: Flatten and Bake
With a fork, gently flatten each cookie dough mound. This step gives your cookies their iconic crisscross pattern while also ensuring they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for 8–10 minutes, until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet to firm up. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the cooled cookies. For a flavor contrast, sprinkle with sea salt. This elevates the cookies to a whole new level of delicious brilliance.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack and let them cool entirely. This step ensures the chocolate drizzle sets properly and that each cookie holds its beautiful shape for serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after drizzling the melted chocolate adds a sophisticated sweet-savory twist that will surprise and delight your guests. You could also dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverage complements the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate, making for a cozy, satisfying snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies and tying them with a rustic twine ribbon for gift-giving or party favors. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of vanilla or chocolate frosting for an extra indulgent treat that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a peanut butter cup fix anytime.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the dough ahead or save baked cookies for later, both freeze beautifully. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that just-baked softness and to re-melt any peanut butter cups inside. It’s like enjoying freshly baked cookies all over again in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your cookies, making each bite even more interesting. Just be aware it might affect how smooth the dough mixing process feels.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
No worries! You can chop regular peanut butter cups into small pieces or substitute with peanut butter chips or chopped peanut butter candy bars to maintain that delicious filling effect.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe as written does not include any flour, so these cookies are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels of your peanut butter cups and chocolate chips to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try substituting the egg with a flax egg or other vegan binder and using vegan peanut butter cups. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture, but the flavor will still be delightful.
How long do the cookies last once baked?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage if needed.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe a try because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles. With minimal ingredients, a straightforward process, and a rich, delicious result, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the best of peanut butter and chocolate in cookie form. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a simple and delightful treat combining creamy peanut butter with chopped mini peanut butter cups. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they feature a rich, sweet flavor with an optional chocolate drizzle and sea salt sprinkle for a perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a thick, sticky dough.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, evenly distributing them throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Lightly press down each cookie dough portion with a fork to flatten slightly, helping them bake evenly and create a classic cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown color. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Drizzle (Optional): Remove cookies from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. If desired, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a delicious sweet and salty balance.
- Final Cool: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving to set the chocolate drizzle and enhance texture.
Notes
- For a nut-free variation, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanut butter cups.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Chocolate drizzle and sea salt are optional but add a great flavor contrast.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever desired.
