Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Bursting with Chocolate Flavor

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. These cookies bring together the irresistible combination of rich, creamy peanut butter and the smooth, indulgent flavor of chocolate in every bite. With a soft and chewy texture and a miniature peanut butter cup pressed in the center, each cookie is a decadent delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter creates a perfectly soft and chewy cookie base, while the miniature peanut butter cup adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. These cookies are easy to make and take only 25-27 minutes from start to finish, making them a great go-to dessert when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are truly irresistible. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter center, creating a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. The miniature peanut butter cups melt slightly during baking, giving you a burst of chocolate and peanut butter with each cookie. Additionally, this recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for bakers of all experience levels. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Creamy peanut butter
• Miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey touch, mix in some mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter to add some texture to your cookies.
• Salted Caramel: For an added twist, drizzle some salted caramel over the cookies once they are baked and cooled.
• Nutty Cookie: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the cookie dough to enhance the peanut flavor and add crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add Peanut Butter

Fold in the creamy peanut butter until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 7: Press Peanut Butter Cups

Gently press a miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball. The dough will slightly cover the edges of the peanut butter cup, creating a delicious surprise center.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can make the cookies tough.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling it into balls and baking.
• Press Lightly: When pressing the peanut butter cups into the dough, do it gently so the cookies don’t flatten too much.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat, but they can also be served with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra indulgent experience, warm the cookies slightly and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help keep the cookies fresh and soft.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a slightly different texture, but it will still work perfectly in the recipe.

2. How can I tell when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. The center should still be soft but set.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use mini chocolate chips in this recipe?

Yes, mini chocolate chips would pair wonderfully with the peanut butter and enhance the chocolate flavor in the cookies.

5. Can I make these cookies without the peanut butter cups?

Yes, you can skip the peanut butter cups and make regular peanut butter cookies. You can also add chocolate chips instead.

6. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacement like applesauce if you’re making these cookies egg-free.

7. Can I add other types of candy to the center of the cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter cups with other candies like caramel-filled chocolates or mini Reese’s pieces.

8. Can I use salted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it may make the cookies a bit too salty, so you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

9. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer can be used to mix the dough, which will save time and effort.

10. Can I decorate the cookies?

Yes, feel free to decorate the cookies with sprinkles, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or add a few extra peanut butter cups on top for added flair.

Conclusion

Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Bursting with Chocolate Flavor are a perfect combination of soft, chewy cookies and creamy, chocolatey peanut butter cups. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or preparing a batch for a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and indulgent center. Easy to make and delicious to eat, these cookies are a treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. Try them today and enjoy the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite!

Print