If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this is the ultimate dessert for you! These homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with gooey, melty chocolate. With a delightful burst of flavor from mini peanut butter cups placed in the center, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. They only require a handful of simple ingredients, and the result is a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. The recipe is incredibly simple, yet it delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The peanut butter dough is soft and flavorful, while the addition of mini peanut butter cups creates a rich, chocolatey center that oozes when you take a bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them an easy and quick dessert to whip up when the craving strikes!

Ingredients

Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Variations

Use Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, feel free to swap the regular peanut butter cups for milk or dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
Add Chopped Peanuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding some chopped peanuts to the dough before baking.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular sugar with a gluten-free alternative to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Add a Touch of Salt: For a sweet-and-salty flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 24 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

Step 5: Press the Peanut Butter Cups

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Return to the Oven

Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, just long enough for the peanut butter cups to soften.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving to let the chocolate firm up slightly. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: For the smoothest dough, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Press the Peanut Butter Cups Gently: When pressing the peanut butter cups into the cookies, do so gently to avoid over-melting the chocolate.
Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep a close watch on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake.

How to Serve

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat or paired with a glass of milk. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You could also serve them at parties, cookie exchanges, or bake sales, and watch them disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. After freezing, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of extra texture, but creamy peanut butter gives the dough a smoother consistency.

2. Can I use regular peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time, as they will require more space on the cookie.

3. How do I make these cookies more chocolatey?

To make them more chocolatey, drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cookies after baking.

4. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it tends to be more runny, so you may need to adjust the proportions slightly to achieve the right consistency.

5. Are these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies are not naturally gluten-free, but you can substitute with a gluten-free baking option for the sugar if needed.

6. How long do these cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

7. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

8. Can I use other types of chocolate?

Definitely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate peanut butter cups for a different flavor.

9. What can I use as a substitute for eggs?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using a flax egg or applesauce.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be slightly golden at the edges and firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them.

Conclusion

These Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, they are an easy yet decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stored for later – either way, you’ll love every bite!