Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: 10 Reasons to Love This Treat

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Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter enthusiasts. These cookies combine soft and chewy textures with the rich flavor of creamy peanut butter and the delightful surprise of mini peanut butter cups nestled inside. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, making them an irresistible dessert that stays fresh for days. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that you won’t forget.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are not just delicious; they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Here are a few reasons to love them:

Perfect blend of flavors: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is timeless.
Easy to make: With minimal ingredients, this is an easy peanut butter cup cookie recipe for bakers of all levels.
Soft and chewy: Enjoy the delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Versatile: Great for any occasion, from parties to cozy nights at home.
Kid-friendly: These cookies are a hit among both kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can try peanut butter cup cookie variations to suit your taste.

With their American roots, these cookies make a fantastic addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Gather these items:

1 1/3 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup (180g) creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif
6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan
24 to 30 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to the appropriate baking temperature. Lightly spray the cavities of a nonstick mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Add the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and creamy, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Incorporate the light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the peanut butter and butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until thickened and fluffy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, scraping the sides as needed.
Step 5: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until fully combined, lightened, and creamy, about 15 seconds. Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 6: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat just until combined with no dry flour remaining, about 20 seconds. Then use a rubber spatula to give the dough one thorough stir, scraping the bottom to fully incorporate.
Step 7: Using a 1 1/2-inch scoop or tablespoon, divide the dough into heaping tablespoon portions to make 24 larger or up to 30 smaller cookies. Roll each portion into a ball by hand and place one ball into each cavity of the prepared mini muffin pan without pressing down.
Step 8: Bake the cookies, rotating the pan halfway, until golden, slightly puffed, and the tops feel matte and dry, about 8 to 12 minutes. The edges may start to turn golden but avoid deep browning on top to prevent overbaking.
Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each hot cookie. This melts the cup slightly into the warm cookie for perfect gooeyness.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan until slightly set and cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Carefully twist each cookie out of the pan and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. If cookies feel delicate or the chocolate shifts, cool an additional 5 minutes in the pan.
Step 11: Enjoy cookies warm for melty centers or fully cooled. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a single layer or stacked with parchment paper between for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Keep these in mind:

For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance.
Tip: Experiment with gluten-free peanut butter cup cookies by using alternative flour.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies make a delicious addition to any dessert spread. Here are some serving ideas:

Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Serve alongside ice cream for a delightful peanut butter cup dessert.
Enjoy them warm, fresh out of the oven, for the ultimate experience.

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture. This method makes them perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies?

The key is to use room-temperature ingredients and not overmix the dough. This ensures a soft and chewy texture that’s characteristic of soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate.

Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever you desire.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peanut Butter Cup Cookies?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid overbaking. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy, just like chocolate-filled peanut butter cookies should be.

Variations of Peanut Butter Cup Cookies You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

Substitute mini peanut butter cups with chocolate chips for a different texture.
Try a no-bake peanut butter cup cookie recipe for a quick treat.
Make vegan peanut butter cup cookies by using plant-based butter and egg substitutes.
For a twist, create peanut butter cup cookie bars instead of traditional cookies.