These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, each one stuffed with a mini peanut butter cup for the ultimate treat! Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving a peanut butter and chocolate combo, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy – Perfectly tender cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor.
- Chocolatey Surprise – Each cookie is stuffed with a peanut butter cup.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with minimal prep.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for Christmas, parties, or a sweet snack.
- Kid-Friendly – Fun to bake with little helpers!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Peanut butter (creamy)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
Optional Toppings:
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Chopped peanuts
- Sea salt flakes
Directions
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars – Beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet & Dry – Gradually add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and stir until combined.
Shape & Bake:
- Scoop Dough – Roll dough into small balls and place in the muffin tin or on a baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Press in Peanut Butter Cups – Immediately after baking, press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
Cool & Serve:
- Let Set – Allow cookies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional Garnishes – Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Double Chocolate Version – Mix in chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor.
- Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seed butter and chocolate candies instead.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Salted Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – Sprinkle sea salt on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Stir well before using.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Yes! Just bake them as regular cookies and press in the peanut butter cup after baking.
Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?
Yes! Just make larger cookies to accommodate the bigger size.
How do I prevent peanut butter cups from melting too much?
Chill them before pressing into the warm cookies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
What’s the best way to shape the cookies?
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try crushed pretzels, white chocolate chips, or toffee bits.
What pairs well with these cookies?
Enjoy with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Just roll smaller dough balls and use mini peanut butter cups.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect blend of soft peanut butter cookies and melty chocolate, making them a must-try for any peanut butter lover! Whether for a party, a holiday, or a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a bite of peanut butter bliss!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with peanut flavor, each one stuffed with a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, parties, or an everyday sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a mini muffin tin with liners.
-
Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
-
Shape & Bake:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place each in a mini muffin cup.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden but still soft.
-
Add Peanut Butter Cups:
- Immediately after baking, press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
-
Cool & Enjoy!
- Let the chocolate set before serving (or enjoy warm and gooey!).
Notes
- Want extra texture? Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- For a twist, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.