If you’re craving a mouthwatering treat that combines the richness of caramel, the smoothness of peanut butter, and the classic goodness of a cookie, look no further! These Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and continue to mix until the dough comes together.
3. Form the Cookie Cups:
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball into the muffin tin and gently press down to form an indentation in the center. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
4. Add the Caramel:
Once the cookie cups are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, spoon a small amount of caramel sauce into each cup, filling the indentation. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
5. Let Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the caramel peanut butter cookie cups to cool completely before serving. The cookie cups will firm up as they cool, making them easy to remove from the muffin tin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Sweet and Salty Perfection:
The combination of caramel and peanut butter creates the ultimate balance of sweet and salty flavors, making these cookie cups incredibly addictive.
2. Easy to Make:
With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require special baking skills.
3. Versatile for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these caramel peanut butter cookie cups are perfect for any event. You can even customize them with different toppings, like crushed peanuts or chocolate drizzle, to suit your tastes.
Tips for Success
- Caramel Choices: If you’re in a rush, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine. For a homemade touch, you can make your own by melting sugar and adding heavy cream and butter.
- Peanut Butter Variations: You can experiment with smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for texture.
- Make Ahead: These cookie cups can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover. With their rich flavor, chewy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, they will quickly become a favorite treat in your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for yourself or impressing guests at a gathering, these little cookie cups are guaranteed to be a hit!
Serving Tips for Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Serve at Room Temperature:
Allow the Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups to cool to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. This will help the caramel settle perfectly within the cookie cup and make it easier to bite into. - Pair with Ice Cream:
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creamy ice cream complements the sweet and salty flavor profile of the cookie cups beautifully. - Add a Drizzle of Chocolate:
For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the caramel-filled cookie cups. It enhances both the flavor and appearance, giving them an extra burst of richness. - Serve on a Dessert Platter:
These cookie cups are perfect for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter alongside other bite-sized treats like brownies, mini cupcakes, or fruit for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage Tips for Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Room Temperature Storage:
If you’re planning to enjoy these cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their chewy texture and caramel-filled center. - Refrigeration for Longer Freshness:
To extend the shelf life, refrigerate the cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. - Freezing for Future Treats:
For longer storage, these Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat!
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and a bit of extra crunch to your cookie cups. If you prefer a smooth consistency, then go with smooth peanut butter. Both options will work well and give you delicious results.
2. How can I make the caramel sauce at home?
To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar melts and turns golden brown, carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir until smooth, then let it cool before using it in your cookie cups. Be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning the sugar!
3. Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare them further in advance, you can freeze the cookie cups for up to 3 months and thaw them before serving.
4. Can I add extra toppings to these cookie cups?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel, sprinkle crushed peanuts or chocolate chips on top, or even add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty balance. These cookie cups are versatile, and additional toppings can enhance the flavor and presentation!
Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Cuisine: American
Description
Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are bite-sized treats featuring soft, peanut butter cookie shells filled with gooey caramel and topped with a drizzle of chocolate or crushed peanuts. Perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Makes about 24 cookie cups
- For the cookie cups:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 24 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft or Werther’s)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Optional topping:
- Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the cookie dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape and bake the cookie cups:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place one in each mini muffin tin cavity.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the caramel filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
- Fill the cookie cups:
- Spoon or pipe the caramel filling into the center of each cookie cup.
- Optional toppings:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cookie cups or sprinkle with crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Allow the caramel to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel filling before it sets.
- These cookie cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.