Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor, each one stuffed with a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup! They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any peanut butter lover, making them an irresistible treat for holidays, parties, or just because.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & peanut buttery – Soft cookie with a melty peanut butter cup center.
  • Easy to make – Just mix, roll, and bake!
  • Perfect for holidays – Great for Christmas, Halloween, or bake sales.
  • Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and bake when ready.
  • Kids & adults love them – A classic peanut butter & chocolate combo!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.

Step 3: Shape & Bake

  1. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place in the mini muffin tin (or on a baking sheet).
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups

  1. Immediately after baking, press a mini Reese’s cup into each cookie.
  2. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve warm or at room temperature for a soft, peanut buttery treat!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Crunchy Version – Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
  • Extra Chocolatey – Drizzle with melted chocolate.
  • Holiday-Themed – Top with festive sprinkles.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour blend.

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to soften.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?

Mini Reese’s cups work best, but you can cut larger ones into halves.

What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?

Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but cookies may be slightly crumblier.

Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?

Yes! Just bake on a cookie sheet and press the peanut butter cups in after baking.

How do I make these cookies extra chewy?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes! The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add chopped nuts?

Yes! Chopped peanuts or walnuts add a great crunch.

What’s the best way to unwrap peanut butter cups easily?

Chill them in the fridge before unwrapping to prevent melting.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, with a melty Reese’s cup in every bite. Whether for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat, they’re always a crowd favorite. Try them today and enjoy peanut buttery perfection!

Print
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Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, featuring a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup nestled inside each cookie. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for holiday baking, parties, or anytime you need a sweet treat!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy works best!)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies

  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place in the mini muffin tin (or spaced 2 inches apart on a baking sheet).
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups

  1. Remove from the oven and immediately press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Milk: The ultimate peanut butter + chocolate combo! 🥛
  • As a Gift: Package in a festive tin for holidays or birthdays. 🎁
  • With Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat! 🍦

Notes

  • Want extra crunch? Stir in ½ cup chopped peanuts to the dough.
  • Make them chocolaty! Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Gluten-free? Use 1:1 gluten-free flour.
  • Make ahead! Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen!

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