If you are on the hunt for a cookie that hits every note of rich, gooey indulgence, this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the creamy comfort of peanut butter with pockets of melted peanut butter cups, these cookies bring a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness with an optional chocolate drizzle that will make you swoon. Whether you’re new to baking or consider yourself a kitchen pro, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and results in batches of irresistible treats that your friends and family will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly but play crucial roles in giving these cookies their signature flavor and texture. Each one is essential to achieving the perfect chewy, slightly crisp peanut butter cookie studded with chunks of peanut butter cups.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty base that makes these cookies truly special and moist.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds the right sweetness and helps create a nice balance with the peanut butter’s salty notes.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder, holding all ingredients together while keeping the cookies tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and lends a warm, inviting aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and light texture.
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped: The star of the show—these add delicious pockets of melty peanut butter and chocolate throughout every bite.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle): For an extra layer of chocolate richness that elevates these cookies to a decadent treat.
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional): Balances the sweetness with a subtle pop of saltiness and enhances the flavor complexity.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir everything together until you get a thick, sticky dough. Don’t be surprised if the dough feels dense—that’s exactly what will give your cookies that soft yet chewy texture.
Step 3: Fold in Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups to evenly distribute them without melting the chocolate prematurely. These chunks will melt slightly during baking, creating little pockets of creamy deliciousness inside your cookies.
Step 4: Portion and Shape
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to prevent spreading and merging. Then, lightly press down each cookie with the tines of a fork to create the classic peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up without losing their signature softness.
Step 6: Add Optional Chocolate Drizzle and Sea Salt
If you want to add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate flavor, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the cooled cookies. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top will add a wonderful contrast, making each bite even more addictive.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on these cookies before serving adds a lovely salty contrast that enhances the peanut butter sweetness. For a festive touch, you could also add a few mini peanut butter cups on top or a drizzle of melted chocolate to impress any crowd.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of coffee or tea. If you want to turn this into a dessert platter, serve alongside fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream, or even a light yogurt dip to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie presentation pop by stacking them on a rustic wooden board, tied together with a pretty ribbon for gifts, or nestled in a colorful tin for parties. Adding edible gold flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving can also elevate their visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, maintaining that fresh-baked delight each time you reach for one.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze solid, then store in a bag to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This warms the peanut butter cups inside and revives that just-baked softness we all love.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add even more texture to your cookies, giving each bite a delightful crunch from the peanut pieces alongside the peanut butter cups.
Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups?
Mini peanut butter cups work best because they distribute nicely throughout the dough. However, you can chop regular-sized peanut butter cups into smaller pieces as a substitute if needed.
Can I omit the chocolate drizzle?
Yes, the chocolate drizzle is completely optional. The cookies are already packed with peanut butter cup goodness, so they taste amazing even without the extra chocolate topping.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well chilled before baking and do not press the cookies too flat. Using parchment paper and spacing them properly also helps in maintaining their shape.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe does not contain flour, so it is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially peanut butter cups, are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cookie that’s bursting with peanut butter flavor and pockets of luscious, melty candy, you really need to make this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe your new go-to. It’s an easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to be amazed by just how wonderfully simple perfection can taste!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a deliciously rich and chewy treat packed with creamy peanut butter and chunks of mini peanut butter cups. With a slight crunch from the sugar and an optional drizzle of melted chocolate, these cookies provide the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Quick to prepare and bake, they make an irresistible snack or dessert for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for drizzle)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, resulting in a thick and sticky dough.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold the chopped mini peanut butter cups into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking them down too much.
- Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of a fork to ensure even baking and a classic cookie texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): If desired, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor contrast.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter as it blends better and provides a smoother texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly.
- The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped regular peanut butter cups if mini ones are unavailable.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for up to 5 days.
