Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies combine two classic favorites: soft, chewy cookies and creamy peanut butter cups. This recipe brings together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate-filled peanut butter cups, all wrapped up in a soft, golden-brown cookie. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a treat for a family gathering, a holiday dessert platter, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of the crunchy cookie exterior and the gooey, melted peanut butter cup in the center makes every bite irresistible.

What makes these cookies so special is their simplicity and how easily they come together. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of warm, freshly baked cookies ready to enjoy. Not only are they a delight to eat, but they also make a great gift when wrapped in a cute package or placed in a jar. The peanut butter cup pressed into the center adds an element of surprise and extra flavor, making them an unforgettable treat for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. These cookies are soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor, while the addition of a mini peanut butter cup in the center provides a burst of creamy sweetness and chocolate in every bite. The recipe is easy to follow and requires no fancy equipment, making it a great choice for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. The cookies bake quickly and are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for both peanut butter and chocolate. Plus, they are customizable—if you prefer a different candy or chocolate in the center, feel free to switch it up!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Creamy peanut butter
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)

Variations

• Use Milk or Dark Chocolate: If you prefer, substitute the mini peanut butter cups with milk or dark chocolate, or try using chocolate-covered caramel candies for a different twist.
• Add Chopped Nuts: For extra crunch, add some chopped peanuts or other nuts to the dough before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey treat, mix in some chocolate chips with the dough.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter on top of each cookie before baking for an extra peanut butter kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin by not greasing it (as the dough is soft enough to not stick).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 24 equal-sized balls. Place each ball into an ungreased mini muffin tin.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The cookies will spread slightly, but will remain soft and chewy.

Step 8: Press the Peanut Butter Cups

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. The warm cookies will allow the peanut butter cups to soften and create a deliciously gooey center.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugars and peanut butter.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
• Press the Peanut Butter Cup Quickly: After removing the cookies from the oven, press the peanut butter cup into the center right away while the cookies are still soft and warm.
• Cool the Cookies Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking to avoid them becoming soggy or too soft.
• Don’t Overbake: To maintain a soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

How to Serve

Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies can be enjoyed warm from the oven, or you can store them for later. Serve them with a glass of milk, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. These cookies also make great gifts, so consider packaging them in a cute box or jar for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them to keep them fresh for a week.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and a more pronounced peanut flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies without a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can simply bake the cookies on a regular baking sheet. Just roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly before baking. You can press the peanut butter cup into the center right after baking.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. The tops will have a slight puff to them.

4. Can I use different candy in the center of the cookies?

Yes, you can swap out the mini peanut butter cups for other types of candy, such as chocolate truffles, caramel-filled chocolates, or even mini marshmallows.

5. How can I make the cookies softer?

If you want softer cookies, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or replace part of the sugar with brown sugar, which will keep the cookies more moist.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can mix in some chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.

8. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

9. How do I store leftover peanut butter cups?

Store leftover peanut butter cups in their original packaging at room temperature. They should stay fresh for several weeks.

10. Can I make these cookies without the peanut butter cups?

Yes, you can make these cookies without the peanut butter cups by just baking the dough as regular peanut butter cookies, or you could add peanut butter chips to the dough for extra peanut butter flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds: chewy peanut butter cookies and creamy peanut butter cups. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your cravings or sharing with friends and family. Their irresistible combination of flavors makes them a standout dessert, and their easy preparation means you can enjoy them anytime. Whether served warm or as leftovers, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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