Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

The scent of warm peanut butter cookies always takes me back to childhood—messy fingers, flour-dusted countertops, and the thrill of sneaking bites of cookie dough before they hit the oven.

Growing up, peanut butter cup cookies were a special treat in our house. My mom would make them during the holidays, pressing the peanut butter cups into freshly baked cookies while they were still warm, watching them melt slightly into gooey perfection.

I remember standing on my tiptoes, eagerly waiting for them to cool just enough to take a bite. Even now, as an adult, I find the combination of rich peanut butter and creamy chocolate just as irresistible. They’re the kind of cookies that bring people together—perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up. And the best part?

They’re incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of pantry staples. If you love peanut butter and chocolate as much as I do, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Short Description

These peanut butter cup cookies combine soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a rich, chocolatey center. Each cookie is made with real peanut butter, brown sugar for depth, and a mini peanut butter cup pressed into the middle for the perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and irresistible to eat!

Key Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be soft, which is perfect for the next step!

Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each one.

The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, making it even more delicious. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, peanut buttery flavor: Every bite is packed with peanut butter goodness.
Perfect balance of sweet and salty: Brown sugar adds depth, while a pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
Soft, chewy texture: The cookies stay tender for days, making them great for make-ahead treats.
Kid-friendly and fun: Pressing in the peanut butter cups is a great step for little helpers in the kitchen.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake: Overbaking the cookies
Solution: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden. They will continue to cook as they cool.

Mistake: Not chilling the dough (if your kitchen is warm)
Solution: If your dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading.

Mistake: Pressing the peanut butter cups too hard
Solution: Gently place them on the warm cookies—pressing too hard can cause them to melt too much.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
– Pair with hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy snack.
– Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
– Arrange them on a festive cookie platter for holiday gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to soften and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture but will make the dough slightly drier.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Try dark chocolate peanut butter cups or white chocolate ones for a fun twist.

3. How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from melting too much?
Let the cookies cool for 1-2 minutes before pressing in the peanut butter cups.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the best results.

5. Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Not usually, but if your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes helps prevent spreading.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra softness, replace ¼ cup of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup.
– Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the flavors.
– Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

Nutty Twist: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture.

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies: Drizzle melted caramel over the cookies before serving.

Final Thoughts

Every time I bake a batch of peanut butter cup cookies, they disappear faster than I can plate them. There’s something about the rich, nutty flavor paired with creamy chocolate that makes them irresistible.

Baking should be fun, and this recipe is the perfect excuse to slow down, enjoy the process, and sneak a peanut butter cup (or two) while you’re at it. Try them out, share them with loved ones, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!