Soft Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Filled With Chocolate

Last Saturday, the sky turned gray just after lunch, and with no errands to run, I ended up in the kitchen, looking for something easy to bake. A quick glance in the pantry revealed a jar of peanut butter and a half-used bag of mini peanut butter cups tucked behind the flour. That was enough to spark the idea—soft cookies with a hidden chocolate center, the kind that feels indulgent without trying too hard.

As the dough came together, the scent of brown sugar and vanilla filled the air, cozy and familiar. Tucking each peanut butter cup inside felt oddly satisfying, and once they hit the oven, the whole house smelled like warmth and childhood.

Later, I shared them with a couple of friends who’d dropped by without warning, and no one could stop at just one. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that chocolatey center had everyone reaching for another before even finishing their first.

Since then, this has become a go-to. Not flashy, not complicated—just the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something cozy and sweet.

Short Description

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies filled with a hidden peanut butter cup and topped with melty chocolate chips. A crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make indulgence!

Key Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 12 mini peanut butter cups (or 6 regular-sized, halved)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

The dough should be thick and hold its shape—if it’s too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes or add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly in your palm, then place a mini peanut butter cup in the center.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers look slightly puffy and soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies finish setting as they cool.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a few semisweet chocolate chips into the center of each one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick, soft, and chewy: The texture strikes a perfect balance—tender in the middle with just a hint of crisp on the edges.

Surprise chocolate center: Biting into the gooey peanut butter cup in the middle never gets old.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re baking for a potluck or just treating yourself, these disappear fast.

Freezer-friendly: Make ahead, freeze the dough balls, and bake whenever the craving hits.

Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: The cookies may look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven—that’s what you want. They continue baking on the sheet as they cool.

Using cold butter: Make sure the butter is softened for easy creaming. Cold butter won’t blend smoothly with the sugars.

Skipping the seal: When stuffing the peanut butter cups inside, pinch the dough edges to seal them well. If not, the chocolate may melt and leak out.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

– Pair with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

– For a dessert platter, add brownie bites or snickerdoodles for contrast.

– Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage Tips

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They stay soft!

Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheat: Microwave a baked cookie for 8–10 seconds to bring back the gooey center.

FAQs

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture will be a little less smooth and slightly more crumbly.

2. Can I use store-brand peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! Any brand works—just make sure they’re not too large or melty.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this dough doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or want extra to freeze.

Tips & Tricks

– Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it’s too soft to handle. This helps shape neater cookies.

– For extra flair, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

– Use a cookie scoop to keep the size consistent—this helps with even baking.

– Press the chocolate chips into the tops right after baking while they’re still hot.

Recipe Variations

Nutty twist: Add chopped roasted peanuts to the dough for crunch.

Chocolate explosion: Swap the semisweet chips for dark or milk chocolate, or add cocoa powder to the dough.

Holiday style: Use seasonal peanut butter cups (like pumpkin-shaped or mini hearts) for festive flair.

Stuff with extras: Try stuffing with mini Snickers or caramel squares for a fun surprise.

Final Thoughts

These cookies always disappear faster than expected. A batch comes out of the oven, and somehow, two or three are already gone before they’ve cooled. They have that cozy, homemade feel—something about the soft texture, the familiar flavors, and the way the center stays warm just long enough to catch you off guard.

They’re simple enough to bake on a quiet weekend but always feel special enough to share. Perfect for late-night cravings, casual gatherings, or even those spur-of-the-moment baking sessions when the kitchen turns into your favorite corner of the house.