Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe – Irresistible, Chewy, and Chocolatey
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cookies! Packed with gooey peanut butter cups and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a cozy treat, this recipe is simple to make and delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
Prep & cook Time: 27 minutes | Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per cookie
Ingredients
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (175g) mini peanut butter cups, chopped (plus extra for topping)
½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Press a few extra peanut butter cup pieces onto the tops of the dough balls for a bakery-style look.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture, but creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smoother cookie.
2. Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! Chop regular-sized peanut butter cups into small pieces to use in the dough.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.
5. Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional. The cookies will still be delicious with just the peanut butter cups.
Tools You'll Need
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire cooling rack
Tips
Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor. Avoid natural peanut butter with separation, as it can alter the texture.
Don’t overbake the cookies – they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before scooping.
Allergy Information
Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Peanuts
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and ensure the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and irresistible mix-ins, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – they’ll be begging for the recipe! Happy baking!
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