why make this recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together two of the most beloved flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. Every bite of these cookies offers a rich, soft texture with the sweet and creamy taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups nestled right in the center. This cookie recipe is perfect for those who crave a sweet snack, want to impress friends and family, or are looking for an easy dessert to whip up. The joy of biting into a warm cookie and discovering the gooey chocolate-peanut butter surprise is an experience that you don’t want to miss.
how to make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 24–30 pieces Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cream the Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, beat in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth and well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Start mixing on a low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you just want it combined.
Form the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges, and the centers should appear soft.
Add Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven. Immediately press a Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookies will soften the cups.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will help them firm up slightly. After that, you can transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or with a glass of cold milk. You can also serve them at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. For an extra special treat, consider serving them with vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious cookie sundae!
how to store Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
To keep your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
tips to make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps the ingredients combine better and gives a smoother dough.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and other dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and peanut butter can enhance the flavor of your cookies significantly.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you’re not ready to bake the cookies right away or if you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens can vary, check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time to prevent them from overbaking.
variation
Feel free to customize your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies! Here are a few variations you might consider trying:
Add Chocolate Chips: For double the chocolate flavor, mix in some chocolate chips with the dough before baking.
Use Different Candies: Instead of Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, try other candies like caramel-filled chocolates or even Oreo cookies for a fun twist.
Make it Nutty: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Switch the Peanut Butter: Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for added crunch, or try other nut butters for a different taste.
FAQs
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for about a week if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies are too flat?
If your cookies turn out too flat, this could be due to melted butter or too much sugar. Make sure to use softened butter and follow the recipe measurements carefully. Chilling the dough before baking may also help them keep their shape.
With these tips and this simple recipe, you’re all set to create delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cookies that will please any crowd. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to indulge, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the center.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 24–30 pieces Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt on low speed until just combined.
- Form small balls of dough (1-inch) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden and centers are soft.
- Add a Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup to the center of each cookie after baking.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature, ideal with milk or as a cookie sundae with ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg