Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: A Sweet and Irresistible Treat

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delightful combination of rich peanut butter cookie dough and creamy, chocolate-filled mini peanut butter cups. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday indulgences. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What Are Peanut Butter Cup Cookies?

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy cookies baked in a mini muffin tin, with a mini peanut butter cup pressed into the center while still warm. The result is a perfectly balanced bite of peanut butter and chocolate, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. These cookies are loved for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques, just straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their adorable size makes them ideal for gift boxes or party trays.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp (2.5g) baking soda
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

For the Topping:

• 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls and place one ball into each cup of the prepared muffin tin.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Adding the Peanut Butter Cups

8. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
9. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Festive Platters: Arrange on a decorative tray for holiday parties.
• Paired with Milk: These cookies are the perfect match for a cold glass of milk.
• Gift Idea: Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a sweet, homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing Instructions

• Before Baking: Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• After Baking: Freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a richer flavor.
• Crunchy Texture: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped peanuts into the dough for added crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: It’s best to use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter for consistent results, as natural peanut butter can affect the texture of the dough.

Q: Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?
A: Regular-sized cups are too large for mini muffin tins but could work if baked in standard muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination. With their easy preparation and irresistible taste, they’re bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience—your friends and family will thank you!

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