If you are looking to indulge in a treat that combines the addictive creaminess of peanut butter and the rich, melty delight of chocolate, this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is exactly what your dessert cravings need. These cookies bake up soft and chewy with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The ease of preparation paired with the heavenly taste will have you reaching for seconds before the batch is even half gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe starts with simple and wholesome ingredients. Each contributes its own unique texture, flavor, or richness, making these cookies irresistible from the very first bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness to your cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness for a soft finish.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma that elevates the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient lending classic nutty creaminess and body.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts down into luscious pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt—this blend will give the cookies their perfect crumb and subtle lift.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies that are soft yet slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. This creates a smooth base that will hold all the delicious flavors together in harmony.
Step 4: Blend in the Peanut Butter
Mix your creamy peanut butter into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. The peanut butter thickens the dough and adds that unmistakable nutty richness that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet, being careful not to over-mix. Overworking the dough can result in tougher cookies, and we want these to be tender and soft.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each cookie will have the perfect balance of peanut butter and melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for around 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color while the center remains soft. This timing ensures that perfectly chewy texture every cookie lover dreams of.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies right after baking can enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a delightful salty-sweet contrast. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for an extra decorative and tasty boost.
Side Dishes
Serve these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe wonders alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverage perfectly complements the richness of the cookies and makes a classic pairing that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, consider sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in between for an irresistible ice cream sandwich. You can also place them on a festive platter with other treats, adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to impress your guests visually as well as tantalize their taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days or unexpected visitors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll retain their flavor and texture for up to three months. For unbaked dough, scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a container for convenient baking anytime.
Reheating
Warm your leftover cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This helps revive that soft, freshly baked feel with melty chocolate, making every bite taste as good as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter offers a smooth texture, using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful little crunch to your cookies and enhance the nutty flavor profile even further.
Is it possible to substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides flavor and structure that’s hard to replicate exactly, but you can use margarine as a substitute with similar results. Avoid using oil alone as it might make the cookies too greasy and affect their texture.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat in the dough, which helps control spreading and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Can I add chopped peanut butter cups instead of chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped peanut butter cups will add an extra punch of chocolate and peanut butter, taking these cookies up another notch in indulgence and flavor.
What is the best way to achieve chewier cookies?
Using brown sugar and not overbaking your cookies are key to that soft, chewy texture. Also, avoid adding too much flour as it can dry out the cookies and make them cakey instead of chewy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the warm, nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and chocolate combined in a fresh-baked cookie. This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles, satisfy sweet cravings, and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aromas. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these cookies your new favorite! Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Easy to make and ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth, they bake quickly to golden perfection and are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate larger bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Blend in the creamy peanut butter until the dough is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the reserved dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate based on preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra peanut butter flourish, press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie before baking.
