Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. I absolutely love how these cookies come out perfectly soft with that dreamy peanut butter flavor, and the surprise mini peanut butter cup on top? Game changer. They’re simple, fast, and totally irresistible—trust me, once you try these, you’ll be baking them again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I find that these ingredients work beautifully together to create that soft, chewy texture and deep peanut butter flavor you crave in a cookie. A quick tip: using room temperature eggs really helps the dough come together smoothly.

• Creamy peanut butter: I recommend creamy for the best texture and flavor balance; chunky can get a bit too chunky here.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies develop a slight crunch on the outside.
• Light brown sugar: This brings a subtle caramel depth that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft with a bit of crackle on top.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough, preventing any greasy texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash pulls all the flavors together with a warm aroma that hints at homemade goodness.
• Fine sea salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Mini peanut butter cups: Unwrapped and ready to nestle right on top of your cookies for that unforgettable bite.

Variations

One thing I love about this Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to dial up the chocolate or tweak it for a diet preference, I’ve tried a few spins myself and they all work wonderfully.

• Nut-free version: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use allergy-safe chocolate cups; I tried this for a family gathering and nobody even missed the peanuts!
• Extra chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a double dose of chocolate with every bite.
• Crunchy twist: Sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts on top of the PB cups before they set for an added texture surprise.
• Low sugar: Use a natural sugar substitute, like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce granulated sugar by a bit; it’s still delicious but a little lighter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and mix your dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit—don’t skip this step or your bake time will be off! In a large mixing bowl, combine your creamy peanut butter with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and baking soda. I like to whisk them a bit first, then add the eggs one at a time, making sure everything’s well mixed before adding the vanilla and salt. The dough will be thick but soft enough to scoop easily. If your eggs are cold from the fridge, take them out early or zap them in short bursts to avoid clumps.

Step 2: Scoop and arrange the dough

Using a medium cookie scoop really helps keep your cookies uniform in size—which I learned after my first batch looked like cookie siblings rather than twins! Roll each scoop into a ball and place one in each cup of a mini muffin tin. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, a regular baking sheet works too, but the muffin tin helps the cookies keep their shape and makes pressing in the mini peanut butter cups easier later.

Step 3: Bake and press the peanut butter cups

Bake for about 10 minutes, watching for the tops to crack and the cookies to set—but don’t overbake, or they’ll dry out. This is where patience becomes your best friend. The second you pull them out of the oven, gently press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. The warm cookie softens the candy just right, melding the two flavors beautifully. Resist the urge to push too hard, though—you want the cup sitting snugly on top, not lost in the dough.

Step 4: Cool completely before removing

Place your muffin tin on a wire rack and let the cookies cool fully. I can’t tell you how many times I learned the hard way that peeling them out too soon leads to a messy crumble. Waiting might test your patience, but it’s absolutely worth it for intact, perfect cookies. Once cool, carefully remove each cookie and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple here—sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch, but honestly, the cookie and peanut butter cup combo is star enough. If I want to get fancy, a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top adds that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

I love to serve these cookies alongside a big glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee. For a brunch or dessert spread, throw in some fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with cupcake liners for easy grabbing. I’ve also wrapped batches in clear cellophane tied with twine as little gifts—they’re always a huge hit and make people smile every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. Just keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent the peanut butter cups from melting.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, I freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to 4 weeks. You can also freeze the dough balls ahead of time for up to 3 months—then bake fresh whenever you want. It’s a lifesaver for last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds just until warm—this softens the peanut butter cup again without melting it completely. Oven reheating works too; just wrap them in foil and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe is one of those trusty go-tos that never disappoints. I love how easy it is to throw together and the way it feels like a little homemade treat that everyone appreciates. Honestly, these cookies have been my secret weapon for potlucks and family gatherings — they vanish fast every single time. I’m excited for you to try them out and see just how downright delicious peanut butter cookies can be when topped with a melty candy surprise. Happy baking, friend!

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