Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Is there a more perfect pairing than peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a symphony of flavors, taking the classic combination we all adore and turning it into a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. As the holidays approach, or even just for a cozy weekend baking session, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagine the rich aroma filling your kitchen, the delightful anticipation as you pull a tray of perfectly baked cookies from the oven, and the satisfied smiles as everyone takes their first bite. I promise you, these cookies are utterly irresistible.

Baking is my happy place, and creating recipes that bring joy to others is my passion. I’ve spent years perfecting cookie recipes, focusing on that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and ease of preparation. I’ve baked countless batches of cookies over the years, experimenting with different ratios and techniques to achieve that soft, chewy texture that everyone loves. From adjusting oven temperatures to mastering the art of chilling dough, I’ve learned the secrets to baking perfect cookies every single time. You will too!

With the weather getting cooler, and everyone craving comfort food, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are trending. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless classic, and these cookies take it to the next level with their soft, chewy texture and irresistible flavor. They’re the perfect treat to share with family and friends, or to simply enjoy by yourself with a warm glass of milk.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the stars of our show! Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups. Flour provides the structure for our cookies. Different types of flour will affect the texture, so sticking with all-purpose flour is key for this recipe.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Baking soda is a chemical leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Softened butter allows the dough to cream properly, resulting in a tender cookie. Make sure it’s soft, but not melted!
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies, as well as a caramel-like flavor. The molasses in brown sugar also helps to keep the cookies soft.
• Peanut Butter: 1 cup (creamy). Peanut butter is the star of the show! It adds flavor, moisture, and a delightful nutty aroma. I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture, but you can use chunky if you like a little extra crunch.
• Eggs: 2 large. Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the richness and structure of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a touch of warmth.
• Peanut Butter Cups: 1 1/2 cups, chopped. The grand finale! Chop them into various sizes so you get delicious bites of peanut butter cup in every bite.

Ingredient Science Note: The balance of granulated and brown sugar is crucial for cookie texture. Brown sugar, due to its molasses content, adds moisture and chewiness. Creaming the butter and sugar together properly is also important as it incorporates air, which contributes to a lighter texture.

Substitution Tips:

• Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Peanut Butter: For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter (sunflower butter).
• Sugar: You can use coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These are some extra tips that I have picked up after countless batches of these delicious cookies:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This will result in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you to create uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Add Extra Peanut Butter Cups: For extra peanut butter cup flavor, press a few extra chopped peanut butter cups into the tops of the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
• Room Temperature Butter: The butter needs to be room temperature, not melted. If your butter is melted, your cookies will spread too thin.

Personal Testing Notes: I found that chilling the dough overnight produced the best results. The cookies were thicker, chewier, and had a more intense peanut butter flavor. I also experimented with different brands of peanut butter cups and found that using a high-quality brand made a noticeable difference in the flavor of the cookies. Also, I have found that using a silpat mat rather than parchment paper leads to a less spread out cookie.

Storage & Substitutions

Let’s talk about keeping these delightful treats fresh and exploring some easy swaps!

• Storage: Store the Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together.

Substitution Options for dietary needs and preferences:

• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and ensure your peanut butter cups are vegan-friendly.
• Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each, or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Add Nuts: Want more texture? Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts to the dough for an extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions I get asked about making Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies are often caused by using melted butter instead of softened butter, not chilling the dough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and mix the dough until just combined.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly drier cookie. Natural peanut butter tends to be less processed and can separate, so make sure to stir it well before using.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into individual cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy. Also, don’t overbake them!

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these cookies. Add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough along with the chopped peanut butter cups.

My peanut butter cups melted in the cookies, what did I do wrong?

This could be due to a few factors: the oven temperature being too high, the cookies being placed too close together on the baking sheet, or the peanut butter cups being too large. Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature, leave enough space between the cookies, and chop the peanut butter cups into smaller pieces.

Bake Up Some Happiness!

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the joy of baking to the satisfaction of sharing a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re easy to make, customizable, and utterly irresistible. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some happiness!

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and share your creations with me. Leave a comment below with your baking experience, any modifications you made, or simply to tell me how much you loved them! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes like Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Classic Sugar Cookies for even more baking inspiration.

Print