Growing up, my grandma’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies were the stuff of legends. Every time she’d pull a fresh batch out of the oven, the irresistible aroma would fill the air, and we’d all come running. There was just something about the rich peanut butter, the gooey chocolate, and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that made it impossible to stop at just one.
As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen, I knew I had to recreate those beloved cookies. After countless batches and tweaks, I finally landed on a recipe that captures all the magic of my grandma’s version, with a few secret ingredients that take it to the next level. These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect blend of salty and sweet, with a texture that’s soft and chewy in the middle and crisp around the edges. They’re the kind of treat that’ll have your friends and family begging you for the recipe.
Why This Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
The key to these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is in the balance of flavors and textures. The peanut butter provides a rich, nutty base, while the chopped peanut butter cups add pockets of creamy, chocolatey goodness. But the real secret is in the technique – by using both granulated and brown sugar, you get a cookie that’s crisp on the outside but perfectly soft and chewy on the inside. And the addition of just a touch of salt helps to really make all the flavors pop.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This provides the foundation for the cookie’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, adding that irresistible peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar: The perfect combination for achieving the ideal texture.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect crackly top.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter cups, chopped: The star ingredient that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes, these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies come together in a flash. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4- Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5- Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the dough – this can lead to tough, dry cookies. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a chewier texture.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure your cookies are all the same size, so they bake evenly.
- For an extra burst of peanut butter flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted peanut butter.
Serving and Storing Your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. With 24 cookies per batch, they’re also great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as a homemade gift.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best way to store Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
You can also make the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have fresh, warm cookies on demand.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Creative Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Variations
While the classic Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are hard to beat, you can get creative with fun variations. Try swapping out the peanut butter cups for other candy fillings, like Reese’s Pieces, Snickers, or even Oreo cookie pieces. You can also experiment with different nut butters, like almond or hazelnut, for a twist on the classic flavor.
Making Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter and replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg. And for a low-carb option, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or xylitol in place of the granulated and brown sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the cookies. Just keep in mind that the cookies may be slightly more crumbly.
Q: How long do these cookies take to bake?
A: The total time for these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is 27 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can! Baked Peanut Butter Cup Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better.
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate experience with these irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with melted peanut butter cups, these cookies are a quick and easy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a chunkier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. You can also substitute different types of chocolate candies, such as Reese’s Pieces or mini peanut butter cups, for the chopped peanut butter cups.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a true delight – the perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
