If you adore the comforting flavors of peanut butter and irresistible bites of cookie dough, then this Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, golden peanut butter cookie dough cups hugging a melty mini peanut butter cup in the center—a perfect combination of chewy and creamy that truly satisfies any sweet tooth craving. They’re simple to make yet so impressive, making them the ultimate dessert for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy night at home. Let’s dive into this deliciously fun recipe that feels like peanut butter paradise in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple; just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that combine to create something truly magical. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s lending that classic peanut butter flavor, adding creamy richness, or giving the cookies their perfect soft texture and golden color.
- 16 ounces ready to bake peanut butter cookie dough: Using pre-made dough saves time and ensures consistent soft, chewy cookies every time.
- 24 Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped): These little gems bring that signature creamy peanut butter and chocolate center, melting perfectly inside the cookie cup.
- Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and keep your cookie cups looking flawless when removed.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F to get things perfectly ready for baking. Spray your mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray, which will make it easy to pop out the cookie cups later without any sticking mishaps.
Step 2: Portion the Dough
Separate the peanut butter cookie dough into 24 individual pieces, placing each piece directly into a cavity of the mini muffin tin. Don’t worry about shaping or molding the dough too much—as long as it fits within each cup, it will bake evenly and puff up beautifully on its own.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pop your tray into the oven and let the cookies bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a slightly puffed appearance with golden edges that signal they’re just done and perfectly soft. The smell alone will have you eager to taste them!
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Once the cookies come out of the oven, act quickly and press one unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth will slightly melt the candy, creating a luscious filling that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Let your peanut butter cookie cups cool right in the pan for 1 to 2 hours. This cooling step is key for setting the shape and allowing the gooey center to firm up just enough. When ready, gently twist to loosen and remove each cup—if needed, slide a butter knife underneath to pry them out carefully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether shared at a gathering or savored on your own, their delightful combination of soft cookie and creamy peanut butter cup filling is pure happiness in every bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to these peanut butter cookie cups can elevate their look and flavor effortlessly. Consider a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch and a festive touch. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty contrast and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups pair wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Serve them alongside a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic classic combo or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn them into an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries can also balance their richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your peanut butter cookie cups in cupcake liners or on a decorative platter with colorful napkins. You could even serve them as miniature dessert cups topped with whipped cream. Packaging them in cute treat bags makes a perfect homemade gift that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookie cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps their texture soft and the peanut butter cup center delightfully gooey. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option but may slightly firm up the chocolate center.
Freezing
Peanut butter cookie cups freeze well and maintain their flavor and texture when thawed properly. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months—perfect for prepping ahead or satisfying sudden sweet cravings later!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookie cups, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For that fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked taste with a melty peanut butter center that’s just as delicious.
FAQs
Can I use homemade peanut butter cookie dough instead of ready-to-bake?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure it’s firm enough to hold shape in the mini muffin tin. Adjust baking times slightly if needed, watching for golden edges as your cue.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups? Can I use regular-sized ones?
You can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, but consider cutting them into smaller pieces so they fit nicely inside each cookie cup. Oversized ones might cause the dough to overflow or bake unevenly.
Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free peanut butter cookie dough and carefully check that the peanut butter cups are gluten-free as well, you can enjoy this recipe with gluten-free ingredients.
Why do I need to let the cookie cups cool completely in the pan?
Cooling allows the cookie cups to set firmly and the melted peanut butter cups to solidify slightly. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Can these cookie cups be made dairy-free?
To make them dairy-free, you’ll want to find peanut butter cups that are specifically dairy-free and use dairy-free cookie dough. There are some great alternatives available that keep the delicious flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for impressing guests, gifting homemade goodies, or simply treating yourself to something truly delicious. Once you try them, you’ll see why these cookie cups are a beloved classic that bring joy in every bite. So go ahead and bake up a batch—you’ll thank yourself later!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, featuring ready-to-bake peanut butter cookie dough filled with iconic Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect as a sweet treat for any occasion, these cookie cups boast a golden, slightly puffed texture with a creamy, chocolate-peanut butter center.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ready to bake peanut butter cookie dough
- 24 Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Separate the cookie dough into 24 pieces and place one piece into each cavity of the mini muffin tin. There’s no need to reshape the dough; just ensure each piece is fully contained within its own cavity.
- Bake the Dough: Bake the cookie dough for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies look slightly puffed and golden around the edges, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the oven, and while the cookies are still warm, quickly press one unwrapped Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie.
- Cool: Allow the peanut butter cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin, about 1 to 2 hours. This lets them firm up and makes removal easier.
- Remove and Serve: Gently twist each cookie cup loose from the muffin tin. If needed, carefully use a butter knife to help pop them out without breaking. Serve as a delicious treat or dessert.
Notes
- For easier removal, ensure the cookie cups are fully cooled before attempting to remove from the muffin tin.
- Using cooking spray or muffin liners helps prevent sticking and preserves the shape.
- You can substitute Reese’s Miniatures with other peanut butter candies if desired.
- Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
