Decadent Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate combination of soft, chewy cookies and creamy, dreamy peanut butter cups! Our Awesome Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in miniature form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, festive parties, or simply a delightful treat any day of the week, these cookie cups are guaranteed to steal the show and disappear fast!

Imagine a rich, buttery peanut butter cookie, perfectly baked into a convenient cup shape, with a surprise center: a luscious mini peanut butter cup, melty and warm from the oven. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience. Each bite delivers an explosion of classic peanut butter and chocolate flavors, balanced with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more. These addictive treats are as popular as our Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups, and if you can’t get enough peanut butter, be sure to explore our roundup of 17 Tempting Peanut Butter Cookies You’ll Go Nuts Over!

Why These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Are an Absolute Must-Try

Who can resist a perfectly crafted cookie cup, especially when it features the timeless duo of peanut butter and chocolate? These delightful bites are specifically designed to be the ultimate ‘pop-in-your-mouth’ indulgence. They are rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal choice for holiday dessert tables or any occasion where you want to impress without a lot of fuss. And let’s be honest, stopping at just one is nearly impossible!

The secret to their irresistible appeal lies in the soft, chewy cookie base, which is infused with deep peanut butter flavor. This recipe, inspired by our Thick & Soft ‘Ultimate’ Peanut Butter Cookie, ensures a truly decadent experience. Each cookie cup is robust enough to hold its candy center but delicate enough to melt delightfully in your mouth. If you’re searching for a simple yet profoundly delicious treat that will captivate everyone, your search ends here. These aren’t just cookies; they are edible moments of joy, especially during festive times like Christmas.

The Magic of Mini Peanut Butter Cups

These mini peanut butter cookie cups are not only easy to make but also serve as the perfect snack, an after-dinner delight, or a centerpiece for party treats. While the classic mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are always a fantastic choice, don’t shy away from experimenting with other varieties for an extra layer of deliciousness. For instance, we’ve had amazing success with Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and even Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups. The slight variation in chocolate or an added crunch can transform these treats into something truly extraordinary. Seriously, the options are endless and seriously yummy! Just pop them into the freshly baked cookies, and voilà – you have a treat that’s not just a dessert, but the heart of any party!

The best part? These incredible Peanut Butter Cup Cookies come together with surprising speed. All you need is a mini muffin pan, a few basic ingredients, and about 15 minutes of prep time before they hit the oven. Fast, easy, and undeniably delicious – what more could you ask for in a cookie?

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Decadent Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Crafting these delectable Peanut Butter Cup Cookies requires a handful of pantry staples, combined with the star of the show: miniature peanut butter cups. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking bliss:

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Recipe Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter, softened (if using salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Creamy peanut butter (your favorite brand will work wonders!)
• 24 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped

How to Make Awesome Mini Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible peanut butter cookie cups:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This ensures your cookies release easily after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, both brown and granulated sugars, and vanilla extract.
4. Beat Until Fluffy: Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for approximately 2 minutes. Pause as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes light and creamy.
5. Add the Egg: Crack in the egg and beat for about 30 seconds, just until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
7. Form the Cookie Cups: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or by hand, form the dough into small balls. Place each ball into the prepared mini muffin pan cups. It’s important not to overfill; the dough should not go over the top of the muffin cup, or you might end up with an ‘overloaded’ look that isn’t as aesthetically pleasing.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8 minutes. The tops of the cookies should appear slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. Don’t worry; they will continue to set and firm up as they cool.
9. Add the Peanut Butter Cups: Immediately upon removing the pan from the oven, gently but firmly press one miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie ball. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a perfect, gooey center.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan before carefully removing them. This helps them retain their shape and ensures the peanut butter cups have set. Serve and enjoy!

Customization Corner: Beyond the Classic Peanut Butter

Can I Use Other Nut Butters?

Absolutely! While classic peanut butter delivers that beloved flavor, feel free to experiment with other creamy nut butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (SunButter) can offer unique flavor profiles and cater to different dietary preferences. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly depending on the brand and type of nut butter you choose.

Try Other Candies for Unique Variations!

These cookie cups are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for tailoring to various holidays or special occasions. Don’t limit yourself to just peanut butter cups! Here are some other delightful candies you can substitute to make a statement:

• Chocolate Covered Caramels: Think Rolos for a chewy caramel center, or even mini Hershey’s Kisses for a classic chocolate touch. During Easter, small foil-wrapped egg treats could be a charming addition.
• White Chocolate Options: For a different twist, try white chocolate-covered Reese’s cups, or even other mini white chocolate candies.
• Candy Bar Bits: Chop up your favorite miniature candy bars like Snickers, Hershey’s bars, Milky Way, or even more Butterfinger pieces for a textural surprise and an extra layer of flavor.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are not just for Christmas, but they certainly shine during the festive season! Their adorable mini size, coupled with the universally loved combination of peanut butter and chocolate, makes them ideal for any holiday cookie platter, potluck, or party. They are quick to make, easy to transport, and always a huge hit with guests of all ages. Bring these to your next gathering, and watch them disappear!

Looking for more amazing Christmas desserts or Reese’s-inspired treats? You’re in luck! Check out these fantastic recipes:

• Reese’s Oatmeal Cookies
• Reese’s Cream Cheese Cookie Bars
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
• Sheet Pan Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars
• White Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Storage and Serving Tips

These peanut butter cookie cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store wonderfully. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving. They make excellent gifts, party favors, or just a sweet surprise for yourself!

These delightful sweet treats are sure to impress everyone with their delicious blend of peanut butter and chocolate. The tender cookie base combined with the gooey filling creates an irresistible dessert that truly embodies the saying, “Life is sweet, and so are peanut butter cookie cups!” So let’s get baking and spread some joy!

For more holiday inspiration, don’t miss our 60 Easy No Bake Treats and these festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies!

More Mini Peanut Butter Cup Love: Recipes You’ll Adore!

If you’re a true fan of the peanut butter and chocolate combination, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate mini peanut butter cups:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cup Double Stuffed Oreos
• Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Oreo Tart
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins (Despite the title, this link points to a PB Cup Explosion Cookies, which fits the theme better)
• Soft JUMBO Peanut Butter Cookies {PB M&Ms, Milk Chocolate Chips & Reese Cups Allowed!}
• 30 Peanut Butter & Candy Desserts

And for even more festive ideas, check out 10 Super Sweet Christmas Tree Desserts To Pine Over!