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Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies: A Fudgy Delight with Vegan & Gluten-Free Options

Prepare to fall in love with these Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies! Imagine soft, rich, and utterly fudgy chocolate cookies bursting with the delightful duo of creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate. Each bite is a harmonious blend of luscious peanut butter cups and crunchy peanut butter chips, creating a texture and flavor profile that is simply irresistible. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a celebration for every chocolate and peanut butter enthusiast.

These cookies transcend the ordinary, offering a truly magical experience that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk. They stand proudly alongside other beloved peanut butter and chocolate creations like Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, a diverse collection of 30 Peanut Butter & Candy Desserts, and even rich Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that promises pure bliss with every mouthful!

Why You’ll Adore Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Recipe

Calling all dessert connoisseurs and those with an insatiable sweet tooth! Every day is an ideal occasion to indulge in one of life’s greatest pleasures: our exceptional Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they represent the pinnacle of indulgence, a perfectly balanced symphony of rich, creamy peanut butter and deeply decadent chocolate, all encapsulated in a single, heavenly bite.

The iconic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic for a reason. Whether it’s in the form of a timeless Reese’s cup or a freshly baked, warm cookie, this duo consistently delivers unparalleled satisfaction to our taste buds. Cookies, in general, hold a special place in our hearts as a wonderful treat suitable for countless occasions. Who could possibly argue with that?

From satisfying your own personal cookie cravings – a delightful addiction we can all relate to – to impressing guests during festive holidays and special events, cookies are universally recognized as the undisputed superstars of any gathering. And these particular gems? They are truly something special. We find ourselves constantly craving them, and we’re certain you will too. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to treat your palate to an unforgettable journey through the delightful world of chocolate peanut butter cookies.

Essential Ingredients for Your Decadent Cookies

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter, room temperature: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your cookies. Room temperature butter is crucial for proper creaming with the sugars, creating a light and airy base that contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that coveted crisp edge on your cookies.
Brown Sugar, packed: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note that complements the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. Make sure to pack it firmly when measuring.
Large Egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the cookies. For a vegan option, consider using 1/4 cup of applesauce as a direct replacement.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component. Ensure it’s measured correctly using the scoop and level method (spoon flour into measuring cup, then level off with a knife) to avoid overly dense cookies. For a gluten-free option, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich, deep chocolate flavor. Measure correctly (scoop and level) and sift it if there are any clumps to ensure a smooth dough. We highly recommend using a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli for the best chocolate intensity.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Don’t skip it!
Peanut Butter Chips: These pockets of pure peanut butter goodness melt into the cookies, intensifying the peanut butter flavor. For a vegan cookie option, look for vegan peanut butter baking chips.
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The stars of the show! These add a delightful chew and explosion of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. Use vegan peanut butter cups for a vegan cookie recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cookies go in, promoting even baking.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes, ensuring proper aeration for soft cookies.
Add Sugars: Incorporate both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the creamed butter. Continue creaming for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well combined and visibly lighter in color and texture.
Introduce Wet Ingredients: Crack in the large egg (or applesauce for vegan option), mixing until it’s fully incorporated into the batter. Next, add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the egg is in.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sift this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed just until a cohesive chocolate dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently stir or fold in the mini peanut butter cups. It’s a great idea to reserve some of the peanut butter cups to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking, giving them a beautiful, tempting appearance.
Scoop and Place: Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), scoop generous portions of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave adequate space between each cookie to allow for a slight spread during baking. For an extra touch, gently press a few peanut butter chips onto the top of each dough ball.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven. The cookies should be just starting to firm up around the edges but still appear soft and slightly underdone in the center. Remember, cookies continue to bake for a few minutes after they are removed from the oven.
Optional Toppings (Post-Bake): Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, if desired, gently press a few more peanut butter chocolate chips and/or peanut butter cups onto the warm, soft tops. This enhances their visual appeal and adds an extra burst of flavor.
Cool on Tray: Allow the cookies to set on the baking tray for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step prevents them from breaking apart and helps them firm up properly.
Store When Fully Cooled: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and soft, fudgy texture.

Expert Tips for Baking Flawless Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies

Achieving the perfect batch of these decadent cookies is easily within reach with a few simple baking tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, well-combined dough that bakes evenly and results in a tender texture.
Measure Dry Ingredients Accurately: Especially with flour and cocoa powder, the “scoop and level” method is essential. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to dry, dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, chewy cookies instead of soft, fudgy ones.
Customize Your Peanut Butter Cups: While mini peanut butter cups are recommended, feel free to roughly chop larger ones if that’s what you have on hand. The varying sizes will create interesting textures within the cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your dough seems too soft or sticky, or if you live in a warm climate, chilling it for 30 minutes to an hour can make it easier to handle and help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Space Them Out: Give your cookie dough balls enough room on the baking sheet. Although these cookies don’t spread dramatically, adequate spacing ensures even heat circulation and prevents them from merging into one giant cookie.
Know Your Oven: All ovens vary. Pay attention to how your cookies are baking rather than strictly adhering to the time. Look for edges that are set and a center that still looks slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool Properly: Letting the cookies set on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is crucial. This allows them to firm up enough to be moved without breaking, while the wire rack provides air circulation for even cooling.

Making Them Your Own: Vegan & Gluten-Free Variations

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy these incredible Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies, which is why we’ve made them easily adaptable for different dietary needs. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture!

Delicious Vegan Options

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make vegan! The primary substitution is for the egg. Applesauce works exceptionally well in this recipe as an egg replacement, adding moisture without altering the flavor profile significantly. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg.
Beyond the egg, ensure your butter is swapped for a high-quality vegan butter substitute (like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance).
For the peanut butter chips and mini peanut butter cups, seek out brands specifically labeled as vegan. The availability of vegan baking chips and candies has expanded greatly, making it easier than ever to create fully plant-based treats. This is fantastic news for those with allergies, ethical preferences, or even just when you find yourself without eggs on hand!

Effortless Gluten-Free Options

Transforming these into gluten-free chocolate peanut butter cookies is incredibly simple. Just replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Many popular brands are readily available.
Measuring gluten-free flour accurately is just as important as with regular flour. Use the scoop and level method.
The result will be equally delicious and fudgy, allowing everyone to enjoy these magnificent cookies without compromise!

Other Creative Cookie Variations

Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Instead of just cocoa powder, you could incorporate milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate chips for a triple chocolate effect.
Nut Butter Alternatives: While peanut butter is classic, consider using almond butter or cashew butter for a different twist, especially if there are peanut allergies. Just ensure the alternative nut butter has a similar consistency to creamy peanut butter.
Add-ins Galore: Beyond peanut butter cups and chips, think about adding chopped pretzels for a salty crunch, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors, or even chopped nuts for extra texture.

Storing Your Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies

Once you’ve baked a batch of these glorious cookies, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining their soft, fudgy texture and rich flavor.

At Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies can help keep them soft, as the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze portions of the raw cookie dough. Scoop the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for having fresh-baked cookies whenever a craving strikes!

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your indulgence:

Classic Milk Pairing: There’s nothing quite like a cold glass of milk to accompany a warm, fudgy cookie.
Coffee or Tea: A perfect afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite hot beverage.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Press two cookies around a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream for an ultimate dessert creation.
Warm with a Drizzle: Gently warm a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzle with extra melted chocolate or a dollop of peanut butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

A: Yes, you can! If using regular-sized peanut butter cups, we recommend chopping them into smaller pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough and in each bite.

Q: How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

A: Ensure your butter isn’t too soft (it should yield slightly when pressed, not be oily). Measure your flour correctly, chill the dough for 30 minutes if it seems warm or sticky, and make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Q: Can I add other types of chocolate chips?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips alongside or in place of the peanut butter chips for varied flavor combinations.

Q: What’s the best way to get uniformly sized cookies?

A: Using a cookie scoop is the easiest way to ensure all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

Q: Do these cookies freeze well?

A: Yes, both baked cookies and raw cookie dough freeze beautifully, as detailed in our storage section above. This makes them excellent for meal prepping desserts!

In conclusion, our Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Remember, when life blesses you with the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter, there’s only one thing to do: make this incredible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Recipe. These fudgy chocolate chip cookies, elevated by the inclusion of irresistible peanut butter cups, are ideal for any occasion – be it festive Christmas gatherings, lively parties, or simply when an undeniable craving for the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing strikes. We genuinely cherish cookie recipes, and these stand out as an absolute favorite!

Of course, the beloved combination of peanut butter and chocolate holds a special place in my entire family’s heart. So, if you’re eager to explore more fantastical dessert ideas featuring this dynamic duo, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at these other amazing creations!

More Dreamy Desserts to Explore!

Soft Batch Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cookies
Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies
75 Heavenly Chocolate Dessert Recipes!
Easy Dreamy Oreo Chocolate Cream Pie
Brown Sugar Brownie Bars
10 Dreamy Valentine Desserts
Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
12 Delectable Pies for the Holidays!
Easy Upgrade Cake Mix Cookies
Thick and Chewy Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don’t forget to explore these 80 Best Homemade Frostings Recipes Roundup to elevate all your dessert creations!

Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies – Vegan & GF Options

Recipe by Kim Lange

These Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies are wonderfully soft, incredibly fudgy, and packed with irresistible milk chocolate and peanut butter flavor. Each bite is a pure delight, featuring luscious peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips nestled within rich chocolate cookies – a true fantasy for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.

★★★★★ 5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 14 Cookies

Ingredients

½ cup butter (room temperature)
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce if vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (measured correctly – scoop and level method)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (measured correctly and clump-free, sift if needed – scoop and level method. I used Ghirardelli)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup peanut butter chips (Option: Press into tops of cookies before or after baking, use vegan chocolate chips if wanting vegan option)
2 cups mini peanut butter cups, some chopped, some whole (use vegan peanut butter cups, if wanting vegan)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream butter until light and creamy for 2 minutes.
Add in granulated and brown sugar, continuing to cream for 1-2 more minutes.
Add in egg (or applesauce for vegan), mixing until fully incorporated into the batter. Then, add in vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Add this dry mixture and salt to the wet ingredients and beat together just until a cohesive chocolate dough forms. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the mini peanut butter cups, saving some for the tops of the cookies to press in before or after baking.
Using a medium cookie scoop (approx. 1 & ½ tablespoons), scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press some peanut butter chips on top of each scooped dough ball.
Leave enough room between cookies for them to spread very slightly during baking.
Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. Cookies should be starting to firm up around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue baking as they cool.
Remove from the oven. If desired, immediately press a few more peanut butter chips and peanut butter cups onto the warm cookies for extra appeal.
Let cookies set on the cookie tray for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Allow to cool completely prior to storing to maintain freshness and texture.

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