Name: Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48 peanut butter cups (one 17.6-ounce bag will be plenty); 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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If you love the timeless combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a real treat with Peanut Butter Cookie Cups. Imagine bite-sized cookie cups with a soft, tender peanut butter base, each cradling a mini peanut butter cup inside—melty, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. Not only are these adorable little treats pure bliss for anyone who enjoys classic flavors, but they’re also a knockout at cookie swaps, parties, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are equal parts nostalgic and impossible to resist, making them an absolute must-bake for your favorites list.

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Cookie Cups starts with a handful of pantry basics and a bag of mini peanut butter cups. Each ingredient shines in its own way, from creating chewy cookie edges to delivering that craveable chocolate-peanut butter combo everyone adores.

Peanut butter cups: These are the undisputed stars, adding a fudgy, melty center to every bite-sized cookie.
Butter (softened): Lends rich flavor and keeps the cookie base soft and tender.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a delicate crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note, creating that chewy, bakery-style bite.
Peanut butter: Reinforces that classic, nutty taste and makes the dough perfectly creamy.
Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookie structure.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Flour: Provides body to the dough, making it sturdy enough to cradle a mini peanut butter cup.
Baking soda: Fluffs up the cookies just the right amount for a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. Give a mini muffin pan a generous coating with cooking spray—this makes it easy to pop out those beautiful cookie cups later. Having the pan ready at the start means everything else will come together effortlessly.

Step 2: Unwrap and Chill the Peanut Butter Cups

Next, unwrap all 48 mini peanut butter cups. Place them in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough; this simple step keeps them firm so they won’t melt too quickly when pressed into the warm cookies. Chilled candies make for neater, more defined Peanut Butter Cookie Cups.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter together with the sugar and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step sets the stage for cookies with perfectly soft and chewy centers.

Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

With your mixer on low or by hand, blend in the peanut butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is velvety and smooth, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated for the best peanut butter flavor in each bite.

Step 5: Finish the Dough

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until you don’t see any more streaks of flour. If the dough feels sticky and hard to roll, add up to two tablespoons more flour until it’s easy to work with. The dough should be soft, yet pliable.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each ball into a well of your prepared mini muffin tin. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops look set and slightly puffy—don’t overbake. When they come out of the oven, immediately press a cold peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Let them cool completely in the pan before removing for best results.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Garnishes

A little extra flourish takes Peanut Butter Cookie Cups from scrumptious to show-stopping. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a quick drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts for a satisfying crunch and pop of salty-sweet flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful cookie cups alongside cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic pairing, or next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure indulgence. They’re also fantastic on a dessert buffet with fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Peanut Butter Cookie Cups in a tiered arrangement for parties, arrange them in mini cupcake wrappers for a bakery-worthy look, or package a few in a cellophane bag with a colorful ribbon for sweet homemade gifts. However you serve them, these beauties never fail to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Peanut Butter Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, and you’ll get to enjoy their tender texture and delicious flavors all week long.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Peanut Butter Cookie Cups cool completely, then arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste as amazing as the day you baked them.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a thawed or room temperature cookie cup in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate center will soften, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven magic with every bite.

FAQs

Do I have to use mini muffin pans for Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?

A mini muffin pan is best to create that classic cup shape and perfect ratio of cookie to chocolate. While you could bake on a sheet pan, the results won’t cradle the peanut butter cup quite the same way.

Can I use different types of nut butters?

You sure can! Try almond or cashew butter for a twist, but keep in mind that natural nut butters may make the dough softer, so you may need extra flour to help with rolling.

What’s the best way to keep the peanut butter cups from melting?

Always chill the candies before pressing them into the hot cookies, and allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan before removing. This keeps the chocolates intact and the centers picture-perfect.

Can I make larger Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?

Absolutely! Use a standard muffin pan and regular-sized peanut butter cups, but increase the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

Why are my cookie cups sticking to the pan?

Generously coat your muffin pan with cooking spray or use parchment paper liners to make removal easier. Letting the cookie cups cool fully also helps them release cleanly.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Peanut Butter Cookie Cups is the kind of joy that brings smiles to every kitchen. They’re delicious, adorable, and so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—these melt-in-your-mouth treats are bound to become a new favorite in your home!

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 48 mini cookie cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a sweet and chewy cookie base. Perfect for any occasion, these mini cookie cups are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and coat a mini muffin pan with cooking spray; set aside.
Unwrap the candies: Unwrap the peanut butter cups and store them in the fridge for easy handling.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars.
Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
Stir in dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until incorporated.
Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, adjusting consistency with extra flour if needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American