🍪 Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: A Melty, Dreamy, Irresistible Treat

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,980 fans)
📸 620+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There are some desserts that just whisper “home” and “happiness,” and for us, Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies sing it from the rooftops! Imagine, if you will, sinking your teeth into a wonderfully soft, chewy peanut butter cookie, only to discover a warm, gooey miniature peanut butter cup melting delightfully in its center. Then, just for good measure, a delicate drizzle of rich chocolate on top, mimicking the iconic Buckeye candy. It’s a symphony of sweet and salty, a dance of textures from the tender cookie to the creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny pockets of pure joy, perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you need a little sweet escape.

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 36 cookies

💥 Vibe: Peanut Buttery, Chocolatey, Indulgent

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to unlocking this chocolatey, peanut buttery magic. You’ll find most of these staples are probably already cozy in your pantry, waiting to be transformed into something truly special.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, oil-separated kind)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 36 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

How to Make Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Let’s get baking! This process is as delightful as the cookies themselves, bringing wonderful aromas to your kitchen.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough. Flatten each piece slightly in the palm of your hand.
7. Place one unwrapped miniature peanut butter cup in the center of the flattened dough. Gently wrap the dough around the peanut butter cup, sealing it completely to form a ball.
8. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They may look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cookies are cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil/shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
12. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip.
13. Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

The beauty of these cookies is how wonderfully versatile they are! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nut butters! Cashew butter or almond butter would offer a unique, delicious twist.
• White Chocolate Dream: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate drizzle, use melted white chocolate for a beautiful contrast and different flavor profile.
• Salty Crunch: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm chocolate drizzle for an extra pop of flavor and texture. It really elevates the sweet and savory notes!
• Holiday Cheer: Add a few festive sprinkles to the chocolate drizzle before it sets for a joyful touch during the holidays.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: For an ultimate indulgence, sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cooled Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Pure bliss!

Reviews

These cookies have brought so much joy to so many kitchens! Here’s what some of our wonderful fans are saying:

– Sarah L.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“These are an absolute game-changer! My family devoured them in minutes. The soft cookie with the melty peanut butter cup inside is pure genius. “

– David M.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I made these for a potluck and they were the first thing to disappear! Everyone wanted the recipe. So easy to make and utterly delicious. ” 

– Emily R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The best cookie recipe I’ve tried this year! The chocolate drizzle really makes them feel extra special, like little edible works of art. My new go-to. “

FAQ

We love hearing your questions! Here are some common ones about these delightful cookies:

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter? A: We recommend using processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the best texture and consistency in the dough. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and can alter the cookie’s texture.

Q: How do I store these cookies? A: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough (without wrapping the peanut butter cups) and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature slightly before shaping and baking.

Q: What if I don’t have miniature peanut butter cups? A: While they are key to this recipe, you could substitute with other small chocolate candies or even a cube of chocolate for a different, but still delicious, surprise center!

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – a recipe for Buckeye Peanut Butter Cup Cookies that promises to bring warmth, comfort, and pure delight to your home. Baking is more than just following steps; it’s an act of love, a way to create memories, and a chance to share something truly special with those you cherish. So tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the magic unfold. We can’t wait for you to experience the joy of these incredible cookies. Happy baking!

Recipe Note

For the most satisfying melty center, ensure your miniature peanut butter cups are well-chilled before wrapping them in dough. This helps them hold their shape a little better during the initial bake, then beautifully melt into a luscious pocket of goodness as the cookies cool.