🍪 Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Chewy, Dreamy, and Irresistibly Addictive

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

Oh, sweet friends, gather ’round! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a world of pure, unadulterated bliss with a recipe that promises to steal your heart and tantalize your taste buds: Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Imagine a golden-brown, soft, and chewy peanut butter cookie, still warm from the oven, cradling a molten, gooey peanut butter cup right in its heart. Each bite is a symphony of creamy peanut butter and rich, melty chocolate, a truly unforgettable experience. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a hug in edible form, perfect for cozy evenings, sharing with loved ones, or simply indulging in a moment of nostalgic comfort after a long day. Get ready to fall in love!

Recipe Card will be inserted here

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies

💥 Vibe: Buttery, Chocolaty, Nostalgic

Jump Ahead

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

What You’ll Need

Creating these delightful cookies requires a few pantry staples and, of course, the star of the show: miniature peanut butter cups! Here’s everything you’ll need to gather:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, stir-free type)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 24 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Let’s get baking! This process is wonderfully straightforward, leading to truly spectacular results. Follow these simple steps for cookie perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add the creamy peanut butter to the mixture and beat until thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth, rich base.
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
7. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Flatten each piece slightly in your palm.
8. 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 so the chocolate is hidden.
9. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The peanut butter cups inside will be molten and wonderful!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While these cookies are perfect as-is, a little creativity can elevate them even further! Here are some delightful twists and serving suggestions:

• A Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Immediately after baking, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm cookies. It beautifully enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt some extra chocolate (milk, dark, or white!) and drizzle it artfully over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Heaven: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or even chocolate ice cream between two cooled cookies for an epic dessert experience.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts into the cookie dough for added texture and a deeper peanut flavor.
• Holiday Switch-Up: Use different holiday-themed miniature chocolates (like peppermint patties or caramel-filled chocolates) for festive variations!

Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it! Our community absolutely adores these cookies:

Emma R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These cookies are a dream! So easy to make and they disappear in minutes whenever I bake them. The warm, gooey peanut butter cup inside is just magical. A definite family favorite!”

David S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve made a lot of peanut butter cookies, but these take the cake (or cookie!). The texture is spot on – soft and chewy, and that burst of chocolate and peanut butter is divine. Perfect with a cold glass of milk.”

Sophia L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Pure nostalgia in every bite! My kids absolutely rave about these. They’re so much fun to make together, and the reward is truly delicious. Thank you for this incredible recipe!”

FAQ

Curious about perfecting your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies? Here are some common questions we hear:

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: It’s best to stick with a creamy, stir-free peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can affect the texture of the cookies, making them more crumbly.

Q: What if I only have regular-sized peanut butter cups?
A: You can definitely use them! Just chop each regular-sized peanut butter cup into quarters or smaller pieces. You might need to use a bit more dough to fully enclose them, or simply press the pieces into the tops of the dough balls before baking.

Q: How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
A: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. You might need to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before forming the cookies, as it will be stiffer.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about the simple joy of a homemade cookie, and these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies embody that warmth and comfort perfectly. They’re more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delicious invitation to slow down, savor a moment, and share a little happiness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because it’s a Tuesday, the smiles and contented sighs they bring are truly priceless. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas, and create some edible magic. Happy baking, my friends!

Recipe Note

For the chewiest centers and perfectly melted peanut butter cups, be careful not to overbake your cookies! They may look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.