Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Is there anything better than the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? I think not! These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the answer to your sweet cravings, perfectly capturing that irresistible flavor pairing in a soft, chewy, and utterly addictive cookie. As a passionate home baker with over 15 years of experience, I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver bakery-worthy results every single time. These cookies are especially delightful during the fall and holiday season, as the rich flavors evoke cozy feelings and festive gatherings. This recipe has been tested countless times, tweaked, and refined based on feedback from friends and family, ensuring a foolproof method for even novice bakers. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Perfection

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookie. I always recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture. Bleached flour can sometimes result in a tougher cookie.
• Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent. It reacts with the acids in the brown sugar and peanut butter to create a light and airy cookie. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal results!
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. A pinch of salt is essential in any sweet treat.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and tenderness. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: (Light or Dark) Provides moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor. Dark brown sugar will result in a more intense molasses flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use a good quality creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter as it tends to separate and can result in a drier cookie.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Use a large egg at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Peanut Butter Cups: (Mini or Regular, Chopped) The finishing touch! I prefer using mini peanut butter cups as they distribute evenly throughout the cookie.

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Creaming is Key: Properly creaming together the butter and sugars is crucial for achieving a light and airy cookie. Beat them together for at least 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
• Even Baking: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size. This will help them bake evenly.
• Underbake Slightly: To ensure a soft and chewy cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Room Temperature Matters: Using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs is important for proper emulsification and a smooth batter.
• Peanut Butter Type: For the best results, avoid using natural peanut butter that separates. Stick with a creamy, stabilized peanut butter brand like Skippy or Jif.

Storage Substitutions

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before enjoying.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Make sure to choose one that is formulated for baking.
• Nut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter). You can also use another type of nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter. Be sure to replace the peanut butter cups with another candy that is safe for those with peanut allergies, like chocolate chunks or caramel bits.
• Variations: Get creative! Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to the tops of the cookies before baking.

FAQ About Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Why are my cookies flat?

This can happen for a few reasons: the butter was too warm, you overmixed the dough, or the oven temperature was too low. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, avoid overmixing, and use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Chilling the dough is very important.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While you can use natural peanut butter, I don’t recommend it. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can result in a drier, greasier cookie. If you do use it, make sure to stir it well before measuring and consider adding a tablespoon or two of extra flour.

How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from melting too much?

Chilling the chopped peanut butter cups before adding them to the dough can help prevent them from melting too much. You can also add them towards the end of the mixing process. Make sure to chop them into larger pieces.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough along with the peanut butter cups.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cookies. Make sure to slightly underbake them, as they will continue to bake as they cool. Also, be careful not to add too much flour to the dough. Use the spoon and level method when measuring your flour.

Bake Up a Batch of Happiness

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug in cookie form. With their soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, they’re sure to become a new favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Happy Baking!

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