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Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a delightful, bite-sized treat that perfectly balances the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, buttery goodness of a cookie. These cookie cups are a great alternative to traditional cookies, offering a fun twist on a classic favorite. The thick, soft cookie base is baked into a mini muffin tin, creating a well-shaped cup that’s just waiting to be filled with a dollop of peanut butter or a piece of chocolate for that extra indulgent touch.

These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to an afternoon snack. They are incredibly easy to make, and the result is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The crunchy outer layer of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter filling, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or simply someone who enjoys a sweet treat with a little flair, these cookie cups are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Combination

The combo of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason. These cookie cups allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds in one bite, making them irresistible.

2. Fun and Easy to Make

Rather than making individual cookies, these cookie cups are baked in a muffin tin, making them a fun, hands-off treat that’s simple to prepare and bake.

3. Customizable Fillings

You can fill the cookie cups with peanut butter, chocolate chips, or even caramel, giving you the freedom to make them as unique as your taste preferences.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

From birthday parties to holiday gatherings, these Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a great addition to any spread. They’re small enough for snacks and big enough to satisfy sweet cravings.

5. Great for Sharing

Because they’re bite-sized, Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re easy to grab and go, making them ideal for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Peanut butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Mini chocolate cups or chocolate chips (optional)
Peanut butter chips (optional)

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Cups: Fill the center of the cups with melted chocolate before adding the peanut butter for an even richer treat.
Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups: Add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the center for a sweet, gooey surprise.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookie cups gluten-free.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Cups: Add a small spoonful of your favorite fruit jam or jelly on top of the peanut butter for a fun take on a PB&J sandwich.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place the dough balls into the prepared muffin tin, pressing them down slightly to form a small indentation in the center.

Step 7: Bake the Cookie Cups

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops look set.

Step 8: Add the Peanut Butter or Chocolate Filling

While the cookie cups are still warm, press a spoonful of peanut butter into the center of each cup, or place a mini chocolate cup or a few chocolate chips in the center.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure not to overbake the cookie cups, as this can cause them to become too crispy. The tops should look set, but the centers should still be soft.
If you’re using chocolate chips or mini chocolate cups, make sure to add them after baking while the cookies are still warm to allow them to melt slightly.
If you prefer a more indulgent filling, try using peanut butter chips or Nutella for an extra layer of flavor.
Let the cookie cups cool before transferring them to avoid breaking them.
You can freeze the dough for later use. Simply freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when you’re ready.

How to Serve

These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a sweet treat at parties, pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful snack, or enjoy them with a glass of milk for an afternoon indulgence. They’re great on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cookie cups cool completely and then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookie cups on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture and extra crunch to the cookie cups.

2. How can I make these cookie cups without a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can form the dough into small balls and bake them on a cookie sheet. The cups will not form as easily, but they’ll still taste great.

3. Can I substitute peanut butter for almond butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

4. Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

5. What other fillings can I use?

You can experiment with different fillings like caramel, Nutella, or even mini marshmallows.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to an airtight container for longer storage.

7. How do I prevent my cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Grease the muffin tin well or use paper liners to prevent the cookie cups from sticking.

8. Can I use regular-sized chocolate cups?

If you don’t have mini chocolate cups, you can use regular-sized ones, but you will need to bake them for a little longer and break the pieces into smaller portions.

9. How can I make these more festive?

To make them more festive, add colorful sprinkles on top or drizzle them with melted chocolate.

10. Can I make these cookie cups vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs to make this recipe vegan.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a fun, delicious, and versatile treat that combines two of the most beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft, sweet cookie base and rich filling, they are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any occasion. Easy to make, customizable, and highly shareable, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves peanut butter. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of these delightful treats!