There’s something undeniably cozy about the smell of chocolate baking in the oven, especially when it’s paired with the rich essence of peanut butter. Just the other day, a few friends dropped by unannounced, and I had just enough time to whip up a batch of my favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. After only a few minutes in the oven, the warm, indulgent aroma transformed my kitchen into a sweet sanctuary, making everyone feel right at home.
These cookies are not just any treat; they’re a delightful explosion of flavors that can easily pull you away from the clutches of fast food. With their indulgent melted peanut butter cups nestled perfectly in a fudgy chocolate dough, your taste buds are in for a delectable surprise. The best part? You can have them ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for both a casual night in or impressing guests without the stress.
Join me as we dive into this heavenly recipe, guaranteed to bring joy to your home and bliss to your palate. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite!
Why are these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies irresistible?
Decadent Combination: The rich blend of chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Quick & Easy: You can whip these up in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect choice even on your busiest days.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these cookies never fail to impress.
Unique Texture: Enjoy a fudgy base coupled with the gooey goodness of melted peanut butter cups topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Versatile Treat: They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings, proving that homemade treats can be delightful and stress-free.
Elevate your dessert game and check out some more mouthwatering cookie options on my site!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful treats!
For the Cookie Base
- 113 g butter – Use unsalted butter for more control over the sweetness.
- 100 g chocolate, chopped finely – Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- 70 g peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter works best to create a smooth dough.
- 200 g granulated sugar – This adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the chocolate.
- 1 large egg – Room temperature eggs ensure a better blend.
- 1 egg yolk – This gives the cookies an extra chewy texture; save the white for another recipe!
- 1 tsp vanilla – Pure vanilla extract enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Pinch salt – A little salt elevates the sweetness and balances flavors.
- ½ tsp baking soda – This helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- 180 g all-purpose flour – Essential for structure in your chocolate peanut butter cup cookies.
- 60 g Dutch process cocoa – This gives the cookies a deep chocolatey taste that’s simply irresistible.
For the Topping
- Peanut butter cups, small – These will melt beautifully in the center, creating a gooey surprise.
- Flaky sea salt to sprinkle – A touch of salt enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch.
With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to baking the ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies—each bite a sweet reminder of the comfort of homemade desserts!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious creations.
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Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl in the microwave. Stir in the finely chopped chocolate until it’s completely melted, heating for an additional 20-30 seconds if needed for that smooth, decadent texture.
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Whisk together the granulated sugar and peanut butter until combined. Add the salt, baking soda, and vanilla, followed by the egg and egg yolk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Stir in the cocoa and all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for the next steps.
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Portion the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, placing them on the lined cookie sheets. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes until they’re just set and starting to crack.
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Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie about halfway down. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to soften, then gently press down again for that perfect melty goodness.
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Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookies once the peanut butter cups are nearly level with the dough and soft. Serve warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for a delightful snack.
Optional: Pair with a glass of cold milk for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
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Melt Wisely: Use a microwave in short intervals to melt the butter and chocolate. This prevents overheating and ensures a silky texture for your cookies.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-combined dough.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until a cohesive dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, ruining the softness!
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Perfect Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to rest for a few minutes after baking before adding the peanut butter cups. This prevents them from sinking too deep and keeps them gooey.
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Sea Salt Sprinkle: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt right after baking. It contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and enhances all flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week, letting them sit at room temperature before serving to regain softness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped cookies or stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the gooeyness, warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies?
Imagine a delightful spread that pairs wonderfully with your freshly baked cookies, enhancing their sweet, rich flavors and transforming dessert time into a feast of joy.
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Tall Glass of Milk: A classic companion, the creamy texture of milk perfectly balances the richness of chocolate and peanut butter.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, smooth ice cream creates a delectable contrast to the warm cookies, allowing the gooey peanut butter cups to meld beautifully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, tart fruits like strawberries and orange slices offer a refreshing counterpoint to the cookies’ sweetness, inviting a light finish to your indulgence.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling extra melted chocolate on top of your cookies enhances the chocolate flavor and makes for a visually stunning showstopper.
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Coffee or Espresso: Rich, brewed coffee’s bitterness complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick and decadent shake combines the flavors you love while offering a fun, dreamy drink to sip alongside your cookies.
Each delightful pairing adds a special touch, elevating your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies experience and turning any occasion into a memorable gathering with loved ones.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the steps up to the portioning stage, wrap the scooped dough tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven, place the cookie dough on a lined sheet, and bake them for about 10 minutes. Press the mini peanut butter cups into the centers when they come out of the oven, just as you would if freshly made. This way, you’ll enjoy the same soft, melty goodness, saving you time while ensuring every bite is just as delicious!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookies for an even more delightful experience!
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Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to make them safe for school lunches without sacrificing flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while retaining that chewy texture.
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Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm, spicy kick that perfectly contrasts the sweet chocolate.
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Chunky Variation: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookie base beautifully.
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Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) to create a deliciously vegan version.
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Stuffed Surprise: Instead of one mini peanut butter cup, use two—place one on top and one inside the dough for an over-the-top gooey center!
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Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or caramel-filled varieties, for an exciting twist on this classic recipe.
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Zesty Touch: Incorporate a bit of orange zest into the cookie dough to add a refreshing citrus note that will brighten each bite.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my cookies?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality dark chocolate that contains at least 60% cocoa to enhance the richness of your cookies. The chocolate should be finely chopped for easier melting, ensuring a smooth mixture when incorporated.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerating them will extend their freshness for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them warm back up to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies?
Very! To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge or warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If you find your cookie dough is too crumbly or dry, it may be due to overmeasuring the flour. Add a splash of milk, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough is cohesive and slightly sticky but still manageable. This should help restore the balanced texture you want.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
These cookies do contain peanut butter and peanut butter cups, making them unsuitable for those with nut allergies. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use sunflower seed butter or a nut-free chocolate to create a similar treat without the allergens.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a quality brand that works well with baking. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
Indulge in Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl in the microwave. Stir in the finely chopped chocolate until completely melted.
- Whisk together the granulated sugar and peanut butter until combined. Add the salt, baking soda, and vanilla, followed by the egg and egg yolk.
- Stir in the cocoa and all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
- Portion the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop on the lined sheets. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookies before serving.