In the heart of every kitchen, there’s magic waiting to happen, especially when dreams of decadent desserts come to life. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies—a delightful treat that takes your love for peanut butter to a whole new level. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, only to be greeted by a melty mini peanut butter cup hiding inside. This recipe is not just easy to whip up, but it also wow-factors your friends and family, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Plus, these cookies are so versatile—you can experiment with toppings like a luscious chocolate drizzle to elevate them even further. Are you ready to dive into cookie bliss? Let’s get baking!
Why are Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies irresistible?
Chewy Delight: These cookies boast a soft, chewy exterior that melts in your mouth, making every bite a treat.
Sweet Surprise: The hidden mini peanut butter cup adds a deliciously gooey center that surprises and delights.
Quick & Easy: With a straightforward recipe, you don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these scrumptious cookies.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, they’re bound to be a hit with family and friends, just like my Cranberry Cookies Chewy or Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
Versatile Toppings: Drizzle with chocolate or try different nut butters to switch up the flavor profile anytime!
Comforting Treat: Nothing beats the nostalgia of a home-baked cookie fresh from the oven—it’s pure comfort in every bite!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and a hint of caramel, enhancing the cookie’s chewy nature.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – The star ingredient that defines the flavor of these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies.
- Large Egg – Binds everything together, providing structure to the cookie.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cookie base, ensuring a delightful chewiness.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, resulting in a light, airy texture.
- Baking Soda – Promotes browning and adds lift to the cookie dough.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness while enhancing overall flavor.
For the Irresistible Center
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – The delicious surprise filling that brings joy to every bite.
For Optional Topping
- Chocolate Melting Candy – Perfect for drizzling, it adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to each cookie.
These ingredients together create a comforting treat that your loved ones will adore!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This initial step sets the right baking environment for your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies, ensuring they come out beautifully golden and soft.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and well blended. This creates a rich base for your cookies, so take a moment to ensure everything is incorporated and creamy before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in a large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This step brings together your wet ingredients, creating a smooth mixture that enhances the overall flavor of your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—be careful not to overwork the dough, which helps maintain that tender texture we adore in cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Arrange about six of these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each to allow for spreading during baking. This spacing ensures your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies won’t merge together as they bake.
Step 6: Stuff the Cookies
Press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup gently into the center of each dough ball. Then, take another dough ball and flatten it slightly, placing it over the top of the peanut butter cup. Seal the edges, ensuring that the cup is fully encased in dough. This hidden treat is what makes these cookies so delightful!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies, looking for a lightly golden edge with a soft center. Once done, remove them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: (Optional) Add Chocolate Drizzle
If you want to elevate your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies even further, melt chocolate melting candy according to the package instructions. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the chocolate to set, adding a delectable finish to your baked treats.
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
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Space Matters: Ensure to leave enough room between dough balls on the baking sheet to prevent cookies from merging during baking; this keeps them perfectly formed.
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Chill for Height: For taller cookies with a delightful bite, consider freezing the mini peanut butter cups before using them; this helps maintain their shape during baking.
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Gentle Mixing: Avoid overworking the dough after adding dry ingredients to maintain tenderness in your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
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Proper Cooling: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes post-baking before transferring them to a cooling rack; this helps them firm up and enhances their chewy nature.
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Experiment With Flavors: Don’t hesitate to customize the filling or drizzle with different chocolates or nut butters; this adds a personal touch to your cookies and makes them uniquely yours!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Variations
Feel free to personalize your cookie experience with these delightful twists that will tickle your taste buds!
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Crunchy Twist: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter to add texture and a delightful crunch in each bite.
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Nut Butter Alternative: Use almond or cashew butter for an exciting nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey goodness.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace the mini peanut butter cups with your favorite chocolate candies, like caramel-filled chocolates for a delicious change.
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Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your cookie dough for an unexpected kick that complements the sweet flavors perfectly.
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Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious treat.
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Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven for a sweet and salty flavor explosion.
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Drizzle Delight: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate drizzled on top adds an elegant finish—try it the way you enjoy chocolate the best!
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Layered Filling: For a twist, create layers of different fillings: a mini peanut butter cup topped with a bit of chocolate ganache for a double surprise.
There are so many ways to make these cookies your own! If you’re in the mood for more creative bites, try my Healthy Peanut Butter or Garlic Butter Beef recipes for different flavor adventures!
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer your cookies a bit firmer, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to use a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to maintain freshness.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat cookies from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy the gooey surprise inside!
Make Ahead Options
These Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies are perfect for those busy days when you need to plan ahead! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, you can stuff the cookies with the mini peanut butter cups and freeze them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out of the freezer and bake directly from frozen for an extra minute or two. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, warm cookies without the hassle of mixing on the day of serving. With a little meal prep, you can have these delightful treats ready to impress family and friends!
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
Indulging in these cookies isn’t just an end; it opens the door to creating a delightful meal experience.
- Cold Milk: A classic pairing that complements the creamy richness of the cookies, enhancing every sweet bite.
- Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee balance the sweetness perfectly, making for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies over a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert sundae.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries provides a refreshing contrast, brightening the dish and adding a pop of color.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels adds texture and depth, creating a fun sweet-and-salty snack duo.
- Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend up a creamy peanut butter smoothie for a rich, nutty drink that ties in the cookie’s flavor beautifully.
- Decadent Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream merges perfectly with the cookie’s flavors for a cozy dessert pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad offers balance and a healthy touch to round out your dessert experience.
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies, use ingredients at room temperature when possible. Choose salted butter that’s softened but still cool to the touch—it should indent when you press down lightly. For peanut butter, opting for a creamy variety will give you that rich flavor and sticky texture that binds your cookie dough beautifully.
How should I store my cookies?
These delightful cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you prefer them a bit firmer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Just remember, keeping them sealed ensures they stay fresh and chewy!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! For up to 3 months, you can freeze your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy a cookie, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes for a deliciously warm treat.
What if my cookies are too flat after baking?
Very! If your cookies turn out flat, it’s often due to overmixing the dough or using too much butter. To prevent this, mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and ensure your butter is adequately softened—not melted. Additionally, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which can help maintain their shape.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
For those with peanut allergies, I recommend substituting the creamy peanut butter with sunflower butter or any other nut-free alternatives. This recipe is made with common allergens like gluten and dairy, so be cautious if you or your guests have allergies. Always check candy labels as well for any hidden allergens.
Can I add different fillings or toppings to these cookies?
The more the merrier! You can certainly experiment with various fillings like caramel candies or different types of chocolate. For toppings, try drizzling with white chocolate or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These modifications will add a unique twist to your classic Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies for Ultimate Comfort Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the salted butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and space them on the baking sheet.
- Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each dough ball, cover it with another dough ball, and seal the edges.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Optionally, melt the chocolate melting candy and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
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