Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
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Peanut butter cookie cups are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a casual baking session with my kids, and since then, it has become a favorite in our household. These cookie cups are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re preparing for a cozy movie night, a festive gathering, or just a sweet craving. The surprise of a mini peanut butter cup in the center adds a delicious twist that takes your classic peanut butter cookie up a notch.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of peanut butter cookie cups. For starters, they’re incredibly quick and straightforward to make, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. They use simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making this recipe both accessible and practical.
These little delights are also a hit with kids and adults alike, making them an ideal treat for family gatherings or celebrations. Whether it’s a holiday party or an after-school snack, these cookie cups never fail to impress.
"These peanut butter cookie cups are decadently delicious! The mix of textures and flavors is simply heavenly. They disappeared within minutes at our gathering!" – A satisfied baker.
Preparing Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Making peanut butter cookie cups is easier than you might think. You’ll start by preparing a simple cookie dough, chilling it to firm up, and then molding it into rounds before baking. The delightful crunch of the cookie surrounds the melty goodness of the mini peanut butter cups, creating a combination that is truly irresistible. Here’s how it all comes together:
- In a large bowl, combine your sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and egg using a hand mixer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Chill the dough, roll it into balls, then press them into a mini muffin pan and bake.
What you’ll need
To create your peanut butter cookie cups, gather these essential ingredients:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 egg
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 24 mini peanut butter cups
Feel free to substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or use organic sugar if you prefer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility!
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, shortening, softened butter, and egg until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Combine wet and dry: Lower the mixer speed and gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Form the cookies: Roll the dough into balls, roughly one tablespoon in size, and press them into the muffin tin.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until they are light golden brown.
- Add the peanut butter cups: Unwrap the mini peanut butter cups, and gently press one into each warm cookie, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Cool and enjoy: After cooling in the muffin tin briefly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy it
These peanut butter cookie cups can be enjoyed straight from the cooling rack, or you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a more festive touch, sprinkle them with a bit of sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your peanut butter cookie cups fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the freezer. Just make sure to layer wax paper between the cookie cups to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you’re short on time, you can skip chilling the dough for less than an hour, but for best results, I highly recommend allowing it to firm up.
- Don’t be afraid to add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or crushed nuts, for an extra crunch.
- For a more intense peanut butter flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter in the dough instead of creamy.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with flavors! Consider using flavored peanut butter (like honey or chocolate peanut butter) for a new twist. You can also substitute dark chocolate mini cups for a richer taste or even use different toppings, like shredded coconut or crushed pretzels for a sweet-and-salty variation. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try low-calorie sweeteners or nut butter alternatives that suit your dietary needs.
Common questions
How long do these cookie cups take to make?
The total time for preparation and cooking is about 2.5 hours, including the chill time for the dough. However, the actual hands-on time is around 20-30 minutes.
Can I use different types of nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as delicious alternatives if you’re looking for something different or have a peanut allergy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Dive into the bliss of baking these peanut butter cookie cups, and trust me, you won’t regret it!
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, shortening, softened butter, and egg until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Lower the mixer speed and gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll the dough into balls, roughly one tablespoon in size, and press them into the muffin tin.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until they are light golden brown.
- Unwrap the mini peanut butter cups, and gently press one into each warm cookie, allowing it to melt slightly.
- After cooling in the muffin tin briefly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
