The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house can turn any ordinary day into a special occasion.
warm, gooey centers hugging crunchy edges while the aroma dances around like a happy little elf. That’s what you’ll get with these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies—an indulgent treat that promises to elevate your snacking game.
Whenever I make these cookies, it feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen. They remind me of childhood days filled with laughter and the delightful mess of flour dusting every surface. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are not only easy to make but offer an incredible flavor explosion
- Their deliciously chewy texture complements the creamy peanut butter perfectly
- Visually appealing with their inviting golden-brown hue, they’re sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!
Every time I whip up these delightful treats, my friends’ eyes widen in anticipation—and I can’t blame them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for baking; sift it well to avoid clumps and ensure even texture.
- Baking Soda: This little magic powder helps your cookies rise and gives them that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it brings richness to your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; adjust based on your preference for sugary treats.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; light or dark works wonderfully!
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy or chunky based on your preference; both will create cookie bliss.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for consistent results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and boosts overall flavor—don’t be shy!
- Chocolate Chips or Cups: Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate brings extra indulgence—use your favorite!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab some parchment paper and line two baking sheets. The anticipation builds as you prepare for cookie magic!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. This creates an even base for your cookies.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light—about 3 minutes should do it! The mixture should feel silky smooth.
Add Peanut Butter: Blend in creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. The mixture will become thick yet heavenly fragrant—who needs aromatherapy when you have this?
Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in those eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract next; this will elevate all other flavors.
Combine Dry with Wet: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—you want soft doughy goodness!
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips or cups gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough—this ensures every bite is divine.
Scoop and Bake: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop generous dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks—this is where the magic happens as they set beautifully!
Indulge in these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies whenever you crave something sweet or need a pick-me-up after a long day! They are sure to be a hit among family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delightful treat, combining creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate
- Bake them until golden for the perfect texture; they will impress anyone with a sweet tooth
- Remember, patience is key while letting them cool!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the dough thoroughly, then scoop and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate for a different twist. You could even add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To enjoy warm cookies again, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the dough
- Watch your baking time closely, as overbaking can lead to dry cookies
- Lastly, be sure to let them cool properly to enhance their flavor and texture!
Sharing these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies with friends turned into a memorable event when everyone asked for seconds! The smiles on their faces made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter works well but may alter the cookie’s texture slightly.
What can I substitute for eggs?
Use applesauce or mashed bananas as egg substitutes in this recipe.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to delight!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in peanut butter until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto prepared sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or swapping chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg