Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a spectacularly indulgent treat, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a divine combination of chewy, buttery dough enveloping gooey peanut butter cups, with melty chocolate chips adding bursts of rich sweetness in every bite. It’s the perfect dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers who want a little surprise nestled inside their cookie. The harmony of textures and flavors creates a comforting yet exciting cookie experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect cookie. From the creamy butter that creates softness, to the peanut butter cups that bring that iconic flavor surprise, every item is essential for an irresistible result.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the dough a rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp around the edges.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel note for chewiness.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds tenderness to the cookie.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, fragrant aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The cookie’s foundation, providing structure and that classic bite.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and sharpens the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Melt in pockets throughout the cookie for bursts of gooey chocolate goodness.
• Mini peanut butter cups (12, unwrapped): The heart of the cookie, hiding a luscious peanut butter surprise inside each one.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking space

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your stuffed cookies don’t stick and bake evenly, giving you a clean release every time.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie with a great crumb, so don’t rush the creaming process.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla for binding and flavor

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg will hold your dough together, and vanilla brings that warm, inviting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Blending them before adding helps distribute the rising agent and salt evenly, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.

Step 5: Mix dry ingredients with wet

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. It’s important not to overmix to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Incorporate the chocolate chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips to create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie dough, enhancing both texture and taste with every bite.

Step 7: Assemble the stuffed cookies

Scoop roughly 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Nestle a mini peanut butter cup in the center, then cover it with about a tablespoon of dough and carefully seal the edges around the candy. This step turns a simple cookie into a magical, gooey surprise.

Step 8: Arrange on baking sheet

Place each stuffed dough ball on your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging into each other.

Step 9: Bake to gooey perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set but still soft. Timing is crucial here to keep that melty peanut butter cup inside from melting all over the tray.

Step 10: Cool and enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape and lets the flavors develop.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate the look and add an extra layer of sweetness. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped peanuts for a crunchy contrast that complements the peanut butter cups inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of rich coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The creamy dairy balances the sweetness and keeps things indulgently smooth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings, or place each cookie in a colorful cupcake liner for a festive party platter. Wrapping them individually in cellophane with a ribbon also makes a charming gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and ensures they stay fresh for snacking.

Freezing

If you want to save these delicious cookies for later, freeze the unbaked dough balls tightly wrapped on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive the warm, gooey nature of these cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This little trick makes each bite taste freshly baked and perfectly melty.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

While regular-sized peanut butter cups can work, mini ones are ideal for a balanced cookie-to-filling ratio and easier wrapping in dough. Using larger cups might require adjusting the dough amount to properly seal them.

What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are suggested because their slightly bitter edge pairs wonderfully with the sweet peanut butter cups, but feel free to use milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?

Yes, gluten-free flour blends designed for baking can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio, though the texture may vary slightly. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe works well without chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft, chilling for 30 minutes can make handling easier and help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

How can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other egg substitute. Just make sure your peanut butter cups and chocolate chips are also dairy-free to keep the recipe fully vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe truly brings a joyful twist to classic cookies, offering a surprise that will delight anyone lucky enough to bite into one. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or yourself, they promise smiles and happy moments. Don’t wait to give these a try—you might just discover a new favorite cookie for all occasions!

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