If you adore the delightful combination of rich peanut butter and melty chocolate, you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe. These little bundles of joy perfectly blend the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweet, gooey surprise of chocolate chips baked right inside a soft, golden cookie cup. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or looking to impress friends with a charming dessert, these cookie cups are irresistibly delicious and wonderfully simple to make. I promise, once you try this recipe, these cookie cups will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for a hearty, flavorful bite. Each component plays a special role—peanut butter brings creamy indulgence, butter adds richness, sugars contribute sweetness and texture, while chocolate chips offer pockets of luscious melty goodness. Let’s dive into the must-haves for this recipe:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, providing that signature nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deep caramel note to the cookie cups.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes balanced sweetness and slight crispness on the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a bit of lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary to hold those cookie cups in shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookie cups rise gently.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the peanut butter taste.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds gooey pockets of chocolatey bliss.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature from the get-go. Next, grease your 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make sure your cookie cups pop out easily after baking. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookie cups looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Creaming the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is smooth and fluffy. This creaming process blends the fats and sugars beautifully, creating a tender base for your cookie cups. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to build a well-emulsified dough. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that irresistible warmth and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Combining these ingredients ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for even rising and balanced flavor. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; overmixing can toughen your cookie cups, so a gentle touch here is essential.
Step 4: Forming the Cookie Cups
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Using your fingers or the back of a small spoon, gently press down the center of each mound to create a small indentation. This step forms the “cup” that will hold the melted chocolate chips, making each bite a perfect peanut butter and chocolate experience.
Step 5: Adding the Chocolate Chip Filling
Now for the best part—fill the indentations with about one tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Nestling these chips into the center ensures they melt into gooey pockets that contrast beautifully with the peanut butter dough surrounding them, creating that signature chocolate chip cookie cup sensation.
Step 6: Baking the Cookie Cups
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the cookie cups are set. The centers might look a little soft when you take them out, but don’t worry—they firm up perfectly as they cool. Keeping an eye on the edges is your best clue to know when they’re done.
Step 7: Cooling and Optional Dusting
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes so they hold their shape. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a dash of extra sweetness and visual appeal, dust the tops with powdered sugar. These little finishing touches make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe extra special and ready to impress.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookie cups even more, consider garnishing them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet punch or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce. A few chopped peanuts or a light dusting of cinnamon can add texture and an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager to dig in.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie cups alongside a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combo. For grown-ups, they pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte. If you’re feeling playful, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the warm, gooey centers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing each cookie cup in a decorative cupcake wrapper for parties or gifting. You can also stack them with layers of parchment paper in a pretty tin or box to make a charming edible gift. If you’re hosting a dessert bar, display them on tiered trays alongside fresh fruit and assorted nuts for a visually stunning, crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, you can store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing that chewy, nutty goodness. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigeration is fine but might slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
These cookie cups freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm them up gently in the microwave to restore the melty chocolate delight.
Reheating
To warm, pop a cookie cup in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that warm, gooey chocolate chip center. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute stint in a 300°F oven will freshen them up without drying them out. This step makes them taste as if they were freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less smooth, which can affect the texture of the cookie cups. If you choose to use it, stir well to reincorporate the oils before measuring, and expect a slightly denser cookie cup.
Is it okay to substitute chocolate chips with chunks or another type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips can be exciting alternatives. Just keep the amount the same to ensure each cookie cup gets a luscious burst of melted chocolate.
Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookie cups from falling apart.
How do I prevent the cookie cups from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill your dough slightly before scooping, or add a little extra flour if the dough feels too soft. Pressing down gently and forming the cup shape also encourages them to hold their shape during baking.
Can I double the recipe and bake more than 12 cookie cups at once?
Definitely! Just bake in batches using multiple muffin tins or stagger the baking times if your oven can only hold one tray at a time. This recipe scales easily, so you can make as many peanut butter chocolate chip cookie cups as you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about making your own Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe, perfect for sharing or savoring as a personal treat. They balance the nutty richness of peanut butter with the sweet burst of chocolate in every bite and come together so easily with simple ingredients. I encourage you to whip up a batch and experience firsthand why this recipe has won a special place in my heart and kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips baked in convenient muffin-sized treats. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these cookie cups offer a soft and chewy texture with a gooey chocolate center, ideal for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the dough.
- Scoop Dough into Muffin Tin: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough into each muffin cup. Press down gently in the center of the dough in each cup to create a small indent that will hold the chocolate chips.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Spoon about one tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the center indent of each cookie dough cup.
- Bake Cookie Cups: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookie cups have set. The centers may appear slightly soft but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes to firm up further, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chunks or your preferred mix-ins.
- Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a lovely presentation.
