If you have a serious sweet tooth and love peanut butter and chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat in no time. These cookies bring together the soft, buttery goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies with the surprise richness of a melted peanut butter cup center. Every bite feels like a warm, gooey hug and is perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself when you need a little comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary cookies again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delicious cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery base to the chocolate chips that add texture, and of course, the star of the show—the mini peanut butter cups hiding within.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie crispness on the edges.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
- Large egg, 1: Binds everything together and gives structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The foundation for the cookie dough, providing body and chewiness.
- Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect bite.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 3/4 cup: Adds bursts of gooey chocolate complementing the peanut butter.
- Mini peanut butter cups, 12 unwrapped: The irresistible surprise filling that takes these cookies over the top.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick—it also helps with even baking and easy clean-up.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making your cookies tender and giving them the right texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and bring all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting you up for cookies that rise perfectly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies might turn out tough instead of soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These little pockets of chocolate will melt slightly while baking, creating a heavenly mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 7: Stuff the Cookies
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand or on a surface. Place one mini peanut butter cup in the center, then top it with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges carefully around the candy to ensure the peanut butter cup stays inside during baking.
Step 8: Arrange and Bake
Place your stuffed dough balls onto the parchment-lined sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 9: Cooling Time
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps the cookies firm up just enough so you can lift them without breaking.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies to balance the sweetness with a savory twist. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of fresh coffee or tea to complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a party or gifting them, stack them in a cute jar or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine. For a fun twist, serve them warm in a bowl with mini peanut butter cups scattered on top, letting everyone experience that gooey surprise together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and maintains the delicious peanut butter cup center in perfect gooey condition.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm after storing or freezing, pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. The peanut butter cup inside will get delightfully melty again.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?
While you can, mini peanut butter cups work better because they fit nicely inside the cookie dough without overpowering the cookie. Using regular ones may cause the cookies to spread irregularly or break open during baking.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect because they balance the sweetness of the peanut butter cups while providing melty, gooey pockets of chocolate. However, feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or another fat?
Unsalted butter is ideal for the flavor and texture it imparts, but in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can be used. Keep in mind substitutions might change the cookies’ texture slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden and the centers just set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy and ensure the peanut butter cup inside stays melty and delicious.
Are these cookies allergen-friendly?
Since these cookies contain peanut butter cups and eggs, they are not suitable for those with peanut or egg allergies. Always check ingredient labels if you’re baking for people with food sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about biting into a cookie and discovering a melted peanut butter cup waiting inside. This Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe combines the best of cookies and candy into one irresistible treat that’s perfect any time you want to indulge or make someone smile. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking these cookies over and over again for friends, family, or just because you deserve it.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, buttery cookie dough packed with melty chocolate chips and a gooey peanut butter cup center. These treats are simple to make and deliver an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Filling
- 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined, ensuring a uniform dough consistency.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and preserve cookie tenderness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies with Peanut Butter Cups: Scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough, flatten it slightly in your hand, then place one mini peanut butter cup in the center. Cover with about one more tablespoon of dough and carefully seal the edges around the peanut butter cup to encase it fully within the cookie dough.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each stuffed dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are just set but still soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set and prevents breaking when removing them.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with your favorite nut butter filled chocolates.
- Ensure peanut butter cups are fully sealed inside to avoid leakage during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a firmer cookie, chill the dough before baking.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
