Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a wildly delicious treat that brings together the rich, creamy indulgence of peanut butter cups with the classic comfort of homemade cookies, then you are going to love this Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a golden, soft cookie only to discover a molten center of peanut butter cup chocolatey goodness waiting to surprise your taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a texture that’s delightfully chewy yet tender. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonderful thing about this Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie texture and that irresistible flavor combo, from the creamy butter to the melty chocolate chips and, of course, the star of the show — the mini peanut butter cups. Let’s take a look:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie base.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives the cookies a balanced sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to chewy texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the entire cookie with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that forms the dough’s structure.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into little pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped): The irresistible surprise center in each cookie.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures the cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is so important because it incorporates air, which gives your cookies a wonderful lift and softness.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Now, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined. The egg helps bind your dough while vanilla boosts the flavor, making each bite taste homemade and comforting.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these ingredients ensures they’re well distributed, which helps your cookies bake evenly with just the right texture.

Step 5: Mix dry into wet

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in chocolate chips

Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough to sprinkle delightful chocolate morsels throughout every cookie.

Step 7: Stuff with peanut butter cups

Here’s the fun part! Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a mini peanut butter cup in the center, then top it with roughly another tablespoon of dough. Seal the dough edges tightly around the peanut butter cup — this ensures that melted, luscious center stays inside without oozing out.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Place the stuffed dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are just set, promising a gooey core inside.

Step 9: Cool then enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets the cookies firm up just enough to handle—if you try to eat them too soon, you might get an explosion of warm chocolate peanut butter goodness that’s totally worth it but sometimes a bit messy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make these cookies even more special, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It perfectly enhances the sweet and salty contrast. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add elegance and amplify the chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful 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. The creamy drinks balance the richness and round out the indulgence in the best way.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe treats on a festive platter with colorful napkins for celebrations or package them in cute boxes lined with parchment for gifting. You can even warm them slightly before serving to bring out that melty peanut butter cup center for extra “wow”.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their softness and flavor beautifully for up to 4 days, making them a great treat to have on hand for a sweet craving.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, the unbaked stuffed cookie dough can be frozen. Simply shape the dough balls with peanut butter cups inside on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy your stored cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back the ooey-gooey center and fresh-baked aroma that is seriously addicting.

FAQs

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

You absolutely can, but keep in mind that regular-sized peanut butter cups are much bigger and will require more cookie dough to fully encase them. You might end up with much larger, fudgier cookies, which could be a fun twist if you like extra chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best to complement the sweetness of the peanut butter cups without overpowering them. However, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just watch the dough consistency as some gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently, and adjust with a teaspoon or two of milk if needed.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges with centers that appear set but still slightly soft. Remember, these cookies continue to bake a bit after popping out of the oven thanks to residual heat, so it’s better to take them out a touch early than overbake.

Is it okay if my peanut butter cups melt while baking?

Yes, the melted peanut butter cups create the signature gooey center that makes this recipe so special. Just be sure to fully seal the dough around the candy so it stays inside as the cookie bakes and enjoy that decadent surprise when you bite in!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe has become a go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort yet maximum flavor impact. The rich, melty peanut butter cups tucked inside soft, chewy cookies is just pure happiness in dessert form. If you’re thinking about your next baking adventure or searching for an unforgettable sweet treat, give these cookies a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!

Print