Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. These delightful desserts combine a soft, chewy cookie exterior with a deliciously gooey chocolate center. Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookie cups are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. With only two ingredients and minimal preparation required, you’ll find yourself making these irresistible treats again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only two ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a hit among both kids and adults.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or as an everyday dessert. You can even customize them with your favorite toppings!
• Minimal Ingredients: Utilizing refrigerated cookie dough means less time measuring and more time enjoying.
• Soft and Chewy: The texture of these cookie cups is simply divine – soft on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Peanut Butter Cookie Cups successfully, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mini muffin tin
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Mixing spoon
• Wire rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Mini muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping the cookie cups perfectly so they hold their form while baking.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of the cookie cups after baking.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in rolling and pressing the dough into the muffin tin effectively.
• Wire rack: Allows your cookie cups to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are an easy bite-sized dessert made with just two ingredients: refrigerated cookie dough and peanut butter cups. Featuring a golden cookie exterior with a gooey chocolate peanut butter center, they’re soft, chewy, and completely irresistible!

For the Cookie Cups

• Cooking spray (optional, for greasing the muffin tin)
• 16.5 ounces refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough – 1 package
• 24 Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped)

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie dough package, usually around 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Take small portions of the peanut butter cookie dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. Place each dough ball into a cup of the mini muffin tin.

Step 4: Create Wells in Dough

Use your fingers or a spoon to gently press each dough ball into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cup to create a little well.

Step 5: Bake Partially

Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes to partially set.

Step 6: Add Peanut Butter Cups

While the cookie cups are baking, unwrap the Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and place one unwrapped Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each partially baked cookie cup.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the cookie cups are golden and fully baked.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use a butter knife or a small spatula to carefully remove the peanut butter cookie cups from the muffin tin. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Scoop it Up: Serve warm Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Drizzle Delight: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream for an extra sweet touch.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Berry Goodness: Present the cookie cups alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Banana Slices: Top each cookie cup with slices of banana for a creamy and fruity combination.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mix It Up: Arrange several cookie cups on a platter alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an enticing dessert spread.
• Themed Decorations: Use decorative plates or add themed decorations to match your occasion, making it visually appealing.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Perfect Brew: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness of the cookie cups. A rich espresso pairs particularly well.
• Herbal Harmony: Choose herbal teas like chamomile or mint as they offer a soothing balance to the cookies’ richness.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

To ensure your Peanut Butter Cookie Cups turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Dough Balls: Make sure to roll your cookie dough into uniform balls for even baking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookie cups as they bake; taking them out while slightly soft ensures they remain chewy.
• Use Quality Peanut Butter Cups: Opt for high-quality peanut butter cups to enhance the flavor profile of your dessert.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookie cups cool fully before serving; this allows them to set properly and improves texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like chopped nuts or whipped cream for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups can be paired with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness.
2. Chocolate Pudding: Silky chocolate pudding offers a rich, velvety contrast that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
3. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes provide creamy richness that pairs nicely with the peanut butter flavor.
4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit creates a light and healthy option alongside the indulgent cookie cups.
5. Nut Mixes: A variety of nuts offers crunch and saltiness, creating a nice balance against the sweet cookies.
6. Rice Krispie Treats: These chewy treats add another fun texture and flavor variety that kids will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peanut Butter Cookie Cups is simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overbaking the cookie cups: Baking too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the final minutes.
• Using cold dough: Cold cookie dough can result in uneven baking. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
• Not greasing the muffin tin: This can cause your cookie cups to stick. Lightly grease each cup or use paper liners for easy removal.
• Skipping the cooling time: Removing cookie cups from the tin too soon can cause them to break. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; using an oven thermometer can help you achieve accurate results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cup at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are delightful bite-sized treats made from cookie dough filled with chocolate peanut butter candy. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap the filling with other candies as per your preference.

How do I make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, use gluten-free cookie dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use homemade cookie dough for Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade peanut butter cookie recipe instead of store-bought dough.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are an irresistible dessert that combines the deliciousness of cookies with gooey chocolate peanut butter centers. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste. Give this easy recipe a try and delight your friends and family with these tasty treats!