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If you are on the hunt for a delightfully rich and chewy treat that perfectly balances nutty goodness with melty chocolate, look no further than this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe. These little cups are packed with creamy peanut butter flavor, studded with luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked into perfectly portioned delights that are crisp around the edges but tender inside. Whether you’re craving a homemade dessert or a fun snack to share, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to any occasion in a way that’s irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, combining simplicity and flavor to create cookie cups that taste like pure magic. From the creamy peanut butter to the perfect amount of chocolate chips, these staples come together beautifully to give you that classic sweet and nutty combo.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient providing rich, nutty flavor and moisture to the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds softness and a buttery richness to the cookie cups.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and helps keep the texture chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, giving it body and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides gentle lift for a light but sturdy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate within each cookie cup.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty dusting that adds a delicate finishing touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 12-cup muffin tin ready by greasing it well or lining it with paper liners. This step ensures your cookie cups come out clean and maintain their shape effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This combination makes the cookie dough wonderfully rich and sweet.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in your eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything blends perfectly. Follow with the vanilla extract to bring that classic warm aroma to your cookie cups.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning before folding them into the wet mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter batter, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the right balance of tenderness and structure.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Cups
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Gently press down in the center to create a small well—this handy indent will hold your chocolate chips snugly during baking.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Fill each indent with roughly one tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cookie cups start to set. The centers may look a bit soft, but rest assured, they will firm as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the cookie cups to rest in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar if you like, adding a lovely visual contrast and subtle sweetness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the look, but for an extra touch, drizzle some melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top. Adding chopped peanuts or a few mini chocolate chips gives a delightful crunch and texture that everyone will appreciate.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk turns your snack into a mini celebration. Fresh berries on the side can bring a refreshing contrast that balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookie cups in colorful paper liners at parties or family gatherings for a playful presentation. You can also stack them on a dessert platter with different nut butters and chocolate dips nearby for an interactive dessert experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and fresh for up to four days, making them great for quick treats during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookie cups longer, freeze them by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the soft, warm experience, simply microwave a cookie cup for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back their freshly baked texture and makes the chocolate chips deliciously melty again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to your cookie cups, giving each bite a nutty crunch alongside the chewy dough. Just use the same amount and enjoy a slightly different but equally delicious experience.
Is it possible to make these cookie cups gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend should work well. Just be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the texture, so your cookie cups stay just as tender and delightful.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each type will give a unique twist to the flavor, so experiment to find your favorite version of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe.
How do I know when the cookie cups are done baking?
The edges should turn a golden brown and the centers will look slightly soft but not wet. They will firm up during cooling, so be careful not to overbake and dry them out.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches if needed. Be sure to use multiple muffin tins or bake in shifts to maintain even cooking. It’s a great way to prepare for gatherings or to have plenty on hand for snacking.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe is hands down a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and exciting to bake. Its blend of nutty peanut butter with gooey chocolate chips wrapped in a chewy cookie cup format is a treat you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to something truly special that’s perfect for every sweet tooth moment.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips baked into individual cookie cups. These treats are simple to prepare, featuring a tender, buttery dough with a gooey chocolate center, ideal for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it 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 you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Form Cookie Cups: Using a tablespoon scoop, place about one tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Press gently into the center of each to create a small indentation, forming the cookie cup shape.
- Add Chocolate Chip Filling: Spoon approximately one tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the center indent of each cookie dough cup.
- Bake: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookie cups are set. The centers may appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookie cups cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the centers should remain slightly soft for the best texture.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the cookie cups.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature to blend easily with the sugars and peanut butter.
- For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
- Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
