Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug wrapped in chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with these Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. These little delights balance the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the surprise of melty, mini Reese’s butter cups nestled right on top. The result is a cookie that’s soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness and an irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combo that will have you reaching for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is like setting the stage for cookie magic. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating that soft texture, adding depth of flavor, or topping it all off with peanut buttery bliss.

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that gives these cookies their perfect tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and keeps the cookies moist; if using salted butter, remember to skip adding extra salt.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the texture delightfully chewy.
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons white sugar: Gives just the right crunch and balances the brown sugar’s sweetness.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s tender bite.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enriches the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise perfectly, lightening the texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates and balances the sweetness, bringing out the flavors.
• 3/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter): The nutty star of the show that brings a creamy richness throughout the cookie.
• 24 miniature Reese’s butter cups, unwrapped: The pièce de résistance—gooey, chocolatey, and perfectly peanut buttery on top.

How to Make Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, grab a mini muffin pan and give it a good spray with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. This little prep step makes all the difference when it comes to getting your cookies out without any sticking drama.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl and whisk them together. This dry mix is simple but essential—it makes sure the leavening and seasoning get evenly distributed, so each cookie bakes perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugars, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

In a mixer, blend the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for about two minutes. This creaming process traps air, giving your cookies that light-yet-chewy texture you love.

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg

Add the egg and beat it in for just about 30 seconds until everything is smoothly mixed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—you want everything just combined to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low speed and pour in the flour mixture. Beat gently until the dough comes together. This step finishes the dough, which will be soft, slightly sticky, and full of peanut buttery goodness.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Grab a tablespoon cookie scoop or use your hands to form dough balls and place each one into a mini muffin cup. Aim to keep the dough below the rim—overloading will cause the peanut butter cups to slip off and change the cookie’s look and balance.

Step 7: Bake and Top with Peanut Butter Cups

Bake your cookies for exactly eight minutes. The tops will look a bit underdone, but that’s perfect because they’ll firm up as they cool. The moment they come out of the oven, press one unwrapped miniature Reese’s butter cup gently into the top of each cookie. This melting chocolate-butter cup crown is what really makes these Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies unforgettable.

How to Serve Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are winners all on their own, but a sprinkle of sea salt or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can take them to the next level. Adding a touch of flaky salt contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy peanut butter, making each bite pop with flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a classic glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee to balance the sweetness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these cookies into a dreamy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these cookies on a dessert platter surrounded by an assortment of nuts and chocolate chips, or place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for a party-ready presentation. These little touches make them look as special as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen cookies last for up to two months and can be thawed quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that just-baked freshness, reheat the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and re-melts the peanut butter cup topping for a gooey, delightful treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work beautifully, and they add their own unique flavor while keeping the cookies just as moist and tasty.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?

You can still make these cookies by using a regular cookie sheet, but be careful when adding the peanut butter cups—they’re easier to press into the dough when it’s in the small muffin wells.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend to make them safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Just keep an eye on the texture, as it might vary slightly.

Can I use larger peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

Larger peanut butter cups can overpower the cookie, making it harder to eat, but if you love a big chocolate punch, chop them into smaller pieces and press them on top for the perfect balance.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and peanut butter are just softened—not melted—and keep the dough chilled briefly if it feels too sticky before scooping. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Final Thoughts

Making these Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is like creating little moments of joy you can taste with every bite. They’re simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with that perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate you can’t resist. So go ahead, whip up a batch, share with friends or indulge yourself—you won’t regret having this recipe in your cookie collection!

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