Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Soft, gooey peanut butter cookies with a melty chocolate peanut butter cup center—these nostalgic treats are quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 mini peanut butter cups (such as Reese’s or Trader Joe’s)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cookies are just set and beginning to crackle on top. Do not overbake.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra gooey centers, microwave cookies for 5 seconds before serving. Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture. If cookies spread too much, chill dough for 10 minutes before baking. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep cookies soft. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: peanut butter cup cookies, soft cookies, gooey cookies, chocolate peanut butter, easy dessert, bake sale, party treats, nostalgic cookies