If you’re searching for the ultimate cookie mashup, look no further than these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies. Imagine a rich, buttery peanut butter cookie that’s already a classic in its own right, but then you bite in and discover a melty mini peanut butter cup hiding at the center! Every bite is a play of soft cookie, gooey peanut butter, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to delight everyone who tries it—myself included.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies is that the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays a key role in creating that craveable flavor and perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need for your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies, plus a few tips for best results:
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps carry all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Use a classic, no-stir brand for best structure.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies can hold their stuffed surprise.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect golden edge.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter pop.
- Mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped): The decadent surprise at the center—try to resist snacking on them as you bake!
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional): A pinch on top adds a gourmet touch and beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. By prepping your space now, you’ll be ready to get straight into the fun part.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key: it creates a smooth, airy base that gives your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies their soft, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is fully combined. This ensures a cookie dough that’s unified and rich in flavor, with no streaks of egg or butter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first guarantees even distribution throughout the dough—no one wants a bite that’s all baking soda!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition. Mix just until a dough forms; don’t overwork it, or your cookies may turn tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Stuff the Cookies with Peanut Butter Cups
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a mini peanut butter cup in the center, then top it with another tablespoon of dough. Carefully pinch and seal the edges so the candy is completely hidden inside. This is the magic step that transforms basic cookies into Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden but the centers are still soft. Resist the urge to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, sprinkle the tops with a little coarse sea salt for that irresistible sweet-and-salty finish. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s a preview of the deliciousness to come!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are already showstoppers, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can take them to the next level. Drizzling with a little melted chocolate or even a few extra peanut butter chips on top adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies at a party or gathering, pair them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cozy mug of hot cocoa. The creamy, cool flavors balance the rich, gooey centers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies into a “cookie tower” for a playful dessert centerpiece, or package them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for an unforgettable homemade gift. You could even crumble a few over ice cream sundaes or use them as a base for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. The surprise inside makes every presentation extra fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, with the peanut butter cup center remaining perfectly gooey.
Freezing
These cookies are fantastic for freezing! You can freeze the unbaked stuffed dough balls or the fully baked cookies. For dough, arrange on a tray and freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can be wrapped individually and frozen, then thawed at room temperature whenever you need a sweet treat.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate and peanut butter centers will get just a little melty again, making every bite as dreamy as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture and extra peanut flavor to the cookies. Just make sure to use a no-stir variety for the best dough consistency.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is very soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes before stuffing and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the peanut butter cup nicely centered.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cookies can sometimes bake a bit faster.
What’s the best way to seal the cookie dough around the peanut butter cup?
Gently press the dough around the candy, pinching the edges to make sure it’s fully enclosed. If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands or chill the dough slightly to make handling easier.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! These cookies are always a hit, so doubling the recipe is a great idea for parties, gifting, or just making sure you have extras on hand. Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share, Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies are pure joy in every bite. The secret center makes them unforgettable, and the process is just as fun as the result. I hope you’ll give them a try and fall in love with this irresistible treat—happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey mini peanut butter cups in every bite. This easy-to-make American dessert combines creamy peanut butter dough with a hidden chocolatey center, perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Topping
- 16 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for your cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully combined, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms that will hold together when shaped.
- Form cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a mini peanut butter cup in the center, then cover it with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges carefully to fully enclose the candy, creating stuffed dough balls.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the stuffed dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool and finish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
Notes
- For an extra boost of chocolate flavor, mix mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well both before and after baking—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the peanut butter cups to avoid exposure and melting out during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
