Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup Recipe

(Irresistible, easy-to-make treats perfect for any season!)

Introduction

When I was little, one of my favorite moments was baking with my Nonna Rosa during lazy Sunday afternoons. Although she mostly taught me traditional Italian cookies, we often played around with American classics for fun. One special treat we whipped up together was a twist on the traditional cookie: the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup.

It was pure magic — the cozy hug of peanut butter and the rich surprise of melty chocolate chips, baked into perfect little cups. Whether you’re craving a sweet bite in the heat of summer or want a comforting treat on a chilly winter evening, these cookie cups are your go-to.

Ready to bake some love into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best!)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

👉 Tip: Use mini chocolate chips for the perfect bite-sized chocolatey goodness in every cup!

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Muffin tin (standard size)
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease your muffin tin with non-stick spray or a dab of butter to make sure those cookie cups pop out perfectly!

2. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
This is where the magic starts: the base of your cookie cup becomes rich and flavorful.

3. Add the Sugars

Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar to your butter mixture.
Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
This step helps give the cookie cups that irresistible, slightly chewy texture.

4. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract.
Beat until fully combined.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Don’t overmix — we want tender cookie cups, not tough ones!

6. Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Make sure the chips are evenly distributed so every bite is a sweet surprise!

7. Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup.
Press the dough lightly to fill the cup shape — no need to flatten it completely; it will spread as it bakes.

8. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and just set.
Pro Tip: The centers will still look a little soft — that’s what you want! They’ll firm up as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove them and transfer to a cooling rack.
They’re perfect slightly warm when the chocolate is still gooey or completely cooled for easy snacking.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures everything blends evenly for the best texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaked cookie cups are soft, chewy, and absolutely dreamy.
• Customize It:
  • Add a mini peanut butter cup in the center before baking for an extra peanut butter punch.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.

🍫 Fun Variations on Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some fun ideas:

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups: After baking, press a small well into each cup and fill with your favorite jam.
• Nutella-Filled Cookie Cups: Add a teaspoon of Nutella to the center of each dough ball before baking for an ultra-chocolatey surprise.
• Oatmeal Cookie Cups: Swap 1/2 cup of flour for quick oats to add texture and fiber.
• S’mores Cookie Cups: Press a mini marshmallow and a small square of chocolate into each cookie cup right after baking.
• Salted Caramel Cups: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cups and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

The possibilities are endless — and every variation makes your kitchen smell heavenly! ✨

🎉 Best Occasions to Serve These Cookie Cups

The beauty of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups is how versatile they are. Some of the best times to serve them include:

• Birthday Parties: Little hands love the individual cookie cups — no slicing needed!
• Holiday Cookie Exchanges: These cups stand out from the usual cookie crowd and are easy to transport.
• Picnics and BBQs: Perfect handheld treats that won’t melt like ice cream.
• Family Movie Nights: Cozy up with a plate of these alongside a tall glass of milk!
• Bake Sales: They’re easy to package and irresistible to buyers.
• Gifting: Package a few in a cute box tied with a ribbon — the sweetest homemade gift!

Seriously, there’s no bad time for these peanut butter-packed treats. 🍪❤️

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze the baked cookie cups for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for warm, melty goodness!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients!
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or an after-school treat.
• Versatile: Great all year round — a warm winter dessert or a summery picnic snack!
• Deeply Satisfying: Every bite bursts with peanut butter flavor and melty chocolate goodness.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate — and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups bring that magic to life in the most adorable and delicious way.

They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake, yet special enough to impress at any party or holiday gathering. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with melty chocolate chips or freeze them for a sweet treat on a busy day, these cookie cups are sure to become a family favorite.

So tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and whip up a batch of these heavenly little cups. After just one bite, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe, season after season. 💛

Happy baking!

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