For cookie lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts alike, there’s no better treat than Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies. These cookies take indulgence to the next level with a soft, chewy exterior and a rich, gooey peanut butter cup surprise hidden inside. Perfect for parties, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why Peanut Butter Cups?
Peanut butter cups add a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate to the cookies. When baked into a soft cookie dough, they create an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12-15 mini peanut butter cups (or more, depending on cookie size)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Prepare the Dough: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a mini peanut butter cup in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges completely.
- Bake: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Seal the Edges Well: Ensure the peanut butter cups are completely encased in dough to prevent them from melting out.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven when they’re slightly underdone in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the size of your cookie dough balls to accommodate the larger cups. Baking time may also need a slight increase.
How should I store these cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookies? Absolutely. Freeze the stuffed dough balls before baking, then bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have peanut butter cups? You can substitute with another candy, like caramel-filled chocolates or mini chocolate truffles.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
A Sweet Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. With their rich flavor and delightful surprise in every bite, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to these irresistible cookies today!