Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe

Soft, chewy cookies reach new heights with these decadent peanut butter chocolate chip cookie cups that blend two beloved flavors into one irresistible treat.

Nestled in a mini muffin tin, each cookie cup promises a delightful surprise with every bite.

The rich, creamy peanut butter melds perfectly with melted chocolate chips, creating a heavenly combination that melts in your mouth.

Compact and easy to serve, these miniature desserts are ideal for potlucks, parties, or quiet moments of indulgence.

The crisp edges and gooey center make these cookie cups a true crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly from any dessert table.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe that transforms classic cookie ingredients into something extraordinary.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on these irresistible little bites of pure comfort.

  • Craft Delightful Dessert Cups: Transform classic cookies into adorable, personal-sized treats that look impressive and taste amazing, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Skip traditional cookie rolling and shaping by using a muffin tin, making these cookie cups a super convenient and quick dessert option for busy home bakers.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties, add nuts, or drizzle with sauces to personalize these cookie cups and match your taste preferences perfectly.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combine the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a single, soft, and irresistible dessert that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings, parties, or casual get-togethers.
Cookie Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the cookie cups.
  • Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie.
Fat and Sweet Base:
  • Butter, Softened: Creates a rich, creamy foundation that adds moisture and flavor to the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the soft, chewy texture of the cookie cups.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty, creamy flavor and helps create a dense, moist cookie.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of melted chocolate and creates a decadent, indulgent texture.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or nestle in some paper liners.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix until everything looks evenly distributed.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, grab your mixer and beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Introduce Peanut Butter and Friends

Drop in the peanut butter and mix thoroughly.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract.

Keep beating until the mixture looks light and airy.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed just until everything comes together.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want tender cookies!

Step 6: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful for topping.

Use a spatula to gently incorporate them.

Step 7: Fill Cookie Homes

Use a cookie scoop to divide the dough into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of each cup.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and centers that are still slightly soft.

Step 9: Let Them Rest

Pull the tin out of the oven and let the cookie cups chill in the tin for 10 minutes.

This helps them set up nicely.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy the Deliciousness

Serve these beauties warm for melty chocolate goodness or at room temperature for a chewy treat.

Want to level up?

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy consistency that blends perfectly with sugars.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough, dry cookie cups. Stir just until ingredients are combined for tender, soft results.
  • Reserve some chocolate chips to sprinkle on top for a prettier presentation and extra chocolatey bites.
  • Allow cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
  • Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options, or use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the same rich, chocolatey peanut butter flavor.
  • Vegan Cookie Cups: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of these delectable treats.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cookie cups moist and delicious.
  • Nutty Upgrade: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for added crunch, or swap peanut butter with cashew or almond butter to create a different nutty profile.
  • Sweet Ice Cream Companion: Top warm cookie cups with a cold scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast that melts slightly into the warm, gooey cookie.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Decadence: Enhance the dessert by zigzagging melted dark or milk chocolate across the cookie cups, creating an elegant and rich visual and flavor experience.
  • Caramel Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or crushed toffee bits over the cookie cups after adding a light caramel sauce drizzle for added texture and depth of flavor.
  • Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a hot espresso or creamy latte to complement the sweet peanut butter and chocolate notes, creating a sophisticated dessert moment.
  • Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Keep cookie cups at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture and softness.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookie cups in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works perfectly and adds extra texture to the cookie cups.

  • How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Generously grease the muffin tin or use high-quality non-stick paper liners to ensure easy removal.

  • Is it okay to use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.

  • Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Print
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter chocolate chip cookie cups melt hearts with their perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Sweet morsels nestled in buttery cookie shells promise pure dessert bliss for cookie enthusiasts craving indulgent comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Optional Serving Suggestions:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Melted chocolate for drizzling
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing or lining with paper liners. Heat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate peanut butter into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until fully integrated. Mix in egg and vanilla extract until the batter becomes light and airy.
  5. Slowly integrate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Delicately fold most of the chocolate chips into the dough, reserving a small portion for topping each cookie cup.
  7. Distribute cookie dough evenly among muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top of each cup.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and slightly soft centers.
  9. Allow cookie cups to rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes, enabling them to set properly. Carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Serve while warm for a molten chocolate experience or at room temperature for a chewier consistency. Optional: Enhance with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same delightful texture and taste.
  • Use natural peanut butter with no added sugars to reduce overall sweetness and create a more balanced flavor profile.
  • Try alternative mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the cookie cups and add unexpected crunch.
  • For a healthier version, replace half the butter with mashed banana or applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture and tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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