These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with melty chocolate chips in a soft, chewy cookie cup. Perfect for snacking, desserts, lunchboxes, or special occasions, these treats offer a crispy edge with a soft, gooey center.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookie cups rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Gives a soft texture and deep caramelized sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Contributes to the cookie’s slight crispness.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) – The star ingredient, adding a nutty flavor and soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (divided) – Melts into the cookies for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer).
- This process incorporates air, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
- Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- This helps emulsify the ingredients and create a tender texture.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie cups soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups
- Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top of each cookie cup for extra chocolaty goodness.
Step 8: Bake the Cookie Cups
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly soft.
- The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm for a gooey, melty chocolate experience or let them firm up for a chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Enjoy warm with a glass of milk.
- Indulgent: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Add a dollop of peanut butter frosting or a peanut butter drizzle on top.
- Crunchy: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for extra texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked dough balls in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze baked cookie cups in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Stuffed Cookie Cups: Press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie right after baking.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
- Chocolate Explosion: Use milk, dark, and white chocolate chips for extra variety.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Cups: Add ½ cup rolled oats for a chewy, heartier version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~4g
- Fat: ~11g
- Sugar: ~14g
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are a delicious twist on classic cookies, baked in muffin tins for the perfectly portioned treat. Whether served warm or cold, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
