There’s something about combining peanut butter and chocolate that instantly takes me back to simpler times. The moment I pulled these peanut butter cookie cups from the oven, the warm, nutty aroma filled the kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of melting chocolate. I remember setting them down on the counter and sneaking a quick taste—one hand grabbing a cookie cup, the other still wiping some stray flour from the bowl. The chocolate was slightly gooey, nestled perfectly in the center of the soft, buttery cookie, and the edges had just the right amount of crispness. I hadn’t meant to eat so many at once, but the balance of salty and sweet was too good to resist. It’s the kind of treat that feels both indulgent and familiar, like a little celebration in every bite.
- The combination of peanut butter and Reese’s creates a nostalgic flavor that’s hard to beat.
- These cookie cups are bite-sized, making them easy to share or enjoy one at a time without guilt.
- They’re straightforward to make — and that’s kind of the point.
- Perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack when you need a pick-me-up.
Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe comes together pretty easily, and the results feel like a special treat without the fuss.
PrintPeanut Butter Cookie Cups with Reese’s
Delicious peanut butter cookie cups filled with a Reese’s peanut butter cup in the center. These treats combine the rich flavors of peanut butter cookies and chocolate for a perfect bite-sized dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
12 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
Divide the dough evenly into the 12 muffin cups, pressing the dough down slightly to form a cup shape with an indentation in the center.
Bake the cookie cups for 8 minutes.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and immediately press one mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie cup, gently pressing down so it is slightly embedded.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 4 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden and the cookie cups are set.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cookie cups to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here — a simple muffin tin does the trick. I usually line mine with paper liners, but a little grease works just fine if you’re in a pinch. Serving these with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee feels just right, especially when you want to slow down for a moment. If you want to mix things up, you could try swapping the mini Reese’s for other peanut butter chocolates or even a dollop of chocolate chips, though I haven’t tested all those variations myself. Sometimes, I also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors, but that’s totally optional.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free? You could try a gluten-free flour blend, but I haven’t done a full test run with that substitution.
How should I store these cookie cups? They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate and bring them to room temp before eating.
Can I freeze them? Freezing is possible, though the texture might change slightly after thawing.
Ready to make these peanut butter cookie cups with Reese’s your new go-to snack? Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!