Introduction
If you’re a fan of cookies and love the delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are sure to become a favorite treat in your household. These cookies are soft, chewy, and feature a delightful surprise in the center: a mini peanut butter cup! Follow this detailed recipe from EpicureanNest to create these mouthwatering cookies that both kids and adults will adore.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
40 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 40 cookies
Enjoy the process of making these delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, and indulge in their rich flavors and delightful textures. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed). Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk; beat until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough forms.
Shape and Bake:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball into the prepared mini muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the tops look set and slightly golden.
Add the Peanut Butter Cups:
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage:
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Peanut Butter Cups:
For best results, ensure that the mini peanut butter cups are at room temperature before adding them to the cookies.
Baking Time:
Oven temperatures may vary; it’s advisable to keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies can be served warm or at room temperature and pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
When preparing cookie dough, it’s essential to whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined. This helps to prevent clumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Creaming the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. This process should take about 2-3 minutes at medium speed using an electric mixer.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
When adding wet ingredients like eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the creamed mixture, ensure they are well combined before adding the dry ingredients. This ensures a uniform dough.
Shaping Dough
For uniform cookies, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball before placing it in the mini muffin tin. This helps maintain a consistent size and shape during baking.
Pressing Peanut Butter Cups
Upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently pressing a mini peanut butter cup into the center creates a delicious melty center. Perform this step quickly while the cookies are still warm.
Cooling Cookies
Allow cookies to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking apart.
FAQ
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, using a gluten-free flour blend may work, but it may alter the texture.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you need a peanut-free option, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute, keeping in mind that it may affect the taste.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking?
Greasing the mini muffin tin or using paper liners will help prevent sticking. Additionally, allowing them to cool slightly in the pan before transferring helps.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookies?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips for extra flavor. Adjust the mix to maintain the balance of the cookie dough consistency.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cup Cookies from EpicureanNest are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavors of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. Their soft, chewy texture and the surprise of a mini peanut butter cup in the center make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Baking these cookies is a simple and rewarding process that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds satisfied.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
Add mini chocolate chips or try using different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for a unique twist.
Nut-Free Alternative Cookies
Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to create a delicious nut-free version of the cookies.
Stuffed Cookies
Consider stuffing the cookies with different candies such as caramel chews or pretzel bits for added texture and flavor.
Holiday-Themed Cookies
Add festive sprinkles or colored sugars to the cookies for a more decorative touch during holidays.
Cream Cheese Frosted Cookies
Top the baked cookies with a cream cheese frosting for a rich and creamy finish.
Cookie Sandwiches
Make cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
