Soft and gooey Peanut Butter Cookie Cups filled with rich chocolate fudge are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a sweet snack, these cookie cups deliver deliciousness with every bite. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out, ensuring that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will keep coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delightful treats.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that pleases all palates.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, snacks, or even as gifts during holidays and celebrations!
- Healthier Option: Made with liquid sweetener and wholesome ingredients, these cookie cups are a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfectly Gooey: Baking them just right ensures a soft and gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help you create perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tray
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon or teaspoon
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tray: Provides the perfect shape for your cookie cups, helping them to bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of wet ingredients for a well-blended batter.
Ingredients
Soft and gooey peanut butter cookie cups filled with rich chocolate fudge, these easy and healthier treats are a perfect indulgence for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
For the Cookie Cups
- 80 g Peanut Butter (⅓ cup)
- 100 g Liquid Sweetener (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 120 g Flour (1 cup)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
For the Filling
- 70 g Dark Chocolate (½ cup roughly chopped)
- 40 g Peanut Butter (3 tbsp)
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C for fan ovens. This step is crucial to ensure that your cookie cups bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. 80 g Peanut Butter
2. 100 g Liquid Sweetener
3. 1 Egg
4. 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
Whisk until smooth. Then add in:
1. 120 g Flour
2. 1 tsp Baking Powder
Fold gently until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Tray
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Place each portion into your muffin tray. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before handling.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cups
Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes. The cookie cups should be soft and gooey; they will set as they cool down.
Step 5: Create Wells for Filling
While still warm, use a spoon or teaspoon to press the center of each cookie gently, creating a well for filling.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Filling
Melt 70 g Dark Chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Stir in:
– 40 g Peanut Butter
Mix until fully combined.
Step 7: Fill the Cookie Cups
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each well in your cookie cups with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Step 8: Chill to Set
Place the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator for about 5–10 minutes to allow the filling to set properly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Peanut Butter Cookie Cups!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these tasty treats.
Simple with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your cookie cups.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each cookie cup with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast that complements the rich chocolate filling.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity burst that balances the flavors beautifully.
Drizzled with Extra Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
Paired with Ice Cream
- Place one warm cookie cup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that is hard to resist.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookie cups on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, fruit tarts, or cookies for variety at gatherings.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Perfecting your Peanut Butter Cookie Cups requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the mixture blend more smoothly, resulting in better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined ensures your cookie cups stay soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough if Sticky: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 10–15 minutes makes it easier to handle.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be soft but set when done.
Create Deep Wells Carefully: Pressing the center gently creates enough space for the chocolate filling without breaking the cookie cup.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate or even white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
While Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds color and lightness to balance the richness of the cookie cups.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or leftover cookie bits into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast that pairs surprisingly well with sweet treats.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the indulgence of cookie cups.
Milkshake: A creamy milkshake, especially peanut butter-flavored, enhances the overall peanut butter experience.
Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage such as coffee or tea serves as a perfect accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in various flavors as additional sweet options without overwhelming guests.
Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with peanut butter cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making peanut butter cookie cups can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using the wrong peanut butter: Make sure to use natural, creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid brands with added sugars or oils that could affect the consistency of your cookie cups.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie cups instead of soft and gooey ones.
- Not chilling the dough: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before handling. This will make shaping easier and improve the final texture.
- Skipping the well creation: Pressing down in the center of each cookie cup is essential for holding the chocolate filling. Don’t skip this step if you want a perfect treat!
- Not checking doneness: Baking time may vary based on your oven. Check them a minute or two early to ensure they remain soft and gooey instead of becoming hard.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them in a cool place away from heat sources.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become too soft.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about peanut butter cookie cups that might help you out!
How do I make Peanut Butter Cookie Cups vegan?
You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. Adjust other ingredients as needed to maintain consistency.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture and still provide great flavor in your peanut butter cookie cups.
How do I prevent my cookie cups from sticking?
Greasing your muffin tray well before adding dough helps prevent sticking. Alternatively, use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
What toppings work well with Peanut Butter Cookie Cups?
Consider adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even drizzles of melted chocolate on top for extra flair!
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter cookie cups are delightful treats that combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate fudge into one amazing dessert. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and add your favorite toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to satisfy any craving!
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Indulge in the delightful taste of Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, a heavenly treat that combines soft, gooey peanut butter cookies with rich chocolate fudge filling. These irresistible bites are perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights to festive celebrations. With their easy preparation and healthier ingredients, these cookie cups offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering burst of flavor that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will crave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 80 g Peanut Butter (⅓ cup)
- 100 g Liquid Sweetener (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
- 1 Egg
- 120 g Flour (1 cup)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 70 g Dark Chocolate (½ cup chopped)
- 40 g Peanut Butter (3 tbsp for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, liquid sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Divide the dough into eight portions and place them in a greased muffin tray.
- Bake for about 13 minutes until soft and gooey; create wells in the center while warm.
- Melt dark chocolate and remaining peanut butter together; fill each well with this mixture.
- Chill for 5–10 minutes to set before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup (42g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 49mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
