The Ultimate Classic Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: An Irresistible Family Recipe

There’s a special kind of magic in a recipe passed down through generations, and our family’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are no exception. For as long as I can remember, these delightful treats have been a cherished staple, especially during the festive holiday season. While they undeniably shine as a Christmas cookie, bringing joy and a heartwarming aroma to our home each December, we occasionally whip up a batch for other special moments throughout the year, proving their timeless appeal goes beyond just one season.

What makes this recipe truly stand out, I’ve been told, is its unique character compared to many contemporary versions. It’s a true old-school classic, a testament to simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that consistently deliver unparalleled results. In a world of ever-evolving culinary trends, it was recently brought to my attention just how consistently this particular recipe succeeds, producing perfectly soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookies every single time, unlike some newer recipes that can be hit-or-miss. This revelation prompted me to finally share this cherished secret. While its full origin story remains a bit of a mystery, my mom meticulously jotted down this recipe over 35 years ago, and it has gracefully stood the test of time, becoming a beloved tradition for our family and hopefully soon, for yours too.

If you adore celebrating a homemade Christmas and are looking for more festive projects, be sure to explore my delightful Gingerbread Salt Dough Ornaments and Easy Pasta Ornaments. They are wonderfully simple crafts, perfect for engaging both grown-ups and kids in creative holiday fun!

Crafting Perfection: Understanding Your Ingredients

When it comes to baking these delectable Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, a few ingredient nuances can make all the difference. One significant note I always share is regarding the fat choice: while my Mom’s original handwritten recipe traditionally called for shortening, I have personally always opted for butter. My preference stems purely from convenience; butter is a pantry staple in my kitchen, whereas shortening is rarely purchased. The good news is that both options yield excellent results, though butter tends to lend a richer flavor and a slightly more tender crumb to the cookies. If you do choose shortening, make sure it’s a high-quality, unflavored variety.

Another personal touch I incorporate is the use of crunchy peanut butter. This is simply because it’s my go-to peanut butter for everything, so it’s always readily available. However, I’m happy to confirm that this versatile recipe works beautifully with both creamy and crunchy peanut butter. If you prefer a smoother texture, creamy peanut butter will give you just that. If you love a little extra bite and nuttiness, crunchy is the way to go. The most crucial factor here is to avoid natural peanut butter varieties that separate excessively or require vigorous stirring, as their oil content can significantly alter the cookie’s texture and consistency. Stick to conventional, stabilized peanut butter for best results.

And here’s a golden tip for efficiency: if you ever stumble upon already peeled mini peanut butter cups, do yourself a huge favor and buy them! They are a rare find, but when I see them, I stock up. Peeling dozens of tiny wrappers can be quite the task, often turning into a delightful (or sometimes tedious!) family peeling party just to get them ready for baking time. Having them pre-peeled saves a significant amount of preparation time, allowing you to get these delicious cookies into the oven much faster. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin, as this ensures they cream together smoothly and incorporate evenly, leading to a much better cookie texture.

The Baking Journey: Method for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The journey to these delightful treats begins with precision and patience. Start by combining your softened butter (or shortening, if preferred) with both granulated and light brown sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cream these ingredients together until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy, and airy consistency. This vital step, which typically takes a minimum of 2-3 minutes, incorporates air into the dough, contributing significantly to the final cookie’s tender texture and soft chewiness. Don’t rush this stage; it’s the foundation of a perfect cookie.

Once your butter and sugars are beautifully creamed, crack in the large eggs, one at a time, beating them thoroughly until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Follow this by adding the vanilla extract for that essential warm flavor. Next, gently work in your dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt – mixing on low speed only until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tougher, less tender cookies. The goal is just combined, no more.

With your dough prepared, it’s time to portion it out. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Consistency in size is key for even baking. After shaping, roll each dough ball in sugar. While plain white granulated sugar works perfectly well, my family’s tradition involves a festive twist: since these are primarily made at Christmas, my Mom always kneaded a little food coloring into the sugar beforehand. Rolling the cookies in vibrant red and green sugars instantly elevates their festive appeal. You can easily create your own colored sugar by combining about a cup of granulated sugar with 10-12 drops of liquid food coloring, stirring until uniformly tinted. Alternatively, festive nonpareils or traditional jimmies sprinkles also make wonderful coatings; I’ve experimented with all sorts over the years, and they always add a delightful touch.

Next, arrange your sugared cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each. Bake them until they are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center, typically 8-10 minutes. The real magic happens the moment they emerge from the oven. You must work with incredible speed at this stage: immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the freshly baked cookies will gently melt the chocolate, creating that iconic, gooey center. You have a very narrow window – roughly one minute – before the cookies begin to cool and harden, making it difficult to embed the candy. Don’t worry if the cookie edges crack slightly as you press; this is completely normal and adds to their rustic charm.

The chocolates will melt beautifully from the warmth, so it’s essential to let the cookies cool completely. Ideally, transfer them to a wire rack to allow air circulation, ensuring the chocolate fully hardens again and the cookies set properly. This patient waiting period is crucial for preventing a sticky mess and ensuring they can be handled and stacked without damage. Once the chocolate is firm, your perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are ready to be savored! They can be stacked on plates for immediate enjoyment or stored in airtight containers to maintain their freshness for up to two weeks.

Did you make this beloved family recipe? Let me know by leaving a review or comment below! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on new recipes and crafts. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4 dozen

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

This classic family recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies stands out from the rest, delivering soft, chewy, and perfectly delicious results every time. A beloved Christmas tradition, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 48 Mini Peanut Butter Cups
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter, room temp
• ¾ cup Crunchy Peanut Butter
• ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
• ⅓ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 large Egg, room temp
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• Granulated Sugar, for rolling the cookies
• Food Coloring, to dye sugars if desired

Instructions

Remove the wrappers from the peanut butter cups and place them in a bowl and set aside until needed.

Preheat the oven to 375˚F and line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or a reusable baking mat.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butters and sugars until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Add the egg, and vanilla to the bowl and continue mixing until well incorporated.

Place the flour, baking soda, and salt in the bowl and mix on low just until no streaks of flour remain.

Portion the cookie dough out into 1-inch balls, or 1 tablespoon size, roll them between your hands, then roll them through some sugar, or sprinkles if desired.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes until set.

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place a peanut butter cup in the center of each cookie. The cookies may split a little around the edges, this is normal.

Cool the cookies completely, moving them to a wire rack if needed, and until the chocolate is fully hardened.

This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies. Cooled cookies can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Notes & Tips for the Perfect Batch

While our family traditionally enjoys these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies during Christmas, rolling them in vibrant red and green sugars, they are absolutely delicious any time of year! For non-holiday occasions, simply roll them in plain white granulated sugar, or even skip the outer sugar coating if you prefer a less sweet exterior.

Making your own colored sugars is simple and adds a personalized touch. Start with approximately 1 cup of granulated sugar and add 10-12 drops of red or green liquid food coloring. Stir vigorously with a spoon until the color is evenly distributed and rich. Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade – I love a deep, intense color!

For optimal results, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin. This allows them to cream together more efficiently, creating a smoother dough and a more tender cookie texture.

Smart Substitutions and Variations

I personally find these cookies to be at their absolute best when made with mini peanut butter cups, as they create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth center. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or don’t have peanut butter cups on hand, you could experiment with other chocolate candies like chocolate drops or even small squares of your favorite chocolate bar. Just be aware that the flavor profile and melting characteristics will change.

This recipe calls for crunchy peanut butter, which is my personal favorite for the added texture it provides. However, smooth peanut butter works equally well for a uniform, creamy consistency. The most important tip for peanut butter is to avoid natural, oil-separating varieties, as their inconsistent texture can negatively impact the dough’s balance. Stick to conventional, no-stir peanut butter.

Beyond colored sugars, feel free to get creative with your cookie coatings! I’ve had great success rolling them in festive nonpareils or colorful jimmies sprinkles, especially for birthday parties or other celebrations. The possibilities are endless to match any theme or occasion!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Adjustable Measuring Cup
• Norpro Stainless Steel Scoop, 25MM (.5 Tablespoon)
• Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (3 Pack)
• Silpat Half Size 11.6 x 16.5 Inch Nonstick Baking Mat for 13 x 18 Inch Pans, Set of 2

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

48

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 88Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 76mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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