Chocolate Chip-Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Rich and indulgent chocolate chip-peanut butter cup cookies feature a perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and cocoa flavors, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 4 (2 oz.) packages peanut butter cups, each cut into 6 or 8 pieces ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder ⓘ
- 2 sticks softened butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat softened butter, peanut butter, light brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Reduce mixer speed to low.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture until smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter cup pieces along with chocolate chips.
- Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 inch apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13 to 15 minutes until dry and slightly firm to touch.
- Cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra chocolatey flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the butter mixture. If you don't have smooth peanut butter, creamy almond butter can be a great substitute. To make the cookies even chewier, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate, to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, serve alongside Kid's Favorite Fourth Of July Jello at summer gatherings. They also make a great addition to any cookie platter or as a treat for special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip-Peanut Butter Cup Cookies contains roughly 345 calories, with 12g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture. It will give the cookies a delightful crunch, but keep in mind that the overall consistency of the dough may change slightly. Make sure to mix well to ensure even distribution of the peanut butter pieces.
How do I make the cookies thicker?
To make thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also add an extra 1/4 cup of flour to the dough, which will help them maintain their shape while baking. Avoid flattening the dough too much when dropping it onto the cookie sheet.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).