Chocolate Peanut-Butter-Cup Cookies
Decadent chocolate peanut butter cup cookies combine rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and chunks of peanut butter cups for a indulgent treat perfect for chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine softened ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 5 (2 ounces) packages peanut butter cups, each cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture until smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter cup pieces and chocolate chips.
- Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets using 3 tablespoons per cookie, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until cookies are dry and slightly firm.
- Cool cookies for 1 minute on cookie sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa. If you're out of peanut butter, almond butter can be a great substitute. For a twist, add in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an indulgent treat, warm the cookies slightly and drizzle with melted chocolate or serve alongside Lallie'S Chocolate Pie for a decadent dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in an oven for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Peanut-Butter-Cup Cookies contains roughly 316 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to your cookies. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the overall consistency of the dough, but they will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips?
If you don't have semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Additionally, you could chop up a chocolate bar to achieve a similar result.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure that gluten provides. This way, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten.
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).