Famous Amos Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Indulge in rich, chocolatey peanut butter cookies featuring chunks of peanut butter cups and semi-sweet chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or oleo, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter or crunchy ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 large eggs
- 5 (2 oz.) packages peanut butter cups, each cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, with an 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; gradually add the flour mixture until smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter cup pieces and chocolate chips into the dough.
- Drop dough by 3-tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until cookies are dry and slightly firm to touch.
- Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute.
- Remove cookies with a metal spatula and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Store in airtight containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dough, as it enhances the chocolate's richness. If you're out of peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as substitutes. Make sure to use room temperature butter for easier mixing. If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a great addition to a cookie platter for any gathering or as a sweet treat for a picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, place the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up without losing their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Amos Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies contains roughly 368 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 502mg per serving (22% 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 dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer flavor to your cookies. Just keep in mind that the cookies may taste slightly more intense, so adjust the sweetness if desired by reducing the granulated sugar by a tablespoon.
What can I use instead of peanut butter for allergies?
You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Be aware that these alternatives may slightly change the flavor profile, but they will still provide a creamy texture and delicious taste.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda and cocoa powder are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
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).