Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Sweet, creamy peanut butter cups are nestled in cookie dough, creating rich, indulgent treats perfect for parties, snacks, or special occasions with a delightful chocolate and peanut flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 30 bite-sized chocolate-covered peanut butter cups, halved lengthwise ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can vanilla frosting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well.
- Combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda; add to the egg mixture, beating well.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the 1/4 cup sugar.
- Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and immediately press half of a halved peanut butter cup, cut side down, into each cookie about 1/2-inch from the bottom edge.
- Cool for 1 minute, then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using creamy natural peanut butter. If you're short on time, pre-made cookie dough can be used as a base. Substitute the shortening with equal parts unsalted butter for a different texture. If you want to mix it up, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a salted caramel effect.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Peanut Butter Cups are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun presentation, consider serving them alongside a slice of Coconut Pie(Three Minute Pie) for a sweet dessert platter that will impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mini Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Peanut Butter Cups contains roughly 421 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, as gluten-free flours can vary in moisture.
What can I use instead of vanilla frosting?
If you're looking for a different frosting option, cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would be excellent alternatives. You can also use a homemade peanut butter frosting by mixing peanut butter with butter and powdered sugar for a delicious twist.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies either with or without the chocolate-covered peanut butter cups. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
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).