Peanut Butter Gems
Peanut Butter Gems are delightful bite-sized cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor, crispy edges, and gooey centers, perfect for peanut lovers and sweet snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add brown sugar, peanut butter, and egg; mix well.
- Add flour, salt, vanilla, and baking soda; combine thoroughly.
- Form the dough into small balls.
- Place balls in mini-muffin pans and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Immediately press a peanut butter cup into the center of each hot cookie.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. To prevent sticking, consider lightly greasing the mini-muffin pans. For added flavor, a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the cookie's taste. Don't overbake; the cookies should be soft when you press in the peanut butter cups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Peanut Butter Gems warm for the best flavor, as the chocolate centers will be melty. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun dessert platter, combine them with other treats like Jet-Age Brownies or Deluxe Carrot Cake. These cookies are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack anytime.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. This will soften the cookies and melt the chocolate slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Gems contains roughly 801 calories, with 21g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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 natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may result in a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right consistency.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Both options will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Peanut Butter Gems gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture and structure in the cookies.
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).