Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, shortening, softened butter, and egg on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill for about 2 hours to allow it to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1–1.5 inch balls (approximately 1 tablespoon each) and place one ball into each muffin cup.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cookies are light golden brown.
- As soon as they come out of the oven, press an unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
- Allow them to cool in the pan completely to avoid breaking, then carefully remove and enjoy!
Tips: Remember to chill the dough; it makes shaping much easier! Unwrapping the peanut butter cups while the cookies bake is a clever time-saver too.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra flair, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops or sprinkle with sea salt before serving. These cookie cups also make a perfect dessert for a backyard barbecue or a cozy movie night.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your cookie cups fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time when ready to bake from frozen. Always remember to practice safe food handling and keep an eye on those delicious treats—they won’t last long!
Pro chef tips
- Chill before shaping: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use gluten-free flour: If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Experiment with nut butter: Feel free to swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to give these cookie cups a unique twist.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Consider adding chocolate chips to the dough or using flavored peanut butter (like the ones infused with chocolate or honey). You could also incorporate crushed nuts into the dough for added texture or sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for a bit of warmth. The possibilities are endless!
Your questions answered
How long do these Cookie Cups take to prepare?
The total time from prep to bake is about 2.5 hours, mostly waiting for the dough to chill.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives, especially for those with allergies.
How do I ensure they don’t break when removing from the pan?
Let the cookie cups cool completely in the pan before trying to remove them. This prevents breakage and helps them hold their shape.
This recipe for Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Sweet, satisfying, and surprisingly simple, these cups are bound to be a hit!
