Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Brown Butter Double Chocolate PB Cup Cookie Recipe

Brown butter revamps ordinary chocolate chip cookies into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

These decadent morsels blend rich, nutty undertones with intense chocolate complexity.

Melted butter caramelizes during cooking, creating deep, sophisticated flavor profiles that elevate traditional sweet treats.

Carefully selected ingredients merge seamlessly, promising an indulgent experience for serious dessert enthusiasts.

chocolate and peanut butter cups contribute luxurious layers of creamy, intense richness to each bite.

Subtle nuances of browned butter weave through the cookie’s texture, delivering unexpected depth and complexity.

Crisp edges give way to soft, gooey centers that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Elevate Flavor with Brown Butter: The process of browning butter creates a deep, nutty, caramelized essence that transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary taste experience, adding complexity and richness that standard melted butter can't achieve.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream Combo: Packed with double chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups, these cookies deliver an irresistible blend of chocolate intensity and creamy peanut butter chunks that create a decadent, indulgent treat for serious chocolate enthusiasts.
  • Super Simple Gourmet Technique: Despite looking like a sophisticated recipe, these cookies are surprisingly straightforward to make, requiring basic baking skills and minimal specialized equipment, making them accessible for bakers of all experience levels while still producing professional-quality results.
  • Quick and Convenient Crowd-Pleaser: With just 10 minutes of baking time and the ability to store for a week, these cookies offer a convenient dessert option that can be prepared in advance, perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients to Bake Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Fats and Dairy:
  • Butter: Rich, nutty base that adds depth and complexity to the cookies, preferably unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that provide moisture, caramelization, and balanced sweetness.
Baking Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the cookie's texture and shape.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intense chocolate flavor and deep color for the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread evenly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Mix-Ins and Flavor Boosters:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that deepens flavor complexity.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add extra chocolate bursts and melty texture.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Decadent candy pieces that provide surprising flavor and texture contrast.

Steps for Making Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Step 1: Brown The Butter

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly for 3-4 minutes until it bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Look for golden color and nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a heat-safe bowl. Chill in freezer for 30 minutes until solidified.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough Base

Preheat oven to 350°F. Add chilled brown butter to stand mixer with paddle attachment. Beat for 1 minute on medium-high speed. Mix in:
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Cream together for 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, beating for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low to medium speed until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Add Chocolate And Peanut Butter Cups

Fold in chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups. Mix briefly until just combined.

Step 5: Shape And Decorate Cookies

Scoop dough into 1 sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheet. Optional: Top with extra chocolate chips and peanut butter cup pieces.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10 minutes or until just set. Cookies will continue setting while cooling.

Step 7: Store Cookies

Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips to Perfect Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  • Brown Butter Perfection: Watch the butter carefully while browning to achieve a golden color without burning, as the line between perfectly browned and burnt is very thin.
  • Chill for Success: Freeze the browned butter for exactly 30 minutes to create the ideal texture and help prevent cookie spreading during baking.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients together and mix on low speed to maintain the cookie's tender crumb and prevent tough cookies.
  • Strategic Chocolate Placement: Press extra chocolate chips and peanut butter cup pieces on top of each dough ball before baking for a more visually appealing and flavorful cookie.
  • Precise Baking Time: Remove cookies from the oven when just set, as they will continue to firm up while cooling, ensuring a perfectly soft and chewy texture.

Storing Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Right

  • Refrigeration: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying their delicious brown butter and chocolate goodness.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300℉ oven for 3-4 minutes. This restores their just-baked softness and revives the melty chocolate and peanut butter cup pieces.

Best Pairings for Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair these decadent chocolate peanut butter cookies with a robust dark roast coffee or smooth cold brew. The rich, nutty coffee notes will perfectly complement the deep chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors.
  • Wine Indulgence Match: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or a chocolate-friendly red zinfandel. These wines enhance the cookie's complex brown butter and chocolate undertones, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Milk Magic Pairing: Nothing beats classic whole milk or a creamy chocolate milk alongside these cookies. The cool, smooth dairy balances the intense chocolate and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery texture.
  • Scoop Up Ice Cream: Top these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy sweetness melds beautifully with the cookie's warm, gooey chocolate and peanut butter elements.

Tasty Twists for Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies, enhancing the rich brown butter flavor with a sweet-salty kick.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chunk Variation: Replace chocolate chips with roughly chopped dark chocolate and add toasted pecans or almonds for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Espresso Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients, creating a mocha-like undertone that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy these decadent cookies.
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Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent Brown Butter Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies deliver a symphony of rich flavors and luxurious textures. Chocolate lovers will savor each buttery, nutty bite packed with molten peanut butter cups and intense cocoa essence.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 12 tablespoons (170 grams) salted butter
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) light brown sugar, loosely packed
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Components:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup quartered mini peanut butter cups (about 17 mini cups), plus extra for topping

Instructions

  1. Transform butter into a rich, golden-brown essence by melting it in a medium saucepan over medium heat (177°C). Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes, observing the transformation from foamy to a nutty, amber-hued liquid with delicate brown specks.
  2. Immediately transfer the browned butter to a heat-safe bowl, then chill in the freezer for 30 minutes until it solidifies completely.
  3. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  4. In a stand mixer, cream the chilled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  5. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.
  7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Using a tablespoon (15 milliliters), scoop dough and roll into uniform balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Optional: Decorate the dough balls with additional chocolate chips and peanut butter cup pieces.
  11. Bake for 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overbaking. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
  12. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

  • Brown butter transforms ordinary butter into a rich, nutty flavor powerhouse that elevates the entire cookie’s taste profile.
  • Chilling the browned butter helps solidify it and allows for better cookie dough consistency and structure.
  • Creaming butter and sugars together incorporates air, creating a lighter, softer cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Mixing dry ingredients separately prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt throughout the dough.
  • Adding chocolate chips and peanut butter cup pieces creates delightful pockets of melty chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite.
  • Baking just until set keeps cookies soft and chewy, preventing them from becoming hard or dry during cooling.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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