Irresistible Mini Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe for Tiny Treats

Irresistible mini peanut butter cookie cups convert ordinary dessert into a bite-sized sensation that melts in your mouth.

Rich, creamy peanut butter intertwines with a buttery, crumbly base creating an indulgent treat.

These miniature delights pack intense flavor into a compact, adorable package that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Crafted with precision, each tiny cup represents a perfect balance between sweet and nutty profiles.

Soft edges and a delicate center make these cookies a delightful contrast of textures that dance across your palate.

Compact yet powerful, these mini cups deliver a concentrated burst of comfort and satisfaction in every single bite.

You won’t be able to resist their charming appeal and irresistible aroma.

What Everyone Loves About Mini Peanut Butter Cups

• Burst of Quick Sweetness: These mini peanut butter cookie cups deliver an explosive flavor combination in one perfect bite-sized treat that satisfies sudden dessert cravings.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requiring minimal baking skills, this recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that even beginner bakers can master confidently and successfully.
• Stunning Presentation Potential: With glossy ganache drizzle and crushed peanut butter chip sprinkles, these cookie cups transform from ordinary treats into elegant, Instagram-worthy desserts that impress guests and family members instantly.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Perfectly portioned for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday events, these miniature treats offer convenient handheld enjoyment without messy cutting or serving complications.

The Must-Have Ingredients for These Mini Delights

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie cups.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, sweet base with deep caramel notes.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty flavor and smooth consistency.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the cookie flavor.

• Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Chips: Classic chocolate-peanut butter combination for extra indulgence.
• Chocolate: Creates smooth, rich ganache for drizzling.
• Milk: Helps melt chocolate for perfect ganache consistency.

How to Make Cookie Cups with a Nutty Center

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Set Up Peanut Butter Cups

Carefully unwrap peanut butter cups and place them in a separate bowl. Keep them ready for later use.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Creamy peanut butter

• Egg
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until a consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Use a small cookie scoop to create 36 uniform dough balls. Roll each ball gently between your palms to create smooth, round shapes. Carefully place cookie balls into the muffin pan. Chill the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the chilled pan in the oven. Bake for 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Add Peanut Butter Cup Centers

Remove cookies from the oven. Immediately press a peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

Heat milk and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Transfer the ganache to a piping bag.

Step 9: Optional Peanut Butter Chip Topping

Use a blender to crush peanut butter chips into fine crumbs.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Drizzle ganache over cooled cookie cups. Sprinkle with crushed peanut butter chips. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for a Soft Cookie and Creamy Middle

• Chill the Dough: Freezing cookie balls before baking helps prevent spreading and maintains a perfect round shape.
• Use Precise Measurements: Level off dry ingredients with a knife for consistent texture and even baking results.
• Press Cups Gently: When adding peanut butter cups, press lightly to avoid cracking the warm cookie base.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Let chocolate mixture cool slightly before piping to achieve the ideal drizzle texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the mini muffin pan or use non-stick spray for easy cookie removal.

Storing Peanut Butter Cups Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and bring out the chocolate's rich flavor.

Best Beverages and Snacks to Serve Alongside

• Savor Creamy Milk Pairings: Complement these decadent mini peanut butter cookie cups with cold whole milk or chocolate milk for a classic, rich combination that enhances the dessert's sweet and nutty flavors.
• Elevate with Coffee Notes: Pair with a smooth espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint to the cookie's rich peanut butter and chocolate profile.
• Match with Dessert Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to create a luxurious tasting experience that highlights the cookie cups' intense chocolate and peanut butter notes.
• Boost with Nutty Liqueurs: Enjoy with a hazelnut or almond liqueur that echoes the peanut butter's nuttiness and adds a sophisticated adult twist to this delightful treat.

Peanut Butter Cup Flavors Worth Exploring

• Chocolate Caramel Cluster: Replace peanut butter cups with rolo candies and drizzle with caramel sauce instead of ganache for a rich, gooey alternative.
• Nutella Stuffed Version: Insert a small dollop of Nutella into the center before baking, creating a creamy chocolate-hazelnut center in each cookie cup.
• Salted Almond Crunch: Swap peanut butter cups with chopped almonds, use almond butter in the dough, and top with sea salt flakes for a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Coconut Chocolate Sensation: Mix shredded coconut into the cookie dough, use dark chocolate ganache, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired treat.

Mini Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Mini peanut butter cookie cups deliver a delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in one irresistible bite. Chocolate lovers will savor these miniature desserts that pack maximum flavor into a compact, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet personal indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) flour
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (128 grams) peanut butter
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 36 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ganache Drizzle:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk, heated

Topping:

• ⅓ cup (57 grams) peanut butter chips, crushed

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Instructions

1. Prepare a mini muffin pan by thoroughly greasing its surfaces to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and peanut butter until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate egg, milk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
6. Utilize a small cookie scoop to portion out 36 uniform dough balls, rolling each between palms to create perfect spheres.
7. Gently place cookie dough balls into the prepared muffin pan, then chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the dough.
8. Position the pan in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 8 minutes until edges begin to turn golden.
9. Immediately after removing from the oven, delicately press an unwrapped peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie.
10. While cookies cool, prepare chocolate ganache by pouring heated milk over chopped chocolate and stirring until silky smooth.
11. Transfer ganache to a piping bag for precise drizzling.
12. Optional: Crush peanut butter chips in a blender for additional texture and garnish.
13. Carefully transfer cookies from the pan to a cooling rack.
14. Drizzle ganache over the cooled cookie cups and sprinkle with crushed peanut butter chips for a finishing touch.

Notes

• Chill dough balls before baking to prevent spreading and maintain perfect cup shape.
• Freeze muffin pan with cookie dough for exactly 10 minutes to ensure consistent texture and even baking.
• Press peanut butter cups immediately after removing from oven while cookies are still warm for best melting and integration.
• Use an extra-small cookie scoop for uniform cookie cup sizes and professional-looking presentation.
• Optional crushing of peanut butter chips adds delightful crunch and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Ganache drizzle provides elegant finishing touch and elevates simple cookie cups to gourmet dessert status.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 161
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 14 mg