Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe

If you love the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, you are going to adore these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups. Imagine a crispy golden cookie crust hugging a luscious peanut butter center, all topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache. This treat is a delightful twist on classic cookies, transforming them into little cups bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookie cups bring that warm, nostalgic feeling with a fresh, irresistible presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups. Each component plays a unique role, from the cookie dough forming the sturdy base to the smooth ganache topping that adds just the right hint of decadence.

• Dark chocolate bar (4 oz): Using quality dark chocolate ensures a rich, velvety ganache with an intense cocoa flavor.
• Heavy cream (4 oz): It creates the creamy texture of the ganache and helps melt the chocolate smoothly.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds a luscious, nutty filling that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar, sifted (½ cup): Sweetens and smooths out the peanut butter filling without any grit.
• Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Brings richness and a silky texture to the peanut butter mixture.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
• Kroll’s Kookies Cookie Dough (1 batch): The foundation of the cookie cups, providing that familiar soft-chewy texture with a hint of crunch around the edges.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Bases

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Scoop the cookie dough into each cavity, filling only halfway, and press down gently to create an even layer. This step is crucial for forming the sturdy yet tender cup shape that will hold the fillings perfectly. Bake the dough for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the baked cookie cups cool just enough before softly pressing down the centers; this creates a perfect little well for the peanut butter filling.

Step 2: Crafting the Chocolate Ganache

While the cookie cups bake, chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream just until it starts to simmer—avoid boiling—and pour it over the chocolate pieces. Let this sit quietly for a full minute; this rest period allows the chocolate to melt gently. Then, whisk everything together until the mixture becomes a perfectly smooth, glossy ganache that will later cascade beautifully over the filled cups.

Step 3: Making the Peanut Butter Filling

Combine the creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the filling becomes smooth, silky, and spreadable. Getting this texture right is essential because it needs to hold its shape inside the cookie cup without being too stiff or overly sweet.

Step 4: Assembling the Cookie Cups

Once your cookie cups have cooled and you’ve gently pressed down their centers, spoon the peanut butter mixture evenly into each cup. Next, generously top each filled cup with the chocolate ganache. The ganache adds a glossy finish and a bittersweet richness that perfectly complements the sweet peanut butter filling and the buttery cookie base.

Step 5: Chilling the Cups

Place the assembled Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the ganache to set beautifully and the flavors to meld together, giving you those bite-sized treats a satisfying texture and balance that just can’t be rushed.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Garnishes

While these cookie cups shine on their own, adding a few simple garnishes elevates their presentation beautifully. Try a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to contrast with the sweetness or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra chocolate touch. For a more festive look, finely chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a comforting combo. If you’re serving them at a party, fresh berries or a light whipped cream on the side can add a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookie cups.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box when serving these cookie cups. Line them up on a rustic wooden board with little labels describing each flavor component. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners with colorful patterns for a festive gathering or arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other bite-sized treats to create an irresistible spread that invites guests to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, these cookie cups keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chilled environment ensures the ganache stays firm and the peanut butter filling maintains its creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookie cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve the perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are best enjoyed chilled, it’s not recommended to reheat them. However, if you prefer them slightly soft, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating to take the chill off without melting the ganache.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough from scratch instead of using premade dough?

Absolutely! A classic chocolate chip cookie dough recipe works wonderfully here, just be sure it’s not too runny so the cups hold their shape well during baking.

Is it possible to use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and less sweet, so you might want to adjust the powdered sugar a bit to maintain the right sweetness and consistency.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate ganache with milk chocolate?

Definitely! Milk chocolate will make the ganache sweeter and creamier. Just keep in mind it may be less bitter, which can change the flavor balance slightly.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Greasing the mini muffin tin thoroughly or using nonstick spray ensures an easy release. You could also use mini silicone muffin molds for effortless removal.

Can these cookie cups be made vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—like dairy-free chocolate, plant-based butter, and a vegan cookie dough recipe—you can certainly make vegan versions. Just be mindful of textures, especially in the ganache and peanut butter filling.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups is such a joyful baking experience, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. From their beautiful golden cookie shells to the dreamy peanut butter center and glossy chocolate top, each bite feels like a warm hug. I truly encourage you to try them and share this gem of a recipe with friends and family—once you make these, they’ll be your go-to dessert for every occasion.

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