Festive Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Recipe for All

Magical peanut butter cup Christmas cookies have been my secret holiday weapon for years.

Festive gatherings always spark excitement when I bring these delectable treats.

My nephews literally jump with joy when they spot the chocolate-studded goodies on the dessert table.

Sweet memories of childhood blend perfectly with each rich, decadent bite.

Rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts hearts.

Surprising loved ones with these mouthwatering delights that transform ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

You’ll want to make a double batch because these cookies disappear faster than snowflakes in sunshine.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation and structure for the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and create a soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter, Peanut Butter: Creates rich, creamy base with deep nutty flavor. Use softened butter for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create chewy texture. Brown sugar provides extra moisture.

• Egg, Vanilla Extract: Binds the ingredients together and adds depth of flavor. Use fresh egg at room temperature.

• Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: Provides classic chocolate-peanut butter flavor. Choose original cups for best results.
• White Chocolate, Holiday Sprinkles: Optional decorative elements for festive presentation. Use good quality chocolate for melting.

How To Make Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with cute paper cups.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Dough

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

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, irresistible dough.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, about the size of a walnut. Gently place each ball into the muffin tin cups.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Surprise

The moment the cookies come out of the oven, press a mini Reeses peanut butter cup right into the center of each warm cookie. Don’t worry if the edges crack – that’s part of their rustic charm!

Step 6: Cooling Time

Let the cookies hang out in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add Some Holiday Sparkle

Want to make these cookies extra festive? Drizzle some melted white chocolate on top or sprinkle with holiday-themed decorations.

Tips That Help With Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Achieve the ideal butter consistency by leaving it at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, ensuring smooth and even blending.
• Prevent Dough Sticking: Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray when rolling cookie balls to prevent sticky dough from clinging to your fingers.
• Create Uniform Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure equal-sized dough balls, guaranteeing consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Preserve Peanut Butter Cup Shine: Gently press the chocolate into warm cookies to maintain its glossy appearance and prevent melting completely.
• Make Ahead and Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage without compromising texture.

How To Store Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Properly

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, layered with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 275F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked feel.
• Revive: If cookies become slightly dry, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help them regain moisture and softness.

Perfect Matches For Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

• Brew Festive Coffee Companions: Pair these decadent peanut butter cookies with a rich, dark roast coffee or a creamy caramel latte to complement the sweet and nutty flavors. The robust coffee cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance.
• Match with Creamy Milk Delights: Serve alongside cold, fresh milk or a smooth chocolate milk to enhance the cookies' sweet and buttery profile. The cool, creamy drink provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, crumbly cookie texture.
• Create Holiday Beverage Magic: Combine with a warm spiced hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha for an ultimate Christmas treat. These festive drinks will elevate the cookie's flavor and add a cozy holiday atmosphere to your dessert experience.
• Indulge with Dessert Wine: For adult gatherings, try pairing with a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a cream sherry. The wine's subtle sweetness will beautifully highlight the peanut butter and chocolate notes in the cookies.

New Ways To Try Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

• Festive Chocolate Swirl: Marble the cookie dough with melted dark chocolate before baking, creating rich chocolate-peanut butter marbled cookies with mini peanut butter cups.
• Nutty Holiday Version: Mix chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and nutty depth, complementing the peanut butter cup center.
• Salted Caramel Edition: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after adding peanut butter cups, creating a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the traditional cookie flavor.
• Winter Spice Transformation: Blend ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger into the dough for warm, cozy holiday spice notes that pair beautifully with peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies FAQs

• What makes these Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies special?

These cookies combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a festive mini muffin-style treat. The soft, buttery cookie base perfectly cradles a Reese’s peanut butter cup, creating an irresistible holiday dessert that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use traditional creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be too oily and can cause the cookies to spread too much or become too loose in texture.

• How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your mini muffin tin or use paper liners. This ensures easy removal and helps maintain the cookies’ perfect shape when you press in the peanut butter cups.

• Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for baking with children. Kids will love rolling the dough into balls and pressing the peanut butter cups into the warm cookies. It’s a fun, simple recipe that creates delicious results.

Why Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Make Great Gifts

• Create Irresistible Holiday Treats: These peanut butter cup cookies transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering Christmas delights that will wow your family and friends.
• Enjoy Quick and Easy Baking: Whipping up these cookies takes less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy holiday bakers who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Savor Perfect Texture Combination: Experience a delightful blend of soft, crumbly cookie base with smooth, creamy peanut butter cup centers that melt in your mouth and create an incredible sensory experience.
• Customize for Festive Fun: With optional white chocolate drizzle and holiday sprinkles, these cookies become a playful, personalized dessert that adds cheerful decoration to your seasonal spread.

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday baking reaches new heights with peanut butter cup Christmas cookies, blending rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a delightful seasonal treat. Christmas gatherings become sweeter when you share these irresistible morsels that celebrate classic flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 36 mini Reeses peanut butter cups, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and readying a mini muffin tin with protective liners or a light coating of grease.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking softened butter, peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
3. Craft the dry foundation by combining flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
4. Transform the dough into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter. Delicately nestle each ball into the individual cups of the prepared mini muffin tin.
5. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges signaling their readiness.
6. Immediately upon removal from the oven, while the cookies remain warm and malleable, gently press a mini Reeses peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Embrace any slight cracking as a natural characteristic.
7. Allow the cookies to rest within the tin for ten minutes, enabling them to stabilize and set. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.
8. Optional festive enhancement: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle holiday-themed decorative elements to elevate the visual appeal and seasonal spirit.

Notes

• Softened butter ensures a smoother, more uniform cookie dough that blends ingredients effortlessly.
• Use room temperature egg to prevent the mixture from becoming lumpy and promote even mixing.
• Gently press peanut butter cups into warm cookies to create a perfect indentation without breaking the chocolate.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie texture.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create more uniform cookie balls.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Experiment with different chocolate cups like dark chocolate or caramel-filled varieties for unique flavor combinations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg