Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless yet impressive: Semi-homemade using store-bought dough or made from scratch—either way, they shine.
Perfect peanut butter‑chocolate combo: Each cup has a warm pocket of melty peanut butter.
Great for gatherings: Easy to make in batches (typically yields around 24), perfect for parties, snacks, or after-school treats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate chip cookie dough (store‑bought bar or homemade)
Mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
Optional (for from‑scratch version): all‑purpose flour, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown & granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips

Directions

Option 1: Semi‑homemade (using refrigerated cookie dough)

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease a mini‑muffin pan for about 24 cups.
Press individual pieces of cookie dough into each cup, making a well in the center.
Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden. Immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each.
Cool completely before gently removing from pan with a butter knife.

Option 2: From‑scratch version

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease mini‑muffin pan.
Cream butter and sugars; add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, salt, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
Spoon dough into cups (~1 Tbs each). Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are light golden. Immediately press down with a spoon to form wells.
Prepare filling: microwave peanut butter, butter, and salt until silky; stir in confectioners’ sugar. Spoon into each cup.
Melt chocolate chips (with shortening) and drizzle or layer on top. Chill until set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 24 cookie cups (12 smaller or 24 mini)
Prep time: ~10 minutes (scratch) or 5 minutes (semi‑homemade)
Bake time: 8–15 minutes depending on recipe version
Total time: ~30–50 minutes depending on method

Variations

Use Reese’s Minis for homemade dough for best-fit filling.
Try different fillings/toppings: toffee chips, chopped peanuts, sea salt, peanut butter chips, or pretzels for a salty twist.
Use alternative cookie dough: peanut-butter-base, double-chocolate, or gluten‑free dough for dietary preferences.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags—keep up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave for 5–10 seconds or let sit at room temp for gooey, warmed centers.

FAQs

How can I prevent the cookie cups from collapsing?

Ensure you create the well immediately when the cups come out of the oven—while they’re still soft—so the shape holds.

Can I make these nut‑free?

Yes! Substitute peanut butter cups with sunflower seed butter cups for a nut-free alternative.

Will homemade cups taste as good as store‑bought mix?

Absolutely—even better! Homemade versions often have a more buttery, textured flavor compared to refrigerated dough.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling is optional. Some scratch recipes suggest chilling dough 1–2 hours to control spread. For mini cups, it’s usually unnecessary.

Can I use full‑size peanut butter cups?

It’s doable but bulky—mini cups fit best. If using full size, press them in halfway through baking to embed them.

Can I freeze baked cookie cups?

Absolutely, freeze cooled cups in single layer then in bags for up to 3 months.

How to make vegan versions?

Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil, vegan chocolate chips, and ensure your peanut butter cups are vegan-friendly.

Any tips for extra chocolate drizzle?

Add a teaspoon of shortening when melting chocolate for a glossy finish and smoother drizzle.

Can I skip the chocolate topping?

Yes, you can skip it. The peanut butter filling is rich and satisfying on its own.

How do I reheat them for best gooeyness?

Microwave a cup for ~8 seconds for just-warmed, gooey center without melting the exterior.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat—easy to make, customizable, and bursting with peanut butter and chocolate in each bite. Whether you’re in a rush or craving homemade goodness, these mini delights deliver every time—perfect for parties, school snacks, or cozy nights in.