Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
Introduction
These peanut butter cookie cups combine the rich flavors of buttery cookies, smooth peanut butter, and dark chocolate for a delightful treat. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special homemade snack.

Ingredients
- 175g butter, softened
- 200g light brown soft sugar
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 250g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 150g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids)
- 240g peanut or almond butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, golden caster sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg until fully combined. Add the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt, then mix gently using a spatula until the dough comes together.
- Step 3: Break off golf-ball-sized lumps of dough (about 65g each) and press each piece into the holes of a 12-hole muffin tin, pushing the dough up the sides to form a cup shape. If using a deep muffin tin, fill the dough about halfway up the sides.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden. The dough will sink during baking. Once cool enough to handle, press the dough back up the sides of each hole to maintain the cup shape. Allow to cool completely in the tin.
- Step 5: Melt the dark chocolate until smooth by heating in 20-second bursts in the microwave or setting the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (ensuring the bowl does not touch the water).
- Step 6: Carefully remove the cookie cups from the muffin tin (use a butter knife if needed). Spoon 1 teaspoon of peanut or almond butter into the center of each cup, then cover with the melted chocolate.
- Step 7: Leave the cookie cups to cool at room temperature until the chocolate has set, about 1 hour. Enjoy or store as directed below.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a fruit preserve.
- Use white or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter finish.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to enhance the flavors.
- Make sure the butter is fully softened for easier mixing and a light texture.
Storage
Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as the chocolate may sweat. To refresh, let the cookie cups come to room temperature if chilled before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture contrast inside the cookie cups, making them even more enjoyable.
Can these cookie cups be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie cups in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Cookie Cups combine the rich flavors of buttery, golden cookie dough with a creamy peanut butter center, all topped off with a smooth layer of dark chocolate. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp and filled with a luscious nutty surprise, these treats make a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 175g butter, softened
- 200g light brown soft sugar
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 250g plain flour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- A pinch of salt
Filling and Topping
- 150g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids)
- 240g peanut or almond butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, golden caster sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes pale and fluffy. Then beat in the egg to fully incorporate it.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake Cookie Cups: Break off golf ball-sized lumps of dough (around 65g each). Press each piece firmly into the holes of a 12-hole muffin tin, making sure the dough covers the bottom and sides, about halfway up if the tin is deep. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Reshape After Baking: The dough will sink during baking. Allow the cookie cups to cool until they are cool enough to handle. Then gently press the sides back up within each muffin hole to reform the cup shape. Leave to cool completely.
- Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Melt it gently by microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, or place the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the Cookie Cups: Carefully remove the cooled cookie cups from the tin, using a cutlery knife if needed to loosen edges. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of peanut or almond butter into the center of each cup. Then spoon or pour melted chocolate over the top to cover the filling completely.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to cool and set fully at room temperature or in a cool place, which should take about 1 hour.
- Storage: Once set, store the peanut butter cookie cups in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to five days.
Notes
- If using an especially deep muffin tin, adjust the dough amount per cup accordingly to ensure the dough reaches about halfway up the sides.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet, nutty filling.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or any other nut butter of choice.
- Cooling the baked cups before reshaping is crucial to prevent cracking and maintain the cup structure.
- Microwaving the chocolate in short bursts prevents it from burning and helps achieve a smooth melt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter cookie cups, chocolate peanut butter cookies, baked cookie cups, nut butter desserts, homemade cookie cups

