Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a festive and irresistible way. These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. With their cute appearance and decadent taste, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly festive for holiday celebrations
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults
• Combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate
• Great for gifting or adding to holiday cookie trays

Ingredients

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

• Peanut butter cups
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a mini muffin tin by lightly greasing it or using liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them into the mini muffin tin.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. While the cookies bake, unwrap the peanut butter cups.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
10. Allow the cookies to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra festive touch.
• Festive Toppings: Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top of the peanut butter cups before they set.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Use almond butter cups for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

Yes, but the cookies will be larger. Adjust the baking time slightly and use more dough for each cookie.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the dough from sticking?

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling can help reduce stickiness.

3. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made dough for convenience, though homemade dough offers better flavor and texture.

4. How do I keep the peanut butter cups from melting?

Press the peanut butter cups into the cookies immediately after baking but avoid overhandling them while still warm.

5. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter may alter the texture of the dough. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the best results.

6. Are there any substitutes for peanut butter cups?

Mini chocolate truffles or chocolate kisses can work as substitutes.

7. How do I make these cookies nut-free?

Use a nut-free chocolate alternative in place of peanut butter cups.

8. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can be added to the dough for extra texture.

9. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

10. How can I make the cookies more festive?

Decorate the tops with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies are a simple yet impressive holiday dessert that brings joy to any celebration. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are a must-try. Their rich peanut butter flavor, combined with creamy chocolate, makes them a holiday favorite you’ll return to year after year.

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