Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, nutty aroma of peanut butter mingling with gooey chocolate. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are soft, chewy, and perfectly portioned for a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

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I first whipped up a batch of these on a rainy afternoon when my kids were craving cookies but I wanted something a little more fun. One bite in, and they were hooked — now we make these on repeat for after-school snacks and even birthday parties. They’re easy, fast, and endlessly delicious.

Let’s dive into why these cookie cups deserve a spot in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. These cookie cups combine all the best parts of a classic cookie in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing… or not.

First off, they’re incredibly simple to make. No fancy equipment or complicated steps — just pantry staples, a muffin tin, and about 25 minutes from start to finish.

If you're watching your budget, you’ll love how affordable these are. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a full batch without an extra trip to the store or a dent in your wallet.

Portability is another major win. Because they’re baked in muffin tins, these cookie cups hold their shape beautifully — perfect for bake sales, lunchboxes, or picnics.

And let’s not forget the flavor. The rich, nutty peanut butter base perfectly complements melty chocolate chips for that classic sweet-and-salty combo that never goes out of style.

Once you try these, you’ll be dreaming up your own variations — and don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions coming up!

Ingredients Notes

What makes these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups shine is the balance of rich, creamy peanut butter and pockets of warm chocolate. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a treat that’s soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

Peanut butter is the heart of this recipe. I use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but if you love a bit of crunch, feel free to swap in crunchy. Just make sure you're not using a natural variety that separates — the consistency won’t hold up as well.

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, giving each bite a subtle caramel-like richness. Combined with white sugar, it creates the ideal chewy texture that sets these cookie cups apart.

Butter, melted and slightly cooled, is what brings everything together. It enhances the richness of the dough and helps deliver that slightly crisp exterior that contrasts so perfectly with the soft center.

Chocolate chips are your fun factor. I prefer using semisweet chips to balance the sweetness, but you can play around with dark chocolate, mini chips, or even a chopped-up chocolate bar. The melty bits nestled into each bite are the real stars here.

Lastly, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. These support ingredients may be simple, but they ensure the dough bakes up tender, golden, and flavorful.

No special tools required here — just a standard 12-cup muffin tin, a mixing bowl, and a spoon or cookie scoop.

How To Make These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Making these cookie cups couldn’t be easier, even for novice bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the muffin tin does all the work shaping each perfect bite.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper liners if you prefer easy cleanup. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until smooth and well combined.

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. The batter should become glossy and cohesive at this point — don’t skip the mixing, as it helps emulsify the fats and bind everything together.

Now, add in your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie cups, so stop once things are just incorporated.

Fold in the chocolate chips last, reserving a few to press into the tops of the dough if you want those Insta-worthy, melty chocolate pockets showing on top.

Scoop the dough into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way full. The dough will spread and puff slightly as it bakes, so leave a bit of room.

Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to firm up in the tin as they cool. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before gently removing them.

The result? Golden-edged, soft-centered cookie cups that are ready in under 30 minutes.

Storage Options

These cookie cups store beautifully, which makes them great for prepping ahead or keeping in the freezer for sudden cravings.

If you’re planning to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days — assuming they last that long!

For longer storage, these freeze like a dream. Place cooled cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

To enjoy from frozen, just let them thaw at room temp or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that warm, just-baked texture.

You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, though they’re best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal softness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is — there are so many fun ways to make it your own.

Try switching out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips for a unique twist. Each brings its own personality and sweetness profile.

If you’re avoiding peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter both work beautifully. Just make sure it’s a creamy variety that doesn’t separate.

Looking to make them gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor and satisfaction will still be there.

You can also dress them up for holidays or parties — add mini peanut butter cups in the center right after baking, or top with sprinkles, sea salt, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled.

Don’t be afraid to get creative here. This dough is a reliable base that adapts well to your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

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