Name: Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup smooth peanut butter; 2 large eggs; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups golden brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 24 Kraft caramels (approximately 9 ounces); 8 ounces Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis; 8 ounces Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup White Chocolate Minis; ½ cup roasted salted peanuts

Tucking into a dreamy caramel peanut butter cookie cup sends sweet signals of pure comfort and indulgence.

Childhood memories flood back with every delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

Soft, chewy cookie shells cradle a luxurious center that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Pockets of golden caramel intertwine with rich, creamy peanut butter for a symphony of flavors.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction in these delightful miniature desserts.

Simple yet sophisticated, these cookie cups promise to become your new favorite weekend baking adventure.

You’ll want to share these decadent morsels with everyone around you.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, replace dairy chocolate with dark vegan chocolate, and select plant-based caramel options.
Nutty Chocolate Swap: Substitute white chocolate peanut butter cups with dark chocolate almond cups for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar, select sugar-free chocolate cups, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Sweet Dessert Platter: Create a stunning display with these cookie cups arranged on a rustic wooden board, garnished with extra roasted peanuts and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Gourmet Ice Cream Companion: Serve warm cookie cups alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that combines temperatures and textures.
Gifting Delight: Package these cookie cups in cute clear boxes with ribbons as homemade gifts for friends, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or unexpected sweet surprises.
Coffee Pairing Treat: Serve these rich cookie cups with a steaming espresso or cappuccino, allowing the warm drink to complement the sweet caramel and peanut butter flavors.

Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Warm cookie cups for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to prevent chocolate from burning. Check temperature and texture carefully to maintain softness.
Warm cookie cups at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their just-baked crispness. Watch closely to prevent overcooking or burning the delicate chocolate and caramel.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Natural peanut butter might be too runny. Stick with traditional creamy peanut butter for the best cookie cup texture and stability.

Do I need special equipment to make these cookie cups?

A standard 12-cup muffin tin and electric mixer are all you’ll need. No fancy tools required.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick baking spray before adding the dough. This ensures easy removal after baking.

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature before forming the cups.

Indulge in Decadence: These cookie cups offer an irresistible combination of peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate that satisfies serious sweet tooth cravings.
Quick and Simple Preparation: With basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats without complicated techniques.
Perfect Party Pleaser: Designed to wow guests at gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights with their impressive look and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
Versatile Dessert Option: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual snacking to elegant dessert presentations, making them a go-to recipe for multiple scenarios.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth cookie texture.
Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cookie dough.
Brown Sugar: Offers deep sweetness and helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and forms the base of the cookie dough.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Caramels, Peanut Butter Cups, White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Create delicious, melty centers with complementary flavors.
Roasted Peanuts: Add crunch and extra nutty flavor to the cookie cups.
Non-Stick Baking Spray: Ensures the cookies do not stick to the muffin tin.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a muffin tin and give it a quick spray with non-stick baking magic.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Dough

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend together:

Butter
Peanut butter
Brown sugar
White sugar

Whip these ingredients with an electric mixer until they’re super smooth.

Toss in eggs and vanilla extract, then mix again.

Slowly fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Cups

Gently press the cookie dough into each muffin tin compartment, creating adorable little cookie cups with your fingers.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes.

Watch for those edges to turn a light golden brown.

Pull them out when they look just right.

Step 5: Add Scrumptious Fillings

Drop a caramel right into the center of each cookie cup.

Then add:

Peanut butter cups
White chocolate peanut butter cups

Sprinkle some roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Final Bake

Send those loaded cookie cups back into the oven for another 5 minutes to get everything melty and delicious.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cookie cups hang out in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes.

This helps them stay intact when you remove them.

Step 8: Indulge And Celebrate

Dive into these decadent cookie cups that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy!

Select high-quality peanut butter, soft butter, and fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture of your cookie cups.
Generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick baking spray to ensure easy removal of cookie cups after baking.
Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently press the cookie dough into the muffin tin, creating even and uniform cookie cups.
Watch the edges carefully while baking – they should just start to brown to maintain a soft, chewy center in your cookie cups.
Allow cookies to cool completely in the muffin tin for at least 15 minutes to help them set and prevent crumbling when removing.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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