These Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with gooey caramel, topped with both milk chocolate and white chocolate Reese’s Minis and roasted peanuts. The soft cookie base is baked until golden, making the perfect vessel for the melty, sweet filling. Ideal for parties or a quick indulgent treat, these cookie cups will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a sweet, nutty, and indulgent treat that brings together some of the best dessert flavors. These cookie cups feature a rich peanut butter base that’s soft and chewy, and a gooey caramel center that melts into the cookie for an unforgettable bite.
INGREDIENTS
- Salted butter: 1 cup, softened for a rich cookie base
- Smooth peanut butter: 1 cup, providing a creamy, nutty flavor
- Golden brown sugar: 1½ cups, packed for sweetness and moisture
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, adding extra sweetness
- Eggs: 2 large, for binding and structure
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, for added flavor
- All-purpose flour: 2½ cups, the base of the cookie dough
- Baking powder: 2 tsp, helping the dough rise
- Salt: 1 tsp, balancing the sweetness
- Kraft caramels: 24 pieces (approx. 9 oz), for the gooey filling
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Minis: 8 oz, for a rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cup White Chocolate Minis: 8 oz, adding a creamy white chocolate element
- Roasted salted peanuts: ½ cup, for crunch and added saltiness
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with non-stick baking spray.
- Step 2:
- Cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue mixing. Gradually add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 4:
- Press the cookie dough into the muffin tin, forming small cups with the dough.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Remove from the oven.
- Step 6:
- Press one caramel into the center of each cookie cup. Add two peanut butter cups and two white chocolate peanut butter cups into each cookie, then sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top.
- Step 7:
- Return the cookie cups to the oven for another 5 minutes to finish baking.
- Step 8:
- Let the cookies cool in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes before removing them to prevent them from falling apart.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the cookie cups warm for the best gooey caramel and peanut butter experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Helpful Notes
- To add extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookie cups before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef's tip: For a more indulgent flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookie cups before serving.
How to Perfect the Caramel Filling
For the best gooey caramel center, ensure the caramels are pressed deep into the cookie cups right after baking. This allows them to melt slightly but stay firm enough to create a satisfying bite.
Elevating Peanut Butter Desserts
Combining peanut butter with both milk and white chocolate gives these cookie cups a variety of flavors and textures. Adding roasted peanuts on top brings a crunch that perfectly contrasts with the gooey interior, making each bite satisfying and balanced.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy?
Yes! You can replace Reese’s Minis with any of your favorite chocolate candies for a different twist.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge before forming and baking.
Summary
Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the creamy, rich flavor of peanut butter with gooey caramel and the crunch of roasted peanuts. These cookie cups start with a soft peanut butter cookie base, which is then baked and filled with Kraft caramels and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. With both milk chocolate and white chocolate minis included, each bite gives a burst of flavor and texture. The cookies are finished off with a sprinkle of roasted salted peanuts, adding a crunchy contrast to the gooey, soft center. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cookie cups are easy to make and guaranteed to impress!