Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

These indulgent chocolate cookie cups are filled with a luscious peanut butter cream and topped with roasted peanuts or crushed pistachios. A perfect fusion of cookie and candy, they’re ideal for dessert tables, parties, or an after-dinner treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a delightful crunch from nuts

• Beautiful presentation — they look as good as they taste

• Easy to portion and serve at gatherings

• Customizable toppings: peanuts, pistachios, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel

• Great make-ahead dessert for holidays and special occasions

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Peanut butter (creamy)

• Powdered sugar

• Heavy cream

• Chopped roasted peanuts and/or pistachios for topping

• Optional: mini chocolate chips or caramel drizzle

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Lightly grease a muffin or tartlet tin.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.

6. Press the dough into each muffin cup, creating a well in the center of each.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, then remove and immediately press down the centers again with a spoon. Let cool in the pan.

8. While cooling, prepare the filling by beating together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

9. Spoon or pipe the filling into the cooled cookie cups.

10. Top with roasted peanuts or crushed pistachios. Chill briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12–16 cookie cups

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Baking time: 12 minutes

• Cooling and filling time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate ganache filling: Replace peanut butter cream with a rich chocolate ganache.

• Nutella version: Use hazelnut spread in the center and top with chopped hazelnuts.

• Caramel lovers: Fill with caramel sauce and top with sea salt.

• Almond joy twist: Use coconut filling and top with almonds and dark chocolate.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the filled cups for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheating: Not necessary, but you may warm them slightly in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to soften.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie cups in advance?

Yes, they can be baked and filled up to two days in advance and stored chilled.

Do I need a special pan to make cookie cups?

A standard muffin tin works perfectly, though mini muffin tins make bite-sized versions.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but the texture of the filling will be more rustic and less smooth.

What kind of chocolate should I use in the cookie base?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended for the dough. You can also add chocolate chips for extra richness.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from puffing up too much?

Press down the centers immediately after baking using the back of a spoon to keep the well shape.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives.

Are these suitable for people with nut allergies?

Only if you use a nut-free filling and omit nut toppings. Always check labels for allergens.

How can I make the filling extra smooth?

Add a bit of heavy cream or milk to the peanut butter mixture and beat until silky.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in batches or use two muffin tins.

Should the cookie cups be served chilled or at room temperature?

They’re best served slightly chilled or at cool room temperature so the filling stays firm.

Conclusion

Chocolate peanut butter cookie cups are a decadent dessert that combines texture, flavor, and presentation in one neat little package. Whether for a party or an indulgent treat at home, they are guaranteed to impress. Let me know if you’d like me to continue with the next recipe.

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