Oh, there’s just something magical about baking during the Christmas season, isn’t there? The air is filled with warmth, the scent of spices and sweetness wafts through the house, and the laughter of family fills every corner. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is whipping up a batch of peanut butter cup Christmas cookies. I remember the first time I made them with my little sister. We were covered in flour, giggling as we tried to sneak bites of the dough—trust me, it’s even better than it sounds! These cookies are the perfect blend of rich peanut butter and chocolatey goodness, and when you press those mini peanut butter cups right in the center, it’s like magic! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that bring everyone together during the holidays. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some delicious memories!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect batch of peanut butter cup Christmas cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the kind that spreads like a dream)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (don’t skimp on packing it in for that rich flavor!)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 36 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped (these are the stars of the show!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because everything’s better with a hint of vanilla)
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, so you can dive right into the fun part of baking!
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients all set, it’s time to bring these peanut butter cup Christmas cookies to life! Follow me through these steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with cookies that will make your holiday season even sweeter.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important! Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden edge we all love. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. I like to use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this part. You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving that dreamy cookie texture. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and airy!
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. I usually crack the eggs in a separate bowl first, just to avoid any shell surprises. Make sure to blend it all together until it’s nice and smooth. The vanilla adds that extra warmth and flavor—yum!
Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda, so your cookies rise beautifully. Once that’s mixed, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until the flour is incorporated. Don’t overmix—this is key for keeping them soft and chewy!
Form the Cookie Dough
With your dough ready, it’s time to drop them onto a baking sheet. I like to use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough, rolling it into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Leave enough space between each cookie—about 2 inches—so they have room to spread while baking. It’s going to smell amazing soon!
Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers should still look a bit soft. If you wait for the centers to firm up in the oven, you might end up with crunchy cookies instead of the soft ones we’re aiming for!
Add Peanut Butter Cups
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, it’s time for the best part—pressing a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie! Gently push them down so they sink in a little, and watch as they melt slightly into the warm cookie. Oh, it’s like a little piece of heaven in every bite!
Cooling the Cookies
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them on a rack is essential because it allows air to circulate, helping them firm up just right. Plus, you’ll want to give them a chance to cool down a bit before diving in—trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter cup Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them combine more easily, leading to a smoother dough and better texture. Plus, it makes mixing a breeze!
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much and gives you those perfectly shaped cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that chewy goodness we love!
- Use Quality Peanut Butter Cups: For the best flavor, go for quality mini peanut butter cups. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dark chocolate ones for a richer experience!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Want to spice things up? Add some chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Yum!
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm and impressing your friends and family with your delicious peanut butter cup Christmas cookies! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste along the way—it’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you might be curious about the nutritional side of these heavenly peanut butter cup Christmas cookies. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for each delightful cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates based on the ingredients used, and they can vary a bit depending on brands and specific measurements. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is always worth it, right? Enjoy every delicious bite of these festive treats!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious peanut butter cup Christmas cookies? No problem! I’ve compiled some of the most common queries I get, so you can bake with confidence and enjoy every moment of it!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?
Absolutely! If you love that extra crunch, go ahead and use crunchy peanut butter. It’ll add a fun texture to the cookies, and who doesn’t love a little surprise in every bite?
What can I use instead of mini peanut butter cups?
If you can’t find mini peanut butter cups, you can substitute them with chocolate chips or even chopped Reese’s cups. Just remember, the flavor won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking!
What if I want to make them gluten-free?
No worries! You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check your peanut butter cups to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!
Can I add more chocolate to the cookies?
Of course! If you’re a chocolate lover like me, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. More chocolate equals more happiness!
What’s the secret to keeping them soft?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect texture!
With these FAQs answered, you’re all set to bake up a batch of these festive peanut butter cup Christmas cookies! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out—I love sharing the joy of baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these peanut butter cup Christmas cookies! First off, they’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for those busy holiday days when you still want to create something special. You can have a batch ready in just about 32 minutes, from start to finish. Talk about a sweet time-saver!
But it doesn’t stop there! The delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is like a warm hug, and the melted peanut butter cups on top? Wow! They add that extra layer of decadence that’s hard to resist.
Plus, let’s not forget their festive appeal! With their soft, chewy texture and that little chocolate surprise waiting in the middle, these cookies are bound to bring smiles to faces. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just for indulging yourself while cozied up by the fire. Seriously, they’re a holiday classic that everyone will love, and you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them!
Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies: 7 Sweet Memories Await
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter cup cookies perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 36 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop dough by tablespoons onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Remove from oven and press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peanut butter cup christmas cookies
