Magical Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe For Dreamers

Sweet aromas of butter and sugar dance through the kitchen when these caramel peanut butter cookie cups emerge from the oven.

Decadent treats blend rich peanut butter with silky smooth caramel in a delightful handheld dessert.

Each cookie cup delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

The crisp edges and soft centers create a textural symphony that beckons dessert lovers.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary confection that looks impressive yet requires simple preparation.

Chocolate drizzles optional but recommended for an extra layer of indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible cookie cups.

Bake Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups from Scratch

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a mini muffin tin. Give it a quick spray with non-stick to help those cookie cups slide out like a dream.

• Mix the Dough

Grab your mixing bowl and blend butter, peanut butter, sugars, and eggs into a silky smooth mixture. Fold in flour until everything hugs together perfectly. Don’t overmix – you want these treats tender and light.

• Shape Cookie Havens

Roll dough into cute little balls and nestle them into each muffin cup. Gently press down to create a cozy pocket in the center. Pop the tin into the oven and bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

• Drizzle Caramel Goodness

Once baked, let the cookie cups cool for a few minutes. Then unleash rivers of rich caramel into each tender cup. Sprinkle a whisper of sea salt to make those flavors dance and pop.

• Cool and Celebrate

Let these beauties chill completely. They’ll firm up and become irresistible treats ready to make taste buds do a happy dance. Serve and watch smiles spread!

Tips That Elevate Every Bite of Cookie Cups

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect cup shape during baking.
• Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months for instant dessert prep.
• Replace regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options. Use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly and swap eggs with a flax egg for vegan adaptation.
• Experiment with different caramel variations like salted caramel, dark chocolate caramel, or add crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch and nutty intensity. For a gourmet twist, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed toffee bits over the finished cookie cups.
• Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze individual cookie cups between parchment paper layers for up to 3 weeks.

Serve Cookie Cups That Are Rich and Chewy

• Sweet Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert display with these cookie cups arranged on a decorative wooden board, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Decadent Ice Cream Companion: Top each warm cookie cup with a small scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream, creating a luxurious hot-and-cold dessert experience.
• Coffee and Treats Pairing: Serve alongside rich espresso or creamy cappuccino for an indulgent afternoon snack that balances the sweet cookie cups with a robust coffee flavor.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these cookie cups in clear gift boxes with ribbons, making them a perfect homemade treat for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful edible present for friends and family.

Save Caramel Cookie Cups for Later Enjoyment

• Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This strategy saves time and allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
• These cookie cups can be frozen for up to 2 months. Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Store finished cookie cups in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain their crisp edges and soft center.
• Before baking, you can pre-portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for quick, individual baking sessions whenever cookie cravings strike.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the perfect cookie base?

The combination of flour, butter, peanut butter, white and brown sugars creates a soft, rich cookie texture with deep caramel undertones and a nutty flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Creamy peanut butter works best, but natural or crunchy varieties can be substituted. Just ensure they’re not too oily, which might affect the cookie’s structure and consistency.

• How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Generously grease the mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or use paper liners. This ensures easy removal and maintains the cookie cup’s perfect shape when cooled.

• Is there a trick to creating the perfect indentation?

Gently press the dough ball down with your thumb or the back of a spoon immediately after baking, while the cookies are still warm. This creates a neat well for the caramel filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 24

What Goes Into Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and ensures a tender, crumbly cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, airy consistency.

• Butter, Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the cookie's soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, gooey center that complements the nutty peanut butter base.
• Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness, elevating the flavor complexity.
• Non-Stick Spray or Paper Liners: Ensures easy removal of cookie cups from the muffin tin.

Tools That Make Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups a Breeze

• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfectly shaped cookie cups with uniform size.
• Mixing Bowls: One medium and one large bowl needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly and breaking up any flour lumps.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter, peanut butter, and sugars to a smooth consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring flour, sugar, and other ingredients precisely.
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps create consistent-sized cookie dough balls for even baking.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping down bowl sides and mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Dreamy Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Caramel peanut butter cookie cups merge classic comfort with indulgent sweetness. Chocolate drizzle and creamy filling elevate these delightful treats for dessert enthusiasts seeking rich, memorable flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ¼ cups (160 g / 5.6 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 24 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft or Werthers)
• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
• Crushed peanuts

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or paper liners.
2. Dough Construction: Whisk flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. In a larger mixing bowl, cream softened butter, peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars until uniformly smooth and aerated.
3. Mixture Integration: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually introduce dry ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms with consistent texture.
4. Cookie Cup Formation: Roll tablespoon-sized dough portions into compact spheres. Carefully place each sphere into muffin cavities, pressing gently to create a centered indentation and even base.
5. Baking Process: Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges develop a golden-brown appearance and maintain structural integrity.
6. Caramel Filling: After removing from oven, allow brief cooling. Delicately fill each cookie cup’s center with caramel sauce, ensuring precise and elegant distribution.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle a refined layer of sea salt across caramel surfaces, creating a sophisticated sweet-savory balance that elevates the overall taste experience.
8. Finishing Touch: Cool completely, allowing cookie cups to set and effortlessly release from the muffin tin. Present and enjoy these decadent culinary delights.

Notes

• Optimize Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture, allowing easier mixing and better dough consistency.
• Create Uniform Cookie Bases: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion dough evenly, guaranteeing consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Prevent Overflow Technique: Gently press dough into muffin cavities with the back of a spoon or thumb, creating a clean indentation without pushing too hard.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let cookie cups rest in the tin for 5-10 minutes after baking to stabilize structure, preventing breakage when removing from the pan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg