Name: Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) light brown sugar, packed; 1 ¼ cups (160 g / 5.6 ounces) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 24 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft or Werthers); 2 tablespoons heavy cream; Melted chocolate or chocolate chips; Crushed peanuts

Baking these delectable caramel peanut butter cookie cups will transport you to a world of sweet indulgence.

Layers of rich, gooey caramel nestled between buttery cookie bases create an irresistible treat.

Crisp edges blend perfectly with soft centers, making each bite a delightful experience.

Peanut butter lovers will swoon over the creamy, nutty essence that permeates every morsel.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Chocolate drizzles add an extra touch of decadence to these miniature delights.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these addictive little cups.

Create show-stopping treats with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Blend irresistible peanut butter and caramel in a single bite that satisfies sweet and salty cravings perfectly.
Impress guests with these adorable mini desserts that look professionally made but require basic baking skills and just 30 minutes total preparation time.
Serve at kids' parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or enjoy as a personal indulgence with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.

Base Ingredients:

Flour, Baking Soda: The foundation for creating a soft, stable cookie cup texture.
Butter, Peanut Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides deep nutty flavor and smooth consistency.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that help with caramelization and tender cookie texture.
Egg, Vanilla Extract: Binding agent and flavor enhancer that adds depth and richness.

Notes: Use unsalted butter for better control of salt, room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly.

Filling Ingredients:

Caramel Sauce: Sweet, golden topping that creates a luxurious center.
Sea Salt: Delicate garnish that balances and intensifies the sweet caramel flavor.

Notes: Homemade or store-bought caramel works well, flaky sea salt provides best flavor contrast.

Baking Accessories:

Non-Stick Spray, Paper Liners: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie cup removal.
Mini Muffin Tin: Crucial for creating the perfect cup shape.

Notes: Silicone muffin tins can also work, ensure even coating for easy release.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spritz with non-stick spray or line it with cute paper liners for hassle-free removal.

Step 2: Craft the Dough

Ingredients for dry mix:

Flour
Baking soda

Ingredients for wet mix:

Softened butter
Peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Whisk the flour and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a larger bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until silky smooth. Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until a perfect dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cups

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll them gently and nestle each into a muffin tin cavity. Press down softly to create a cozy center indentation. Slide into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 4: Drizzle the Caramel

Pull the cookie cups from the oven and let them rest briefly. Spoon luscious caramel sauce into each cup’s center. Sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt on top to create a tantalizing sweet-salty explosion.

Step 5: Cool and Devour

Give the cookie cups time to chill completely. As they cool, they’ll firm up beautifully, making them easy to pop out of the tin. Get ready to enjoy your decadent treat!

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact, uniform shape.
Perfect Indentation Technique: Use the back of a rounded measuring spoon to gently press down the center of each cookie ball, creating an even and consistent well for caramel.
Control Caramel Consistency: Warm caramel slightly to achieve a smooth, easy-to-pour texture that fills the cookie cups perfectly without overflowing.
Customize Salt Levels: Adjust sea salt amount based on personal preference, using flaky salt for a more dramatic flavor contrast with sweet caramel.
Storage Savvy: Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising texture.

Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Remove frozen cookie cups from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their texture.
Warm cookie cups gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

Select a rich, sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complements the caramel's sweetness and cuts through the peanut butter's richness.
Brew a strong, dark roast espresso or cold brew coffee to balance the cookie cups' sweetness with robust, slightly bitter notes that refresh the palate.
Pour a cold glass of whole milk or prepare a smooth vanilla milkshake to soften the intense flavors and provide a classic, comforting backdrop to the dessert.
Drizzle a shot of hazelnut or almond liqueur alongside the cookie cups for an elevated adult version that deepens the existing nutty and caramel flavors.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cups: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Caramel Cookie Cups: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken egg, and replace caramel with vegan salted caramel sauce made from dates and coconut milk. Select dairy-free peanut butter for complete vegan version.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar. Select natural peanut butter without added sugars. Reduce caramel amount or use sugar-free caramel alternative for diabetic-friendly version.
Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add dark chocolate chips into cookie dough. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over caramel filling for extra richness. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for additional crunch and protein boost.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.