Description
Irresistible Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups blend sweet caramel and creamy peanut butter in a delightful handheld treat. Crisp edges and gooey centers make these cookies a perfect indulgence for dessert lovers craving rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Cookie Base):
- 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
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups (160 g / 5.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Topping:
- 24 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft or Werthers)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or protective paper liners.
- Create the foundational cookie mixture by combining flour and baking soda in a separate mixing vessel. In a larger bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter, peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars until achieving a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture.
- Craft individual cookie bases by portioning tablespoon-sized dough portions and rolling into compact spheres. Delicately position each sphere within the prepared muffin cavities, gently pressing to establish a centered indentation.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing the cookie cups to transform for 8-10 minutes until edges acquire a golden-brown hue.
- After removing from the oven, permit the cookie cups a brief cooling period. Carefully fill each indentation with a measured quantity of caramel sauce, creating a luxurious center.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling a refined pinch of sea salt across the caramel-filled surfaces, balancing sweet and savory notes.
- Allow the caramel peanut butter cookie cups to cool completely, enabling them to solidify and easily release from the muffin tin. Serve and savor the delectable treats.
Notes
- Customize the dough by using crunchy peanut butter for added texture and nutty bits in every bite.
- Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends easily.
- Control caramel thickness by warming it slightly in the microwave, which helps create a more even and glossy filling inside the cookie cups.
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg