Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Recipe Santa’s Favorite

Sweet surprises emerge when classic peanut butter cups mingle with festive christmas cookie magic.

Holiday baking becomes an adventure of delightful flavors and childhood memories.

Chocolate and peanut butter create irresistible combinations that spark joy at every gathering.

Some recipes capture pure happiness in a single bite, and this treat definitely qualifies.

Delicate cookie edges cradle rich, melted chocolate centers that promise decadent moments of celebration.

Creamy peanut butter nestled inside each cookie whispers sweet promises of indulgence.

We invite you to experience a dessert that turns ordinary afternoons into memorable celebrations.

Let these cookies inspire delicious Christmas cheer in your kitchen.

Why Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Never Disappoint

• Kids and adults will love the irresistible combination of soft peanut butter cookie and classic Reeses peanut butter cup.
• Customize with holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle to match any Christmas party or family gathering.
• No complicated techniques needed- just mix, roll, bake, and press for guaranteed delicious results every single time.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies

• Butter, Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich flavor and soft texture for cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth and help create golden, crisp edges.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor and enhances overall sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural base for the cookie, creating a tender and soft texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, giving a light and airy result.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: Star topping that adds chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
• White Chocolate (Optional): Decorative drizzle for festive holiday appearance.
• Holiday Sprinkles (Optional): Colorful decoration that adds visual appeal and seasonal charm.

Easy Steps to Bake These Festive Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or line with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract, mixing until everything blends smoothly.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, tender dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Adorable Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small balls, each about the size of a ping pong ball. Gently place each ball into the cups of the mini muffin tin.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise

Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie. Don’t worry if the edges crack- that’s part of their homemade charm!

Step 6: Let Cookies Chill

Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

For extra festive flair, drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle with colorful holiday sprinkles.

Tips for Achieving the Right Balance of Flavors

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the mini muffin tin or use paper liners to ensure easy cookie removal without breaking.
• Control Cookie Size: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform 1-inch dough balls for consistent baking and appearance.
• Timing is Key: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just lightly golden to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
• Handle Peanut Butter Cups Carefully: Press chocolate candies gently into warm cookies immediately after baking to help them melt slightly and adhere perfectly.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free versions, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly option.

How to Store and Reheat These Peanut Butter Treats

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the peanut butter cup's melty texture. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 250F for 2-3 minutes.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature for extended periods to prevent staleness and preserve their delicate texture.

Favorite Pairings for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Creamy, rich chocolate milk complements the sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a nostalgic and comforting taste experience that kids and adults will love.
• A smooth, frosty vanilla milkshake cuts through the richness of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast and enhancing the overall dessert enjoyment.
• A shot of bold espresso or strong coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the sweet cookies, balancing the flavors and adding a sophisticated adult touch to this festive treat.
• A spiced chai latte with its complex, warming notes beautifully complements the cookies' sweetness, creating a cozy and indulgent holiday moment.

Flavor Enhancements for a Fresh Cookie Twist

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft cookie texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select dairy-free chocolate peanut butter cups for plant-based enjoyment.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content without compromising cookie flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter, creating a safe alternative for those with nut allergies while maintaining a similar creamy texture.

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive peanut butter cup Christmas cookies blend rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a delightful holiday treat. Delicious morsels bring Christmas cheer, inviting you to savor sweet memories of seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed

Flavor Enhancers and Stabilizers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 36 mini Reeses peanut butter cups, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and positioning a mini muffin tin with protective paper liners or light grease coating.
2. Create a luxurious cookie base by whipping softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugar varieties until achieving a cloud-like, aerated texture.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture, ensuring smooth and thorough integration.
4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a tender, cohesive dough emerges.
5. Craft uniform dough spheres approximately one inch in diameter, carefully nestling each into the mini muffin tin compartments.
6. Transfer the prepared tin to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
7. Immediately upon extraction, gently press a mini Reeses peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie, allowing slight surface cracking for rustic charm.
8. Allow cookies to rest within the tin for ten minutes, facilitating initial stabilization before transitioning to a wire cooling rack.
9. Optional festive enhancement includes drizzling melted white chocolate or sprinkling holiday-themed decorative elements for visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure butter and peanut butter are softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough consistency.
• Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for uniform cookie sizes, creating even baking and professional appearance.
• Prevent overbaking by watching cookies closely; golden edges indicate perfectly baked cookies with soft, chewy centers.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blend, maintaining same measurement proportions.
• Adjust sweetness by selecting different peanut butter brands or using reduced-sugar alternatives for health-conscious bakers.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked dough balls for spontaneous baking, extending recipe’s convenience and preparation flexibility.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 80 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