Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you’re in for a treat! These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect indulgence for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of rich chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter, making these cookies a must-try for all dessert lovers.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies truly special is the use of high-quality ingredients that come together to create a cookie that is both chewy and rich. The addition of coarsely chopped peanut butter cups adds texture and bursts of flavor, while the bittersweet chocolate morsels provide an extra layer of decadence. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredient Rundown
To create your own batch of these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cookie dough.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1 1/3 cups (2 2/3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup sugar – For sweetness and texture.
- 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients together.
- 3 tablespoons milk – Adds moisture to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For added depth of flavor.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped peanut butter cups (about 12-15 bite-size cups) – The star of the show!
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate morsels – For that extra chocolatey goodness.
Equipment at a Glance
Before you dive into baking, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix dry ingredients together.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking sheets – For placing your cookie dough before baking.
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – For evenly portioning the cookie dough.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, Made Easy
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies!
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Add the milk
Pour in the milk and mix until the dough is smooth. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 7: Fold in the goodies
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped peanut butter cups and bittersweet chocolate morsels using a spatula. This will give your cookies those delightful chocolate and peanut butter pockets.
Step 8: Scoop and bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Substitutions by Category
If you’re looking to make a few substitutions or adapt the recipe, consider the following options:
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, though it may change the texture slightly.
- Cocoa Powder: Dark cocoa powder can be substituted for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Butter: Coconut oil or a vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used for a less processed sweetener.
- Peanut Butter Cups: For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter cups or chocolate-covered caramel candies.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure the best results with your Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This is crucial for the right texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you live in a warm climate; chilling the dough can prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Always measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to hard cookies instead of chewy ones.
Shelf Life & Storage
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store them:
You can keep your Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up!
Quick Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate morsels, according to your preference.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with extra chocolate sauce.
Healthy-ish Favorites
If you enjoyed these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, you might also love:
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
In Closing
These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a fun baking project that the whole family can enjoy. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy peanut butter surprises, they are sure to please everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in these delectable cookies that perfectly blend two beloved flavors. Happy baking!
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Pour in the milk and mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the coarsely chopped peanut butter cups and bittersweet chocolate morsels.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted for the right texture.
- Chill dough if in a warm climate to prevent spreading.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
- Watch baking time to maintain a chewy texture.
