Irresistible Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies: Easy Chocolate-Filled Cookie Cups Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these perfect little peanut butter cookie cups, each generously filled with a velvety chocolate fudge. This delightful combination is an absolute treat for anyone who adores the classic pairing of soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with rich, decadent chocolate. These Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor that promises to be a big hit at any gathering or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Adore These Chocolate Fudge-Filled Cookie Cups
These fudge-filled cookie cups are so incredibly easy to make that you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life! From the moment you take your first bite into the irresistible combination of nutty peanut butter and smooth, rich chocolate, you’ll be hooked. These little treats deliver a burst of flavor and a delightful texture that makes them truly special. The soft, tender peanut butter cookie exterior perfectly cradles a gooey, intensely chocolatey fudge center, creating a harmonious blend that’s simply addictive.
They are wonderfully versatile, perfect for any occasion throughout the year. Imagine them as a comforting treat on a chilly evening, a standout addition to a summer picnic, or, as many discover, the quintessential bite-sized Christmas dessert. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make them ideal for holiday cookie trays, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Don’t be surprised when friends and family start asking for the recipe; they truly are that good!
Make sure to have extra copies of the printer-friendly version of this recipe (available at the end of this post) ready, because your loved ones will be asking you for it repeatedly! These delightful peanut butter fudge cookies are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.
For your convenience, all precise measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
How to Create Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
Embark on a delightful baking journey with these step-by-step photos and clear instructions, designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. If you’re eager to get straight to baking, you can Jump to the Recipe to access the printable version, complete with all measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of the page.
I genuinely promise you that these cookies are not only simple to prepare but will also be an absolute sensation wherever they are served. Their combination of familiar flavors and surprising texture makes them universally appealing. Trust me, you simply must make them!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. Room temperature butter and egg are crucial for a smooth, consistent cookie dough. Also, prepare your baking tools. A mini muffin tin is essential for achieving the perfect cup shape. For uniform cookies, a cookie scoop will be your best friend, making the process quick and tidy.
Baking the Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
The initial steps for these amazing cookie cups are straightforward. First, you’ll prepare a classic peanut butter cookie dough. Once mixed, roll the dough into uniform balls – this is where your cookie scoop will come in handy, ensuring consistent sizing for even baking. Carefully place each dough ball into a compartment of your mini muffin tin. These tiny molds are key to achieving the perfect ‘cup’ shape for our delicious fudge filling. Bake them until they’re lightly golden and set, maintaining that signature peanut butter cookie texture.
Creating the Signature Indentations
Timing is crucial for this step! Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still hot and pliable, use a melon baller or the back of a small, rounded measuring spoon to gently press an indent into the center of each cookie. This creates the perfect “well” to hold our luscious chocolate fudge. Work quickly but carefully to avoid breaking the delicate, warm cookies. If they cool too much, they’ll be harder to indent without cracking.
Preparing and Filling with Chocolate Fudge
Now for the star of the show: the rich, gooey chocolate fudge filling! Using a double boiler is an excellent method to ensure your chocolate melts smoothly without scorching. Combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until you achieve a silky-smooth consistency. This creates a delectable, quick fudge that sets beautifully. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring between each to prevent burning. Once your fudge is ready, carefully spoon it into the indents of your warm peanut butter cookie cups. The contrast between the soft cookie and the luscious chocolate is truly divine!
Cooling and Serving Your Treats
After filling, allow the peanut butter fudge cookies to cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the fudge has a chance to set and the cookies firm up enough to handle. Once cooled, these delightful treats are ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect for dessert tables, gifting, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet bliss. Get ready, because these peanut butter fudge cookies are guaranteed to be requested time and time again. Don’t forget to save the printable recipe below for easy access!
More Divine Peanut Butter & Chocolate Desserts to Try
If you’re as passionate about the peanut butter and chocolate pairing as we are, you’re in for a treat! This dynamic duo creates some of the most beloved and comforting desserts. Expand your repertoire with these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this classic flavor combination. Each one offers a unique way to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate goodness, from chewy cookies to no-bake bars.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: A different take on the classic, with a deeper chocolate base.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: For the ultimate fudge lovers, a rich and creamy two-layered delight.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars: A quick and easy option when you crave peanut butter without turning on the oven.
- Candy Bar Peanut Butter Cookie Cups: Elevate your cookie cups with exciting candy bar additions.
These recipes are perfect for expanding your dessert menu, satisfying intense cravings, or simply experimenting with new ways to enjoy your favorite flavors. Each recipe is designed to be approachable and yield delicious results, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
I absolutely love to bake and cook, and my passion is sharing my kitchen adventures and tested recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new culinary inspiration can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter. Every time a new recipe is posted, you’ll receive it directly in your inbox. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes, making it easier than ever to discover your next favorite dish!
Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp table salt
Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and table salt. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a perfectly textured cookie. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated white sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender cookie.
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Add the large egg and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cookies.
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Gradually stir the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until a cohesive dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear to prevent overdeveloping the gluten.
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Divide the dough into 48 equal portions. A 1-inch cookie scoop is ideal for this, ensuring consistent size. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place one dough ball into each compartment of a mini muffin tin. You might need to gently press them down to form a base.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as mini cookies can bake quickly.
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Immediately upon removing the muffin tin from the oven, use a melon baller (or the rounded back of a small spoon, or even an oven thermometer as a handy tool) to gently press an indent into the center of each hot cookie cup. This creates the perfect cavity for the fudge.
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Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to remove. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
For the Chocolate Fudge Filling
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To make the delectable chocolate fudge filling, place both milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler set over simmering water. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to stir until all the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you prefer, you can use a microwave: heat the ingredients in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
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Once the cookie cups are cooled and the fudge filling is ready, carefully spoon the warm chocolate mixture into each cookie well. Fill them generously, allowing the fudge to slightly dome over for a beautiful finish. Let the fudge set at room temperature or chill briefly in the refrigerator for faster setting, then enjoy your irresistible Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are meticulously tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop to ensure accuracy. It’s important to acknowledge that some ovens, particularly older models, may cook and bake inconsistently. We highly recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to verify that your oven is truly reaching and maintaining the proper temperature. If you utilize a toaster oven or countertop oven, please be aware that they may not distribute heat uniformly compared to a conventional full-sized oven, and you might need to adjust your cooking and baking times accordingly. For recipes prepared with appliances like pressure cookers, air fryers, or slow cookers, a link to the specific appliances we use is typically provided within each respective recipe. For all baking recipes where measurements are provided by weight, please note that substituting with cup measurements may lead to different results, and we cannot guarantee success with alternative measuring methods. Precision in baking often yields the best outcomes!
This delightful recipe was originally shared on January 4, 2009, and remains a timeless favorite!