Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups Recipe

If you have a soft spot for both peanut butter and chocolate, you absolutely cannot miss these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups. Imagine rich, creamy peanut butter cookie dough studded with melty chocolate chips, all cradled inside a delicate chocolate cup that’s smooth and slightly crisp. This no-bake dessert is a total game-changer, combining the best of cookie dough and peanut butter treats into one bite-sized delight. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging in a cozy night in, these cups are sure to become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect balance of flavors and texture in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups depends on using simple, quality ingredients. Each item plays a unique role, from creating velvety dough to forming those luscious chocolate cups that hold everything together.

• Semisweet chocolate chips: These create the rich, smooth cups that are the base and shell of the dessert, offering just the right amount of sweetness and snap.
• Coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate to a silky consistency perfect for coating the molds evenly.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds that classic peanut butter richness and smoothness that makes the dough irresistible.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the cookie dough has a tender, creamy texture with a slight buttery depth.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a touch of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the dough’s structure.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors, adding warmth and a subtle aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (heat-treated): Provides the structure for the cookie dough and ensures it’s safe to eat without baking.
• Salt: Amplifies the sweetness and balances the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips: Folded into the dough and sprinkled on top for added bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Extra chocolate chips for topping: Finishing touch to create visual appeal and extra chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups

Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour

To make sure your dough is safe to eat raw, start by spreading the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This simple step kills any potential bacteria without changing the flour’s texture or flavor. Let it cool completely before using it in your dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cups

Melt the semisweet chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. This ensures the chocolate doesn’t burn and stays silky. Spoon this melted chocolate into small silicone molds or paper liners, coating the bottoms and sides carefully to form sturdy cups. Pop them into the fridge for about 10 minutes to set firmly.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is nicely creamy and well blended. Then, add the heat-treated flour and salt, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix so your dough stays tender. Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Once the chocolate cups are set, scoop generous portions of the peanut butter cookie dough into each cup, filling them right to the top. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on the surface for a pretty, chocolate-covered finish. Chill the assembled cups in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let everything firm up beautifully.

Step 5: Optional Presentation

For a fun twist, stack two peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough cups together to create a double-decker delight. This not only looks impressive but also packs even more indulgence into each bite.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and flavor of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups by adding a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh mint leaves or a few chopped peanuts can also add a fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these cups alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The creamy richness and chocolate will complement warm or cold beverages perfectly, turning any snack time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a party, arrange the cups on a decorative platter with cupcake liners or nestled in mini muffin tins. You can also layer the dough cups with layers of whipped cream and chopped nuts in a clear glass for an elegant parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cups for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Since this dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If the cups are too firm from refrigeration or freezing, just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you enjoy a bit of texture in your cookie dough. It will give the dough some extra bite but won’t affect the overall flavor balance.

Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough in this recipe?

The flour is heat-treated in this recipe, which makes it safe to eat raw. Just be sure to follow the step to bake the flour briefly before mixing it into the dough.

Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter provides a slightly different, but equally delicious flavor. Just make sure it’s creamy for the best dough consistency.

What if I don’t have silicone molds? Can I use paper liners?

Paper liners work perfectly for the chocolate cups. Just be gentle when removing the cups after chilling, as paper liners won’t be as sturdy as silicone molds.

How long do these cups need to chill before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes ensures the chocolate cups harden properly and the cookie dough firms up for perfect bite-sized servings.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cup, where creamy peanut butter dough meets decadent chocolate shells in one perfect no-bake treat. Whether for casual snacking or impressing guests, this recipe is both approachable and utterly delicious. I promise once you try these, they’ll become your go-to sweet treat for any occasion!