Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! If you’re anything like us at Pioneer Technology, you understand the irresistible allure of peanut butter. That creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor is simply divine, especially when paired with the richness of chocolate. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that celebrates this iconic duo: Peanut Butter Cookies with Peanut Butter Cups, inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, the Pioneer Woman.
Close-up of a peanut butter pie slice with whipped topping
While you might be familiar with the Pioneer Woman’s legendary Peanut Butter Pie – a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – we’re taking a slight detour into the world of cookies. Why cookies? Because sometimes, you crave that perfect, portable bite of peanut butter goodness, and cookies are the answer. And what could make peanut butter cookies even better? The addition of peanut butter cups, of course!
This recipe is all about capturing that same comforting, home-baked goodness that Ree Drummond is famous for, but in cookie form. We’re talking soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that are generously studded with chunks of peanut butter cups, creating a delightful textural contrast and an explosion of peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Base
The foundation of any great peanut butter cookie is, naturally, peanut butter. For this recipe, we recommend using creamy peanut butter to ensure a smooth and tender cookie. Just like in the Pioneer Woman’s pie, the quality of your peanut butter shines through, so choose a brand you love.
We’ll be using a combination of granulated and brown sugar to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar also adds a hint of molasses, which complements the peanut butter beautifully. And don’t forget the butter! Butter is essential for creating that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave in a cookie.
A close-up shot of the creamy peanut butter filling, highlighting its texture
To give these cookies that signature peanut butter cookie texture, we’ll also incorporate an egg and a touch of vanilla extract. The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. And of course, we can’t forget the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Baking soda helps the cookies spread and become chewy, while salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
The Star of the Show: Peanut Butter Cups
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – peanut butter cups! We’re not just adding a few measly chocolate chips here; we’re generously incorporating chopped peanut butter cups into the cookie dough. This adds pockets of melty chocolate and extra peanut butter flavor that will send your taste buds into overdrive.
You can use mini or regular-sized peanut butter cups, depending on your preference. Mini cups will distribute more evenly throughout the cookies, while regular-sized cups will create larger pockets of gooey goodness. We recommend roughly chopping the peanut butter cups so you get a mix of sizes in each cookie.
Baking Your Peanut Butter Dream
Once your dough is mixed and those peanut butter cups are lovingly incorporated, it’s time to bake! We recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
When baking, keep a close eye on them. You want them to be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to bake a bit as they cool on the baking sheet. Don’t overbake them, or they will become dry.
A finished peanut butter pie with peanut butter cups sprinkled around the edge
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from breaking.
Tips for Peanut Butter Cookie Perfection
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling is crucial for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
- Use quality peanut butter: The flavor of your peanut butter will greatly impact the final cookie.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies enhances the sweetness and peanut butter flavor.
- Store them properly: Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy.
These Peanut Butter Cookies with Peanut Butter Cups are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Inspired by the comforting spirit of the Pioneer Woman and packed with peanut butter goodness, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite. So, preheat your oven and get ready to create some peanut butter magic!
