Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter Cups

If you’re on the hunt for a decadent, easy-to-make treat that satisfies every sweet craving in one bite, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough With Peanut Butter Cups are exactly what you need. These indulgent little cups combine soft, chewy cookie dough, rich peanut butter, and a chocolatey finish in the form of mini peanut butter cups. It’s basically your favorite chocolate chip cookie, peanut butter cup, and edible cookie dough—all layered into a perfect dessert bite.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves quick and creative desserts, wants fun things to make with cookie dough, or needs a delicious treat for parties, bake sales, or just weeknight indulgence. The best part? These are no-bake (or optionally baked), freezer-friendly, and made with simple pantry staples.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these crowd-pleasing cookie dough cups, along with tips, variations, and answers to all your cookie dough dessert questions.

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Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Desserts

There’s a lot to love about this recipe, starting with the texture. You get the softness of cookie dough, a little crunch from mini chocolate chips, and a gooey peanut butter cup center. The flavors are nostalgic yet elevated—a little salty, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced.

They’re also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re using store bought cookie dough or homemade, the assembly is fast, fun, and family-friendly. No mixer needed, no long bake time, and no complicated ingredients.

Plus, these bites are a total win for meal prepping desserts. You can freeze a batch and enjoy one whenever a craving hits. They’re also a fantastic answer to “What to do with cookie dough?” if you have some extra sitting in the fridge.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough With Peanut Butter Cups

To make these irresistible cookie dough cups, here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
• 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)

Optional for topping: sea salt flakes or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Note: Heat-treating the flour is important when making edible cookie dough to kill any bacteria. You can do this by baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwaving it in a bowl for 1 minute, stirring halfway through.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Making these cookie cups doesn’t require much in terms of equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• 12-cup mini muffin pan or silicone molds
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small cookie scoop (optional, but helpful)
• Microwave or oven for heat-treating flour
• Fridge or freezer for chilling

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use small ramekins or mini cupcake liners set on a tray.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough With Peanut Butter Cups

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough Base

In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and stir to combine.

Gradually add in the heat-treated flour and salt, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

At this point, you have a delicious, safe-to-eat cookie dough ready to use.

Step 2: Press and Fill

Using a small scoop or spoon, divide the cookie dough evenly into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Press the dough gently into the base and slightly up the sides to create a little well in the center of each.

Next, press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough cup. It should nestle in snugly, but still be visible.

Step 3: Chill or Bake

For a no-bake version, place the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or the freezer for 15–20 minutes until the cups are firm and set.

If you prefer a baked version with a gooey center and crisp edge, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Let cool completely before removing from the pan.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Once chilled or baked and cooled, remove the cookie dough cups from the muffin tin. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

These are excellent served slightly chilled with a glass of milk or a warm drink.

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What to Do With Extra or Store Bought Cookie Dough

If you’ve got extra cookie dough—or even a tube of the store bought cookie dough hanging out in your fridge—don’t let it go to waste. There are countless things to make with cookie dough besides standard cookies:

• Roll it into bite-sized balls and dip in chocolate for cookie dough truffles.
• Swirl into brownies for an extra fudgy layer.
• Press into the base of a cheesecake bar for a cheesecake chocolate chip cookie cup style dessert.
• Use it as a filling between two baked cookies for cookie dough sandwich cookies.
• Stir into vanilla ice cream for a homemade cookie dough blizzard.

Cookie dough is one of the most flexible dessert bases around. Get creative and don’t be afraid to mix it up!

Tasty Variations and Flavor Swaps

These cookie dough cups are endlessly adaptable, depending on your mood or what’s in the pantry:

• Cheesecake version: Fill each cup with a spoonful of no-bake cheesecake filling instead of a peanut butter cup.
• Dirty dough cookie recipe style: Add crushed Oreos, caramel bits, or toffee for a loaded, over-the-top variation.
• Peanut butter lovers: Mix peanut butter chips directly into the cookie dough for even more nutty flavor.
• Swap the candy: Replace the peanut butter cups with mini Snickers, Rolos, or white chocolate truffles.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and non-dairy milk.

With just a few tweaks, you can make these feel brand new every time.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Cookie Dough Cups

Presentation elevates any dessert—even something as simple as cookie dough. Here are a few ideas to style these mini desserts for gatherings or gifts:

• Serve on a tiered dessert tray for parties or holidays.
• Garnish each with a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Wrap individually in parchment and tie with twine for sweet take-home treats.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream for an indulgent plated dessert.

Whether you’re looking for classy or casual, these cookie cups adapt beautifully.

How to Store and Freeze Cookie Dough Cups

These chocolate chip cookie dough cups are ideal for make-ahead desserts.

To store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste great cold or at room temperature.

To freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cookie Cups

• Not heat-treating flour: This step is essential for safe, no-bake eating.
• Pressing the dough too thin: If the base is too thin, the peanut butter cup may fall through. Keep the sides thick enough to hold their shape.
• Overbaking: If you choose to bake them, 8–10 minutes is all you need. Overbaking can dry them out.
• Skipping chill time: Chilling helps firm up the dough so it holds its shape, especially if you’re serving them as finger food.

Fun Things to Make With Cookie Dough

If you’re on a cookie dough kick, here are even more delicious ideas to keep the creativity flowing:

• Cookie dough-stuffed cupcakes
• Chocolate chip cookie dough fudge
• Cookie dough bark
• Cookie dough-filled waffles or pancakes
• Cookie dough dip with graham crackers or fruit
• Chocolate chip cookie dough milkshake

There’s really no limit to how this versatile treat can be transformed.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Dough Desserts

Can I eat this cookie dough raw?
Yes! Since the flour is heat-treated and there are no eggs, this dough is completely safe to eat raw.

What kind of peanut butter cups work best?
Miniature peanut butter cups work perfectly for muffin tins. You can also chop larger ones into chunks.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour works well. Just be sure to heat-treat it too.

Can I freeze the dough and bake later?
Absolutely. Roll into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time if needed.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough With Peanut Butter Cups are the kind of dessert that feel nostalgic, fun, and luxurious all at once. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these mini cookie dough desserts are bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

If you give this recipe a try, be sure to share it with your friends and family—and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more creative dessert ideas, store bought cookie dough recipes, and the best ways to turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.

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