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You are here: Home / Cookies / Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Cookies Desserts

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These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chunks and mini peanut butter cups. The dough comes together quickly and is an easy dessert that is sure to impress every chocolate and peanut butter lover!

A stack of chocolate chip peanut butter cup cookies on a white plate.

It’s been far too long since I’ve shared a cookie recipe with you (ok, I did share these gingersnap ones in December), but besides that, I think I’m due for another one.

And this recipe just so happens to involve two of my favorites: chocolate and peanut butter. Because, you know, that’s pretty much the best combination ever.

But, not just any peanut butter. Nope, I’m talking about Reese’s Peanut Butter Mini Cups…the unwrapped kind, which also happens to be my favorite.

I’m addicted to those little cuties, and I’m not even kidding. That’s why I hardly ever buy them, because the bag ends of “disappearing” in about 2 minutes. Oooops!

But, I had a good reason to buy those mini peanut butter cups, right? I mean, I did want to experiment with a cookie recipe, so I just had to get those. Please tell me I’m not the only one addicted to Reese’s?

Okay, now that we got that out of the way. Let’s talk about these Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cup Cookies…

Overhead view of a pile of mini peanut butter cup cookies.

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

There’s no actual peanut butter in these chocolate chip peanut butter cup cookies, just mini peanut butter cups. So you still get that sweet cookie dough that’s studded with chunks of chocolate and peanut butter.

The base of these cookies are the same as these Chewy Twix Cookies, which is pretty much my base for most cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe: 

  • Unsalted butter
  • Light brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla bean paste (or extract)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Chocolate chunks
  • Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Can the Pudding Mix Be Omitted? 

No, you must use the instant vanilla pudding mix. It’s the secret to getting soft, fluffy, and chewy cookies!

Instant vanilla pudding mix! I can’t take credit for that tip, as I heard this years ago, but ever since, I’ve been adding it to my cookies. It acts like cornstarch, with just a subtle hint of flavor that makes these babies little pillows of perfection.

Can I Use Cook and Serve Pudding? 

No, you must use instant vanilla pudding mix. Cook and serve won’t deliver the same results! 

Can Regular Reese’s Cups Be Used?

Yes, you’ll just need to chop them into bite-sized pieces before mixing them into the cookie dough. 

A stack of chocolate chip cookies with Reese's peanut butter cups on a white plate.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chunks and mini peanut butter cups. The dough comes together quickly and is an easy dessert that is sure to impress every chocolate and peanut butter lover!

Let me say that one more time…chocolate chunks and peanut butter cups. Swooooon. It’s so good, friends.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the chocolate chip cookies with Reese’s peanut butter cups:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla, beating well.
  3. Add the flour, ½ cup at a time, followed by baking soda and salt.
  4. Gently fold in chocolate chunks and mini peanut butter cups.
  5. Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, if desired. This will help the cookies to bake up soft and round, rather than spread out.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place onto parchment paper-lined baking pans.
  7. Bake until golden brown around edges of cookie.
A stack of Reese's peanut butter cup cookies on a white plate. The top cookie has been halved.

Tips for Making Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  • Chilling the dough is encouraged, but not required! If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like popping the bowl into the fridge, no problem. But, if you have 30 minutes to spare, chilling the dough will help these cookies bake up round.
  • Be careful not to overbake! If you like soft and chew cookies like I do, be sure to watch the cookies carefully around the 12 minute mark. Of course, if you like them more crisp, leave them in longer.
  • Don’t skip the vanilla pudding mix…please! Though it doesn’t give these cookies too much flavor, it does make them extra soft and extra chewy.

So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these chocolate chip peanut butter cup cookies today!

Looking for more peanut butter cookie recipes? 

  • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
  • Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Blossom Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
 

Print

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chunks and mini peanut butter cups. The dough comes together quickly and is an easy dessert that is sure to impress every chocolate and peanut butter lover!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate recipe, cookie recipe, peanut butter recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 36
Calories 170kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chunks
  • 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Mini's Unwrapped chopped

Instructions

  • Line three large baking pans with parchment paper or grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla, beating well. Add the flour, ½ cup at a time, followed by baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. Gently fold in chocolate chunks and mini peanut butter cups.
  • Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, if desired. This will help the cookies to bake up soft and round, rather than spread out.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place onto prepared baking pans.
  • Bake for 11-15 minutes, or until golden brown around edges of cookie. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Adapted from my Chewy Twix Cookies

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 178IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!
 

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By Gayle | March 6, 2017

Comments

  1. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    March 6, 2017 at 6:59 am

    You're right! Can't get much better of a combination than chocolate and peanut butter and love how the 'peanut butter' in these are from Reese. Oh, how I love those too and totally know what you mean about them disappearing so fast. They are hard to have around!! They are just too tempting!! What a different idea using the pudding mix in these cookies....going to have to try that. Pinning these, of course. What a perfect way to start Monday morning - with a cookie :) I'll take a full batch, please. I have to taste test that whole pudding thing....hehehe ;) Have a wonderful week, my friend!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 7:09 am

      Isn't chocolate and peanut butter the best? I just can't get over the delicious taste. And yes, you must try vanilla pudding mix in your cookies next time (or chocolate mix if you're making a chocolate batter), it's a life-changer in cookies! :) Thanks for the kind words and pin, Dawn!
      Reply
  2. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    March 6, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Peanut butter cups are my absolute favorite candy so I'm TOTALLY down with them hanging out in my chocolate chunk cookies! I can't even stand how soft and super-chewy these look, Gayle! Trying them ASAP!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 7:09 am

      Peanut butter cups are SO good in cookies! Thanks, Sarah.
      Reply
  3. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    March 6, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Oh my gawsh, before I developed an allergy to cocoa, I too was addicted to Reese's peanut butter cups! Mini, regular, or jumbo sized... it didn't matter! I would make those things disappear like nobodies buisness!! Lol. ;) I LOVE these cookies, Gayle! I use the pudding mix trick too sometimes, and the cookies always turn out SO good! Like, DANGEROUSLY good! I know these cookies wouldn't last more than .2 seconds in my house! Magical deliciousness up in here! Pinned of course! Cheers! <3
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 9:20 am

      Aren't reese's the best? I have a serious addiction to them! :) Thanks for the kind words and pin, Cheyanne!
      Reply
  4. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    March 6, 2017 at 10:00 am

    I get into trouble whenever peanut butter cups are in my midst! I can eat them all! And now forget about these cookies! They're everything I love in a treat! Your video (as always) is awesome!! Have a great week, Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks for the sweet comment, Annie! Peanut butter cups sure are dangerous! :)
      Reply
  5. Sues says

    March 6, 2017 at 11:05 am

    There's seriously nothing better than a cookie that involves chocolate and peanut butter!! And these look awesome chewy and delicious!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks, Sues!
      Reply
  6. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    March 6, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Wait, WHAT?! How have I never heard of these mini unwrapped PB Cups?! They sound amazing and dangerous, all at the same time. What could be better than a soft, chewy cookie with peanut butter cups inside? Oh my heavens!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:14 pm

      Whaaat? You NEED to try them, Blair! They're life-changing and so addicting! :) Thanks for the sweet comment, friend!
      Reply
  7. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    March 6, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Did you say chocolate and peanut butter?!?!? Those words always put a BIG smile on my face. Wish I could grab one of these beauties off the screen!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:16 pm

      It's the best combo, right? :)
      Reply
  8. Demeter | Beaming Baker says

    March 6, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    Um, YES it is totally the BEST combo ever!! You and I agree on this point so much that we might just be ready to start a Chocolate Peanut Butter Fan Club or something less dorky sounding... Lol. These cookies look absolutely incredible, Gayle! Just so deliciously thick, indulgent and everything you could want in a cookie. Pinned, of course! Hope you have a great week! xo
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      Haha we should totally start a fan club like that and be the cool kids! :) Thanks for the cookie love, friend!
      Reply
  9. mira says

    March 6, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    These cookies look amazing! This is such a wonderful combination. I haven't baked any cookies in almost a month, need to try these very soon!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:18 pm

      Thanks, Mira! These are my new favorite! :)
      Reply
  10. marcie says

    March 6, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    I hardly ever make cookies because I can eat 6 before I even realize it. And since these are PB&C I'd really be in trouble! These look to thick and chewy and I love the mini peanut butter cups! Great job on the video too!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:18 pm

      You are so right, it's SO easy too eat way to many cookies! Thanks for the sweet comment, Marcie!
      Reply
  11. Ashley - the recipe rebel says

    March 6, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    My life DEFINITELY needs more cookies. Especially with chocolate and peanut butter! I'm thinking they would help with the Monday blues for sure ;)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Thanks, Ashley!
      Reply
  12. Kelly says

    March 6, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    These cookies look perfect, Gayle! Soft and chewy cookies are the best and adding mini peanut butter cups makes these totally irresistible and the perfect treat for Monday!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks for the cookie love, friend!
      Reply
  13. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says

    March 6, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    Hello cookie dreamer! Peanut butter chocolate is actually my latest favorite thing. I've been obsessed about baking it up in a zillion different ways! I've never made mine with pudding mix though, sounds like a really great idea!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 6, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Isn't it the best?! Thanks for the cookie love, Shelby!
      Reply
  14. Danielle says

    March 7, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I feel like any dessert is automatically 10x better when you add peanut butter cups to it! These cookies look perfect, Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 7, 2017 at 7:34 am

      Peanut butter cups definitely make everything better!
      Reply
  15. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    March 7, 2017 at 8:53 am

    Peanut butter cups are my weakness. Like, if there is any in the house I have to eat them! I don't buy them too often for that reason. This cookie is right up my alley, Gayle! Peanut butter and chocolate = heaven!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 7, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Yep same with me, I hardly ever buy pb cups because they disappear in no time! Thanks for the cookie love!
      Reply
  16. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    March 8, 2017 at 6:36 am

    I'm all about the MINI Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!!! what a great idea! LOVE these cookies!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 8, 2017 at 6:50 am

      Thanks!
      Reply
  17. Manali@CookWithManali says

    March 8, 2017 at 7:48 am

    these look great Gayle! I love how thick and chewy they look! delish!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 8, 2017 at 7:56 am

      Thank you, Manali!
      Reply
  18. Julia Walters says

    March 16, 2017 at 7:28 am

    I've been looking for a perfect peanut butter cookie. Thanks for sharing this yummy cookie recipe with us. I will definitely make this real soon and let my loved ones try this. By the way, what is the best substitute for vanilla pudding mix?
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      March 16, 2017 at 7:53 am

      Thanks for the sweet comment and for stopping by, Julia! If you don't have vanilla pudding mix, cornstarch would work, too. Hope you love these if you try them!
      Reply

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