These Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. With a soft peanut butter cookie base filled with melty caramels, mini peanut butter cups, and white chocolate peanut butter cups, all topped with crunchy roasted peanuts, each bite is a delicious explosion of sweet and salty flavors.

Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect combination of caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter
Easy to make in a standard muffin tin
Great for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to impress
Kids and adults alike will devour these treats
Soft, chewy texture with a gooey center and crunchy topping
Customizable with different chocolate or nut combinations
Can be made ahead and stored easily
A fun and indulgent baking project
Makes a generous batch – perfect for sharing
Guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth craving

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 ½ cups golden brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
24 Kraft caramels (approximately 9 oz)
8 oz Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Minis
8 oz Reese's Peanut Butter Cup White Chocolate Minis
½ cup roasted salted peanuts

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup muffin tin.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
Press dough into each muffin tin well, shaping into small cups.
Bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Remove from oven and press one caramel into the center of each cookie cup.
Add two mini peanut butter cups and two white chocolate mini peanut butter cups on top of the caramel in each cup.
Sprinkle roasted salted peanuts on top.
Return to the oven for 5 additional minutes.
Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from the tin to avoid breakage.
Serve and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookie cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per cookie cup

Variations

Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor
Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate peanut butter cups instead
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra contrast
Swap roasted peanuts with chopped pecans or walnuts
Try using flavored caramels for a unique twist
Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for presentation

Storage/Reheating

Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookie cups from falling apart?

Let them cool completely in the muffin tin before removing to help them set and hold their shape.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel can work wonderfully. Just make sure it's firm enough to hold its shape when placed in the cookie cups.

Are these cookie cups gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the dough ahead of time. Thaw before pressing into muffin tins and baking.

Can I make these without peanut butter?

You can use another nut butter, like almond or sunflower seed butter, but the flavor will change.

What kind of muffin tin should I use?

A standard 24-cup muffin tin works best for even portions and shaping.

Can I make these in a mini muffin tin?

Yes, just reduce the baking time by a few minutes and adjust the fillings accordingly.

How do I keep the caramel from hardening?

Serve them slightly warm or reheat gently before serving to keep the caramel soft.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives, and check the ingredients of your caramels.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

You can, but smooth peanut butter gives a more uniform dough texture.

Conclusion

Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the ultimate sweet and salty treat, perfect for holidays, parties, or just a little indulgence. With their gooey center, crunchy topping, and rich peanut butter base, these cookie cups are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Give them a try and enjoy every decadent bite.