Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

These easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups feature a soft peanut butter cookie shell, creamy chocolate ganache filling, and colorful Reese's Pieces on top. Perfect for parties, bake sales, and dessert tables.

Lately I've been on a mission to create small desserts packed with big flavor. It started with brownie bites and cake bites, but when I made these Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, I knew I had stumbled onto something special.

In fact, these might be one of my favorite bite-sized desserts yet.

They're incredibly simple to make, but nobody would ever guess it. A soft peanut butter cookie shell holds a rich chocolate ganache center, while a drizzle of peanut butter and colorful Reese's Pieces candies finish things off perfectly.

The combination is pure peanut butter-and-chocolate bliss.

I recently shared these with- several groups of friends, and every single person who tried one raved about them. Adults loved them. Kids loved them. The containers emptied quickly.

That's always a good sign.

If you're looking for an easy dessert for parties, bake sales, church gatherings, birthdays, holiday trays, or family get-togethers, these little cookie cups are guaranteed to be a hit.

Let's make some!

Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick peek at what you're going to need. These are simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry or refrigerator.

For the Cookie Cups

• 1 package Reese's refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough (24 break-apart pieces)

For the Ganache Filling

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Topping

• Melted peanut butter
• Reese's Pieces candies

How to Make Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Preheat oven according to package directions.

Spray a mini muffin tin generously with Baker's Joy or baking spray.

Place one piece of cookie dough into each muffin cup.

Bake according to package directions until lightly golden.

Remove from oven and immediately use the back of a wooden spoon handle or another small round object to press a cavity into the center of each cookie. (I use my small fondant roller, which is the perfect size!)

Allow the cookie cups to cool for several minutes before removing them from the pan.

Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Make the Ganache

Place chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl. Add cream. Microwave in 30-second increments until you can stir it into a lump-free mixture.

Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Transfer ganache to a piping bag.

While still slightly warm and pourable, pipe ganache into each cookie cup.

The ganache will settle into the cavity and firm up into a soft, creamy filling.

Decorate

Drizzle ganache over cookie cups.

Drizzle melted peanut butter over the tops of the cookie cups.

Add several Reese's Pieces candies to each cookie cup.

Allow the ganache to set before serving.

Why This Filling Works So Well

I briefly considered using peanut butter buttercream as the filling, but I'm so glad I chose ganache instead.

The cookie already delivers plenty of peanut butter flavor. The smooth chocolate ganache provides the perfect contrast and creates a much more balanced dessert.

By the way, I made this recipe a second time and used Nutella as a filling. Y'all, it's the best! So, so, so, so good!

The result is layer after layer of flavor and texture:

• Soft peanut butter cookie
• Rich chocolate ganache
• Peanut butter drizzle
• Crunchy candy shell

Every bite is packed with flavor.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade peanut butter cookie dough?

Absolutely. Any peanut butter cookie dough that holds its shape well should work.

Can I use peanut butter chips instead of ganache?

You can, but I highly recommend the ganache. The chocolate balances the sweetness of the cookie and peanut butter topping beautifully.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. These cookie cups are perfect for making a day ahead.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.

What can I use instead of Reese's Pieces?

Try:

• Mini peanut butter cups
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Peanut butter chips

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Certainly. I prefer semi-sweet because it balances the sweetness of the cookie and candies.

Do I need a piping bag?

No. A spoon works fine, though a piping bag makes filling the cups faster and neater.

Why did my cookie cups lose their shape?

Be sure to press the centers immediately after baking while the cookie dough is still soft.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the drizzle?

Yes. It will add additional texture and flavor.

Are these good for bake sales and parties?

They're perfect for both. They're sturdy, portable, easy to serve, and always a crowd favorite.

Final Thoughts

Some recipes are good, and some recipes immediately earn a place in your permanent collection.

These Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Cups definitely fall into the second category.

They're simple, delicious, easy to share, and packed with everything we love about the classic peanut butter-and-chocolate combination.

Don't be surprised if they disappear faster than any dessert on the table.

Thanks for Stopping By!

If you make this recipe and love it, please feel free to leave a comment or review. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →