The Best Peanut Butter Fudge Cups Recipe for Sweet Treats

Whipping up delectable peanut butter fudge cups can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of indulgence.

Chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts seamlessly on your tongue.

Rich layers of decadent flavors promise an instant mood boost for anyone seeking comfort.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this treat accessible to baking novices and experts alike.

Smooth textures and deep nutty undertones ensure each bite feels like a luxurious escape from everyday stress.

Small yet powerful, these fudge cups deliver maximum satisfaction in just a few delightful morsels.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste absolutely extraordinary.

Fudge Cups Store Richly for a Quick Fix

• Store peanut butter fudge cups in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for maximum freshness up to 5 days.
• Carefully wrap individual fudge cups in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising texture or flavor.
• Remove frozen fudge cups from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain cookie cup's crisp texture.
• For best taste and texture, consume within 24 hours of making. Bring refrigerated fudge cups to room temperature 10 minutes before enjoying for optimal flavor.

Fun Additions To Fudge Cups

• Pair with Chocolate Milk: Creamy chocolate milk amplifies the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a nostalgic childhood dessert experience.
• Complement with Espresso: Sharp, intense espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the fudge's decadence and providing a sophisticated contrast.
• Match with Caramel Latte: Smooth caramel notes in a warm latte enhance the toffee bits and nutty undertones, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.
• Serve alongside Cold Brew: Smooth, slightly bitter cold brew coffee provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, dense fudge cups, cleansing the palate between bites.

Creamy Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Cups

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Cups: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, select dairy-free chocolate, and substitute mascarpone with cashew cream for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, select dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage, and minimize added sweeteners while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, use seed-based chocolate, and replace peanut/toffee toppings with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a smooth, creamy variety for best results.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Absolutely. Chilling helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to develop. Aim for at least 1 hour of refrigeration before baking to get the perfect cookie cup shape.

• What if I don't have mascarpone cheese?

You can replace mascarpone with cream cheese. It will provide a similar creamy texture and richness to the fudge filling. The taste will be slightly tangier but still delicious.

• How do I prevent the cookie cups from breaking?

Be gentle when creating the indent and removing them from the pan. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, which allows them to set and become more stable before reshaping the center.

Reasons Peanut Butter Fudge Cups Feel Like Instant Gratification

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up these delightful peanut butter fudge cups in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough ahead of time and chill, allowing busy bakers to have a delicious treat ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: These mini desserts are ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, offering a bite-sized indulgence that everyone will love.
• Customizable Creativity: Top with toffee bits or peanuts, letting home bakers add their personal touch to this versatile recipe.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cup Components

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create tender texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to cookie's soft texture.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers deep nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the basic structure of the cookie cup.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• Chocolate: Creates smooth, rich chocolate base for filling.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and adds shine.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Provides creamy, luxurious texture to filling.

• Toffee Bits, Peanuts: Adds crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cups Directions

Step 1: Whip Up Cookie Dough Base

Grab your mixer and cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and light.

Drop in the egg and blend until everything is perfectly combined.

Keep scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Peanut Butter Goodness

Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix on low speed, then increase to medium until everything blends seamlessly.

Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Prepare mini muffin pans by greasing them thoroughly or lining with mini cupcake liners.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Bases

Roll small portions of dough into bite-sized balls.

Press your thumb gently into each ball’s center, creating a small well and pushing the dough slightly up the pan’s sides.

Step 6: Bake and Shape Cups

Bake cookie cups for 14-15 minutes until edges turn a soft golden brown.

After removing from the oven, let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Use a rounded teaspoon to press centers again, deepening the indent.

Allow cups to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Luxurious Fudge Filling

Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals.

Stir until silky smooth.

Allow chocolate to cool for three minutes.

Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the melted chocolate until the mixture looks uniform.

Step 8: Fill and Garnish Cookie Cups

Spoon a generous amount of fudge filling into each cooled cookie cup.

Optionally sprinkle toffee bits or chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

These delightful treats can be stored at room temperature for one day or refrigerated for up to five days.

Perfect for sharing or savoring solo!

Fudge Cup Tips For Peanut Butter Lovers

• Refrigerate cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect cup shape during baking.
• Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press centers while the cookies are warm, creating a deeper well for fudge filling.
• Use low heat and short intervals when melting chocolate to prevent burning, stirring consistently for smooth texture.
• Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before folding in mascarpone to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different garnishes like crushed peanuts, toffee bits, or sea salt to add extra flavor and crunch to your fudge cups.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent peanut butter fudge cups deliver rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in one irresistible bite. Sweet and salty flavors meld perfectly, promising pure dessert bliss that will make you crave another delectable treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (156g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 8 oz (226g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

Cookie Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup (120g) Heath toffee bits or chopped peanuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until achieving a fluffy, pale consistency, incorporating the egg thoroughly while periodically scraping the mixing bowl.
2. Introduce peanut butter and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and silky.
3. Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing at progressively faster speeds until a cohesive dough forms. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of one hour to enhance flavor development and texture.
4. Heat the oven to 325°F. Prepare mini muffin pans with non-stick spray or cupcake liners.
5. Form small dough balls, approximately one tablespoon in size. Gently create a central depression using your thumb, carefully pushing the dough upward along the pan’s sides to construct cup-like shapes.
6. Bake until edges exhibit a delicate golden-brown hue, approximately 14-15 minutes. After removing from the oven, allow brief cooling. Reinforce the center indent using a rounded teaspoon, ensuring a well-defined cavity. Permit complete cooling.
7. Create the fudge filling by melting chocolate with oil, utilizing either a double boiler or microwave method. Stir continuously until achieving a smooth consistency. Allow slight cooling before gently incorporating mascarpone cheese, mixing until perfectly integrated.
8. Generously fill each cooled cookie cup with the chocolate mixture. Optional: Garnish with toffee bits or chopped peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
9. Preserve the treats at ambient temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to five days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cup shape during baking, ensuring perfect mini cookie shells.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg for smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends effortlessly.
• Press the center of cookie dough gently but firmly to create a deep well for the fudge filling, preventing overflow and maintaining a clean presentation.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, which can make the fudge grainy and affect the overall texture of the filling.
• Replace mascarpone with cream cheese for a tangy alternative if mascarpone is unavailable, maintaining similar creamy consistency.
• Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a less sweet, more nutty flavor profile in the cookie base.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize the fudge filling’s richness and taste.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that elevates the dessert’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 24mg