Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

These delightful Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) are the perfect treat for any occasion, from parties to cozy family gatherings. Their rich chocolate filling, combined with creamy peanut butter, makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. The unique use of mascarpone cheese in the filling gives these cookie cups a soft and fudgy texture that sets them apart from traditional cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a decadent taste experience.
• Perfectly Portable: These mini cookie cups are easy to take along to events or serve at home.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like toffee bits or chopped peanuts, for an extra crunch.
• Great for Sharing: With 36-40 mini cups per batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups), having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini muffin pan
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pan: This is crucial for shaping the cookie cups for even baking and easy removal.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Using a mixer saves time and ensures the ingredients are well combined for a smooth dough.
• Silicone spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups), gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (156g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 8 ounces (226g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• optional: 1/2 cup (120g) Heath toffee bits or chopped peanuts, for topping

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the large egg and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture.
2. Beat on low speed until just incorporated, then increase to medium speed until well combined. The dough will be creamy and soft.
3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 3 days.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Cups

1. Grease your mini muffin pans with nonstick spray or line with mini cupcake liners if desired.
2. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie cup into the prepared pans.
3. Press down in the center with your thumb to create an indent.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Bake for 14–15 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
3. Remove from oven; cool in pans for just 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Filling

1. Melt together chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vegetable oil/coconut oil. Use a double boiler or microwave method as described above.
2. Once melted, let cool slightly before folding in the mascarpone cheese. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Fill Cookie Cups

Spoon a heaping teaspoon of chocolate filling into each cooled cookie cup:
1. Optionally, top with either Heath toffee bits or chopped peanuts if desired.

Step 7: Store Your Treats

Store your Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles covered at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate them for up to five days.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these mouthwatering treats!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pour a tall glass of cold milk to complement the rich flavors of the cookie cups. The creaminess of the milk balances the sweetness perfectly.

As Party Treats

• Arrange these cookie cups on a colorful platter for parties or gatherings. They make great finger foods and are sure to impress your guests.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The tartness of the fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet fudge cups.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the tops before serving. This enhances the chocolatey goodness and adds visual appeal.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on each cookie cup for an extra layer of creaminess. This makes them even more decadent and delightful.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Perfecting your Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie cup perfection.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring perfectly shaped cookie cups.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; underbaking slightly will keep your cookie cups soft and chewy inside, which is ideal for fudge puddles.
• Press Indents Firmly: When creating indents in the dough balls, press firmly but gently to create enough space for the filling without breaking through.
• Mix Chocolate Gently: When folding mascarpone into melted chocolate, do it gently to maintain a smooth consistency without deflating the mixture.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances out the richness of the cookie cups beautifully.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts well with sweet treats.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels coated in chocolate offers a delightful texture contrast to your fudgy desserts.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: These chewy bars add another layer of flavor while also being easy to grab as a snack alongside your cookies.
5. Ice Cream Sundae: Serve vanilla or chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge, as it complements the peanut butter flavor wonderfully.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese; their creaminess pairs well with sweet flavors, making each bite enjoyable.
7. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea acts as a perfect beverage pairing, enhancing all flavors present in these delicious treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to subpar results.

• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookie cups may spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 1 hour to ensure the right texture.
• Overbaking: Overbaking can lead to dry cookie cups. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as the edges are lightly browned.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they cream together. Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy.
• Not pressing the centers enough: Failing to create a deep enough indent in the cookie cups means less space for the delicious chocolate filling. Press firmly but gently with your thumb.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 1 day before refrigeration.

Freezing Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Reheating Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie cups on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups).

How do I know when Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) are done?

The edges should be lightly browned, and the centers may appear puffy. They will settle as they cool.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to your cookie cups, giving them an extra crunch.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

How long does it take to prepare Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)?

The total time is about 3 hours, including chilling and baking time, but active prep time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles as toppings for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or fillings according to your preference. Treat yourself or share these delightful treats with friends and family; they’re sure to impress!