Looking for a quick and easy cookie recipe to make this Christmas? Try these cake mix peanut butter cup cookies that use just a simple cake mix and miniature peanut cups for a delicious holiday treat idea.
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If anyone were to ask me what my favorite cookie recipe is, I would tell them that anything that involves chocolate and peanut butter. Over the years, I have shared many of our go-to chocolate-peanut cookies, but if I’m being completely honest, this recipe is probably my all-time favorite.
I love the simplicity of the cookies since it only takes a cake mix and a few other ingredients, making them ideal to bake for the busy holiday season. You can even make them ahead to share, add to your holiday cookie tray, or enjoy for a cozy treat while watching your favorite Christmas shows.
Since they are a favorite of mine, I thought I would share them with you if you are looking for a quick and easy sweet treat to make for the Christmas season. I hope your family enjoys this shortcut peanut cup cookie as much as we do. Enjoy!
Why You Will Love These Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:
- Easy and budget-friendly recipe, as these cookies use a simple cake mix and pantry staples you probably have on hand.
- Fun to make with kids, since they only use a few ingredients, they are ideal for holiday baking.
- Customizable, because you can make them into peanut butter blossoms using any flavor of Hershey’s kisses to switch things up. You can also use holiday-themed peanut butter cups and sprinkles to make them more festive.
- Perfect for gifting, you can add them to gift bags, boxes, or holiday tins. They are also ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday plates.
Love Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies?
- Easy Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Double Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
- Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Ingredients for Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
These easy cake mix peanut butter cup cookies are made with just a yellow cake mix and a few more simple ingredients for a fun holiday treat that is perfect for parties, cookie swaps, gifting, or sharing with friends and family.
You will need
- yellow cake mix
- peanut butter
- butter
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- miniature peanut butter cups
How to Make Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.
- Unwrap your miniature peanut butter cups and place them in the refrigerator to chill.
- In a large bowl, mix your peanut butter, butter, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add the yellow cake mix and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges look set (the center will still be soft).
- After removing them from the oven, gently press a miniature peanut butter cup in the middle of the cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet until the peanut butter cups are set, and enjoy!
Variations:
- Stir in some chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate) or sprinkles.
- Add some holiday peanut butter cup shapes to make them more festive.
- Make peanut butter blossom cookies instead by adding different flavor Hershey kisses.
- Try a peanut butter and jelly thumprint cookie by rolling your dough into a ball and pressing your thumb in the center, then fill it with raspberry, grape, or strawberry jelly, and bake.
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t overbake as they will become crumbly. Remove them from the oven just as the edges start to get golden.
- Place your peanut butter cups in the fridge before baking so they stay firm when pressed into the cookies.
- Use room temperature ingredients, as it makes for a smoother batter.
- If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or roll the balls in granulated sugar before adding to your baking sheet.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 24 miniature peanut butter cups unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.
- Unwrap your miniature peanut butter cups, put them in a bowl, and place them in the refrigerator to chill.
- In a large bowl, mix your peanut butter, butter, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add the yellow cake mix and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges look set (the center will still be soft).
- After removing them from the oven, gently press a miniature peanut butter cup in the middle of the cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet until the peanut butter cups are set, and enjoy!
Notes
Variations:
- Stir in some chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate) or sprinkles.
- Add some holiday peanut butter cup shapes to make them more festive.
- Make peanut butter blossom cookies instead by adding different flavor Hershey kisses.
- Try a peanut butter and jelly thumprint cookie by rolling your dough into a ball and pressing your thumb in the center, then fill it with raspberry, grape, or strawberry jelly, and bake.
Helpful Tips:
- Don't overbake as they will become crumbly. Remove them from the oven just as the edges start to get golden.
- Place your peanut butter cups in the fridge before baking so they stay firm when pressed into the cookies.
- Use room temperature ingredients, as it makes for a smoother batter.
- If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or roll the balls in granulated sugar before adding to your baking sheet.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
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