Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Published: October 20, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a deliciously sweet treat that everyone loves.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just an afternoon snack, these cookie cups are always a hit.
Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like toffee bits or chopped peanuts for added texture.
Make Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help you make these Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Mini muffin pan: Essential for creating perfectly shaped cookie cups that hold the filling well.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a light and creamy consistency when mixing ingredients.
Silicone spatula: Useful for scraping down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles:

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 (see Note)
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

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture.
Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium speed until well combined.
The dough should be very creamy and soft. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, up to three days.

Step 3: Prepare Muffin Pan

Grease two mini muffin pans with nonstick spray or line with mini cupcake liners if desired.
Scoop about one tablespoon (20g) of dough each into the prepared pans.
Press your thumb into each dough ball’s center to create an indent.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Bake for 14–15 minutes, or until edges appear lightly browned.
Remove from oven and cool on a rack for about 5–10 minutes before pressing down in centers again.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Filling

Melt chopped chocolate and oil together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
Allow cooling slightly for about three minutes, then fold in the mascarpone cheese until fully combined.

Spoon a heaping teaspoon of chocolate filling into each cooled cookie cup.
Top with optional toppings like toffee bits or chopped peanuts if desired.

Step 7: Store

Cover and store at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to five days.

Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles!

These peanut butter fudge puddles are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and creamy filling make them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Milk

A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookie cups. Opt for cold dairy or non-dairy milk for a refreshing contrast.

Add Fresh Fruit

Serve alongside sliced strawberries, bananas, or apple wedges. The fruit’s acidity complements the richness of the fudge puddles wonderfully.

Coffee Delight

Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee beautifully enhances the sweet flavors of the cookie cups.

Ice Cream Scoop

Top your peanut butter fudge puddles with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. This combination creates an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.

Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Whipped Cream Topping

Lighten up this treat with a dollop of whipped cream, adding a fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense chocolate filling.

To ensure your peanut butter fudge puddles turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips for success.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. This helps prevent spreading and ensures your cookie cups hold their shape while baking.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture in your filling.
Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookie cups; they should be lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Indent While Warm: Press down in the centers right after removing from the oven to create deeper indentations for the filling while they are still warm and soft.
Melt Chocolate Gently: When melting chocolate, do it slowly using short bursts in the microwave or over low heat on the stove to avoid burning it.
Store Properly: Keep leftover cookie cups covered at room temperature for optimal softness or refrigerate if you prefer them chilled.

Peanut butter fudge puddles pair well with various side dishes that can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness effortlessly.
Cheese Platter
Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie to contrast with the sweet flavors of the cookie cups.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a deliciously creamy side that complements dessert textures well.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty crunch provides a tasty contrast to the rich sweetness of peanut butter fudge puddles.
Mini Vegetable Crudités
Crisp veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers offer a refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate between bites.
Granola Bars
Choose nutty or chocolate-flavored bars for added texture alongside your sweet treats; they make excellent finger food as well!
Rice Krispie Treats
Chewy yet crunchy rice treats add another sweet element without overpowering your peanut butter fudge puddles’ flavors.
Frozen Yogurt Bites
These light bites can provide a cool complement; opt for fruity flavors to balance richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure they turn out perfectly.

Not chilling the dough: Skipping refrigeration can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour for better shape.
Overmixing the batter: This can make your cookie cups tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them tender.
Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can burn the edges while leaving the centers raw. Remember to set your oven to 325°F (163°C) for optimal results.
Ignoring cooling time: Removing the cookie cups from the pan too early can cause them to break apart. Allow them to cool for at least 5–10 minutes before removing.
Skipping toppings: While optional, toppings like Heath toffee bits or chopped peanuts add texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want an extra touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep at room temperature for up to 1 day if serving immediately.

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individually on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.

How do I make these gluten-free?

To make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups), simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How long will these last?

Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookie cups by adding chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even different nut butters.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups) are not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect as a treat for any occasion, you can customize them with different toppings or flavors. Get creative and enjoy making this delicious recipe!

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Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles (Cookie Cups)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe