Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies are some of my favorite cookies to bake and are extremely easy and simple! This is not my own original recipe but it's too good not to share!

I first tried these cookies when my sister made them years ago from a random cookie cook book in our kitchen. They have been a family favorite ever since! The recipe is from Best-Loved Cookies from Publications International, Ltd. This cookie recipe book is filled with yummy treats and I even use it as a reference for many of my original recipes!

These cookies are great for any Reese's Peanut Butter Cup lover. The chocolate cookie is perfectly chewy and the peanut butter cup in the center paired with peanut butter drizzle on top makes a great balance between the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

makes about 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened baking chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 36 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• 1 cup peanut butter chips (for drizzle)

*recipe calls for 3/4 cup finely chopped peanuts to roll cookie dough in, but I leave this step out

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F Degrees and place a sheet of foil on countertop to move cookies to cool

2. Combine chocolate chips and baking squares in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave, stirring after 2 minutes. Continue until smooth.

3. Combine sugar and shortening in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer at medium speed until crumbly. Beat in eggs one at a time then add salt and vanilla. Reduce to a low speed and add melted chocolate slowly. Stir in flour and baking soda with a spoon until well blended. Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.

4. Bake at 350F Degrees for 8-10 minutes. Press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie immediately after taking out of the oven. Move cookies to the foil sheet with a spatula and let cool.

5. Place peanut butter chips in a resealable sandwich bag and microwave. Knead the bag after 1 minute and repeat until smooth. Cut a tiny tip off the corner of the bag and squeeze to drizzle over cookies.