#8 Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

It doesn't get much nuttier than this! Based upon Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream, this cookie takes peanut butter cookies to the next level by incorporating everyone's favorite peanut butter cup. You can feel good about these cookies because peanut butter is a source of protein :)

Tips:

Holiday steals - I made these cookies right after Easter because I purchased the discounted Easter candy that the stores mark down to get off of the shelves. A great money saving tip!

Oven Temperature: 350 degrees
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
 Servings: Approx. 4 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups chopped peanut butter cups (about one 9.2 ounce bag of miniatures)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

2) Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl and set aside.

3) In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.

4) Beat in the vanilla and eggs, adding the eggs in one at a time. 

5) Gradually add the dry ingredients into creamed mixture and mix until well combined.

6) Gently fold in the peanut butter cups.

7) Place by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.

8) Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely .