There is something truly magical about the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. These delightful little treats combine the soft, buttery texture of a cookie with the vibrant sweetness of fresh peaches and preserves, all baked beautifully in a convenient muffin tin shape. The gentle warmth of cinnamon and the occasional crunch from pecans elevate every bite, creating a dessert that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures that will instantly become one of your favorite sweet indulgences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe is a breeze because each one is thoughtfully selected to bring out the best flavors and textures. From the creamy butter that forms the buttery base to the softly spiced cinnamon hiding in the background, every component plays a crucial role in crafting these delicious treats.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender cookie cups.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and stability.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to keep the cookie cups light and soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements peach perfectly.
- 1 cup peach preserves or thick peach jam: The sweet, fruity filling that bursts with peach flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced fresh or canned peaches (drained): Adds fresh texture and intensifies the peach taste.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Offers a delightful crunch and nutty depth if you choose to include them.
How to Make Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure your cookie cups release easily after baking. Having all ingredients measured and ready to go helps the process run smoothly without any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming step is key because it traps air, lending your cookie cups their tender crumb and slight rise.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step adds moisture and flavor that’s crucial to the overall taste and texture of the cookie cups.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. The cinnamon is subtle here but crucial for adding warmth that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so stop once the dough looks uniform.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Cups
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup. Press the dough down and gently push it slightly up the sides to form little cups — these will hold the peach filling perfectly.
Step 7: Add Peach Filling and Toppings
Fill each cookie cup with 1 to 2 teaspoons of peach preserves, then add a few diced peaches on top for fresh flavor and texture. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over each cup.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for golden edges and set centers. Once out of the oven, allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
These cookie cups are lovely as they are, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds an inviting finish. For extra indulgence, serve slightly warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peach Bar Cookie Cups with a fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of tea or coffee for a complete afternoon treat. Their sweet, fruity nature makes them an excellent dessert after a light meal or a charming snack to share.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookie cups on a pretty platter lined with fresh peach slices and mint leaves for a stunning presentation. You can also serve them in individual cupcake liners to keep things neat and make them perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peach Bar Cookie Cups keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain the texture and freshness of both the cookie and filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie cups by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, making them a convenient dessert option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm after freezing, let the cookie cups thaw at room temperature and warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft texture and fresh peach flavor like they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen peaches before adding them to prevent soggy cookie cups. The flavor will remain delicious either way.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be mindful that texture might slightly differ, but the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe will still be wonderfully tasty.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped pistachios can be great alternatives if you want a different crunch or flavor profile.
How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?
Make sure to grease the muffin tin well or use non-stick baking spray before adding the dough. Alternatively, you can line the cups with silicone liners for easier removal.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Yes, doubling works perfectly. Just be sure to bake in batches or use multiple muffin tins, and keep an eye on baking times, as oven temperatures and heat distribution might vary slightly with more trays.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe brings a lovely balance of nostalgic comfort and fresh, summery fruitiness to the table. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these treats are a fantastic way to share your love for baking with friends or family. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again as your go-to peach dessert.
Print
Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peach Bar Cookie Cups are a delightful dessert combining a buttery cookie base with sweet peach preserves and fresh peach pieces, all baked in a muffin tin for individual servings. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a fruity, tender treat with a hint of cinnamon and optional crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup peach preserves or thick peach jam
- 1/2 cup diced fresh or canned peaches (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a dough forms.
- Form cookie cups: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup. Press the dough down and slightly up the sides of each cup to create a shallow cup shape that will hold the filling.
- Add peach filling: Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of peach preserves into the center of each cookie cup, then top with a few diced peaches for added texture and freshness.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over each cup if desired to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake the cookie cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then gently remove them from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle a little coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top of the cookie cups before baking.
- These cookie cups are delicious served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
