First, let me apologize for the length of the name of this cookie … I just wanted to describe the cookie … hence the long name.

Second, I must apologize for my absence in the blogging world … we have had “projects” going on at our home.  I know you can’t see me, but I’m jumping for joy … we installed a solar tube skylight in the kitchen … more natural light in the kitchen … yippee!  One project completed … and only about 384 more to finish up!

Due to an old baseball injury … my hubby, the Peanut Butter Man, had ankle surgery yesterday and came home from the hospital today.  He should be as good as new … or at least as good as any other 56-year-old man!  I knew he would appreciate a peanut butter surprise … so, despite the heat wave that we are experiencing, I baked this morning.  I also had to avoid an obstacle course in the kitchen … the Peanut Butter Man’s love …

I’m not sure if she wanted to lay on the cool tile … or was waiting for a cookie to drop … or was lonely and missed her Peanut Butter Man!   I just want to know … why does she always pick a walk way to take a nap?  Maybe we should change her name to “obstacle”.

During my absence, I really have been in the kitchen trying to create a few new things … I have had a few flops or let’s just say they “need improvement”.  But,  I am happy to say that this cookie is a winner … according to my peanut butter loving family.

Here is a photo of the cookies and the recipe … no step by step photos today.  I did include a few photos after the recipe … hope they are helpful!

Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

makes about 4 dozen cookies  (adapted from Nestle/Toll House)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• white sanding sugar (or granulated) for sprinkling on top
• 8 ounce bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Minis

1. Beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy.
2. Beat in egg.
3. In a small bowl, combine flour and baking soda.
4. Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Using a cookie scoop (about 1 1/4″), drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Gently press 1 mini peanut butter cup into center of cookie dough and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
8. Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.  Let stand at least 5 minutes on baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Scoop the dough, add a peanut butter cup and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

The cookies are puffy when they first come out of the oven and will flatten a little upon cooling.

Are you a peanut butter and chocolate lover?  You know that I ♥ comments!