If you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels like summer in every bite, look no further than this Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe. These delightful little treats combine the buttery richness of a cookie with the juicy freshness of peaches, all nestled in a perfectly formed cup that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite offers a golden, cinnamon-spiced crust with a sweet, fruity center that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a casual picnic or a fancy brunch, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe is simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy butter that provides richness to the soft, fragrant peaches that add a burst of natural sweetness, these ingredients come together like magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This adds moisture and a rich, creamy base to your cookie cups.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Offers sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, giving structure and a bit of lift to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for the cookie dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a cozy, spicy note that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Diced fresh or canned peaches (1 cup): The star ingredient, providing juicy sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Peach preserves or jam (1/4 cup): Intensifies the peach flavor and adds a glossy, luscious filling.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty, sweet dusting on top once baked.
How to Make Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. This is crucial because it helps your cookie cups come out clean and hold their shape perfectly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Cream Together the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving the cookie cups an invitingly tender texture. The combination of both sugars also sets the stage for a complex sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg not only holds everything together but also adds a slight richness, while the vanilla infuses the dough with its comforting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures seasoning and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every cookie cup has that perfect lift and hint of spice.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie cups, so it’s best to stop as soon as you see the dough come together.
Step 6: Form Wells and Add Peach Filling
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the dough down and form a shallow well in the center. In a small bowl, mix the diced peaches with the peach preserves or jam, then spoon about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the center of each cookie cup. This fruity filling is what makes these bars truly special, offering a juicy contrast to the soft crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers are set but still slightly soft. After baking, let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes to firm up before carefully removing them.
Step 8: Optional Finishing Touch
Once cooled, dust the cookie cups lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and texture, consider garnishing the cookie cups with fresh peach slices, a small sprig of mint, or a drizzle of honey. These touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a dreamy dessert experience. They also go wonderfully alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by edible flowers or fresh fruit. You can also place them in colorful cupcake liners or arrange them in a layered dessert trifle for an unexpected twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. This makes them a wonderful option for preparing ahead of a gathering or enjoying as a sweet snack throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie cups by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, they can last up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture or peachy flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe warm, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess and to preserve the crisp edges that make these treats so enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the peaches well before using them to avoid excess moisture that could make the cookie cups soggy.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to choose one with xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the structure of the cookie cups.
Can I use a different fruit instead of peaches?
Definitely! Berries, apples, or even cherries can be delicious alternatives. Just be mindful of the moisture content and adjust the filling accordingly to avoid overly wet dough.
How long do Peach Bar Cookie Cups keep their freshness?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookie cups stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
What can I do if the centers don’t set fully after baking?
If your cookie cups are too soft in the center, try baking them a couple of minutes longer next time, and make sure your peach filling isn’t too watery.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully joyful about baking and sharing a warm, fruit-filled dessert like this Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for celebrations. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard not to come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. So go ahead, bring a little sunshine into your kitchen and your heart with these sweet, tender cookie cups packed with peachy goodness!
Print
Peach Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Peach Bar Cookie Cups, a perfect bite-sized dessert featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie base filled with juicy diced peaches and luscious peach preserves. Baked to golden perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar, these treats combine fruity freshness with a rich, buttery texture, making them an ideal summer dessert or anytime sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Peach Filling
- 1 cup diced fresh or canned peaches (drained if using canned)
- 1/4 cup peach preserves or jam
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups after baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture, ensuring a tender cookie base.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- 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 throughout the dough.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which might lead to toughness.
- Form cookie cups: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup. Press the dough gently to create a shallow well in the center of each cup to hold the peach filling.
- Prepare peach filling: In a small bowl, mix the diced peaches with the peach preserves or jam until well combined.
- Fill cookie cups: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the peach mixture into the center of each cookie cup, filling the wells you created in the dough.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set, indicating the cookie cups are fully cooked.
- Cool and finish: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the tin for 10 minutes to firm up. Carefully remove them from the tin and, if desired, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peaches; just make sure they are fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- These cookie cups store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining their freshness and flavor.
- Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
