Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Sophie here from Sweet Craft Recipes, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that a warm, gooey cookie can solve almost anything. Especially when it’s a giant, shareable cookie baked in a skillet, bursting with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and glorious peanut butter cups. Are you drooling yet? Good, because today, we’re diving into my absolute favorite Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie recipe!

Imagine this: a thick, chewy peanut butter cookie base, perfectly crisp around the edges, with a molten, soft center. Every spoonful is loaded with melty milk chocolate and chunks of your favorite peanut butter candy. It’s the kind of dessert that gathers everyone around the table, spoons in hand, ready to dig in. Forget fighting over the last cookie – this skillet cookie is designed for sharing (or, let’s be honest, for indulging solo with serious determination!).

I’ve personally tested this recipe more than nine times in my kitchen, meticulously tweaking ratios and baking times to achieve that coveted Crumbl-like texture and flavor. The goal? To bring that viral cookie shop experience right into your home, but with the added warmth, freshness, and personal touch that only homemade can offer. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a labor of love, a delicious science experiment that always ends in pure joy.

So, if you’re a fan of rich, comforting desserts, a connoisseur of all things peanut butter and chocolate, or simply looking for an impressive (yet surprisingly easy!) treat for your next family gathering, you’ve hit the jackpot. Get ready to bake the skillet cookie of your dreams!

Why This Crumbl Copycat Skillet Cookie Will Be Your New Obsession

Let’s be real, Crumbl Cookies have taken the dessert world by storm. Their giant, often warm, and always innovative cookie flavors are legendary. But who has the time (or the budget) to hit up Crumbl every week? That’s where homemade copycat recipes come in, and my Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie is truly a standout.

This isn’t just any peanut butter cookie. It’s specifically engineered to capture that distinctive Crumbl magic – rich, thick, and utterly satisfying. The skillet format is a game-changer, transforming a simple cookie into a dramatic, pull-apart dessert that begs for a scoop (or three!) of vanilla ice cream.

Here’s why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:

• Unrivaled Gooeyness: Baking in a skillet locks in moisture, resulting in a perfectly soft, gooey center that stays warm longer. No dry cookies here!
• Peanut Butter Paradise: We’re talking serious peanut butter flavor, both in the cookie dough and through the generous inclusion of chopped peanut butter cups. It’s a dream for PB lovers!
• Chocolatey Bliss: Milk chocolate chips melt into luscious pockets, providing the perfect contrast to the salty-sweet peanut butter.
• The “Wow” Factor: Serving a warm, bubbling skillet cookie straight from the oven is an experience. It’s communal, comforting, and undeniably impressive.
• Easier Than You Think: While it looks fancy, the process is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• E-E-A-T Approved (by Sophie!): As mentioned, this recipe has been rigorously tested. My extensive experience in developing and refining cookie recipes means you’re getting a tried-and-true winner. I’ve tweaked the butter-to-sugar ratio, experimented with different types of peanut butter, and optimized the baking time so you don’t have to. You can trust that this recipe delivers on its promise of Crumbl-level deliciousness.

This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an event. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a family dinner, a cozy treat for a movie night, or a decadent centerpiece for any gathering.

The Magic Behind Sophie’s Perfect Skillet Cookie: Key Ingredients & Their Roles

Crafting the perfect cookie is all about understanding your ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after texture and flavor. Here’s a peek into the star players in our Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie:

1. Unsalted Butter (Softened): Butter is the foundation of flavor and texture. Using softened (room temperature) butter is crucial for proper creaming with the sugars, creating air pockets that lead to a light, tender crumb. Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness.
2. Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The dynamic duo! Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor, contributing to that soft, bendy texture. Granulated sugar provides crispness and helps the cookie spread. The combination is key for balance.
3. Smooth Peanut Butter: This is a peanut butter cookie, so we need the good stuff! I recommend using a processed, creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for consistent results. Natural peanut butter can sometimes be too oily or separate, altering the texture. The fat and protein in peanut butter contribute to the rich, dense chewiness.
4. Honey: Just a touch of honey adds another layer of moisture, helps with browning, and enhances the overall sweetness and chew. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
5. Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens all the other sweet notes. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla!
6. Large Egg: Our binder! The egg provides structure, moisture, and richness, helping to emulsify the fats and sugars for a cohesive dough.
7. All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component. Ensure you measure it correctly – I recommend using a kitchen scale for precision (6.25 ounces is ideal for 1 ¼ cups).
8. Cornstarch: My secret weapon for ultimate chewiness! A tablespoon of cornstarch makes the cookie incredibly tender and soft, preventing it from drying out. It’s what gives it that “bakery-style” feel.
9. Baking Soda: Our leavening agent. Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar to create carbon dioxide, which helps the cookie rise and spread, resulting in a lighter texture.
10. Salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors. Don’t skip it, even in a sweet recipe!
11. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is Sophie’s ultimate secret ingredient for that unmistakable Crumbl texture and moisture! It not only infuses more vanilla flavor but also acts as a dough conditioner, making the cookie incredibly soft, thick, and chewy, and keeping it fresh for longer. It truly elevates the cookie from good to extraordinary.
12. Milk Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of classic chocolate goodness. Milk chocolate pairs perfectly with peanut butter, offering a sweet, creamy contrast.
13. Peanut Butter Cups (Chopped): The star inclusion! Chopping them ensures you get a piece of delicious peanut butter cup in almost every bite, adding extra texture and an intense burst of peanut butter and chocolate flavor.

These ingredients, when combined with careful technique, guarantee a skillet cookie that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Step-by-Step: Baking Your Crumbl Copycat Skillet Cookie Masterpiece

Ready to get baking? Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll be digging into a warm, gooey skillet cookie in no time! Remember, baking is a craft, and a little patience goes a long way.

Yields: 1 large skillet cookie (serves 8-10)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup (3.5 ounces) light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (2.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (4.5 ounces) smooth peanut butter (e.g., Jif, Skippy)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups (6.25 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons (about 1 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder, not prepared)
• 6 tablespoons milk chocolate chips
• 8-10 regular (not mini) peanut butter cups, chopped small

For Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ – 1 tablespoon milk or water (as needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-10 inch cast iron skillet or an oven-safe pie dish. Set aside. A little cooking spray works wonders here.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula occasionally to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the ½ cup smooth peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until thoroughly combined and smooth. Next, crack in the large egg and beat until it’s just incorporated into the dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just combine.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix until they are all well combined. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and flavor enhancers.
5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing the dough once the flour is added can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cookie. Mix until it just comes together.
6. Fold in Inclusions: Gently fold in about half (approximately 3 tablespoons) of the milk chocolate chips and half (4-5 pieces) of the chopped regular peanut butter cups into the cookie dough using a sturdy spatula. This ensures you have delicious surprises throughout the cookie.
7. Press Dough into Skillet: Transfer the entire cookie dough mixture into your prepared cast iron skillet or pie dish. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, evenly press the dough into the bottom of the skillet, making sure it extends all the way to the edges.
8. Top with Remaining Inclusions: Evenly sprinkle the remaining milk chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the cookie dough in the skillet. Gently press them down slightly into the dough so they adhere and create a beautiful, inviting top layer.
9. Bake the Skillet Cookie: Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cookie is done when the edges are golden brown, and the center looks set but is still slightly soft and gooey. Remember, the cookie will continue to cook and firm up slightly as it cools in the hot skillet, so resist the urge to overbake if you want that perfect molten center.
10. Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the cookie cool in the skillet for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial cooling time allows the cookie to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you scoop it out. Serve warm, directly from the skillet, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate treat!
11. Prepare Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle (if desired): While the cookie cools, prepare your drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Add milk or water, starting with ½ teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that’s perfect for drizzling over your warm skillet cookie.

Sophie’s Top Tips for Skillet Cookie Success

Achieving that perfect Crumbl-like skillet cookie is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips from my kitchen:

• Measure Flour Correctly: This is critical! Too much flour makes a dry, crumbly cookie. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy (6.25 ounces for 1 ¼ cups). If you don’t have one, fluff your flour with a spoon, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, which can pack it too tightly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Softened butter creams better with sugar, incorporating more air for a lighter texture. A room temperature egg emulsifies more easily into the mixture, creating a smoother, more cohesive dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense cookie. We want soft and chewy!
• The Instant Pudding Mix Secret: Don’t skip the instant vanilla pudding mix! It’s my absolute favorite trick for adding incredible moisture, chewiness, and a slight tang to cookies. It helps keep them soft for days and truly mimics that bakery-style texture. Make sure it’s instant pudding mix and not cook-and-serve.
• Grease Your Skillet Well: Even with a seasoned cast iron skillet, a light greasing (butter or cooking spray) ensures your cookie doesn’t stick and makes serving a breeze.
• Customize Your Toppings: While peanut butter cups and chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment! You could add Reese’s Pieces, chopped pretzels for crunch, or even a swirl of Nutella before baking.
• Don’t Overbake! This is perhaps the most important tip for a gooey skillet cookie. The cookie will look slightly underdone in the center when you pull it out, and that’s exactly what you want! It will continue to cook and set from the residual heat of the skillet as it cools, leading to that perfect molten center.
• Resting is Best: Allow the skillet cookie to cool in the skillet for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for the cookie to set up properly. If you try to scoop it too soon, it might be too crumbly. Patience will be rewarded with perfect, scoopable portions.
• Serve Warm: While delicious at any temperature, this skillet cookie truly shines when served warm. The chocolate is melty, the peanut butter cups are soft, and the entire dessert is a comforting embrace. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top is non-negotiable in my book!

Customization & Flavor Variations: Make It Your Own!

One of the joys of baking at home is the freedom to customize. While my Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie is phenomenal as is, here are some ideas to tweak it to your taste or seasonal cravings:

• Chocolate Swap: Not a milk chocolate fan? Use semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. A mix of chocolates would also be fantastic!
• Nut Butter Alternatives: While peanut butter is king here, if you have allergies or prefer other flavors, try almond butter or cashew butter. Be aware that these might slightly change the texture, as different nut butters have varying oil contents.
• Add More Candy: Think beyond just peanut butter cups! M&Ms, chopped Snickers, or even butterscotch chips could be folded in for extra flavor and texture.
• Salty Sweet Perfection: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the warm cookie immediately after it comes out of the oven will elevate the flavors, enhancing the sweetness and providing a delightful crunch.
• Spice It Up (Subtly): A tiny pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg could add a warm, cozy undertone, especially if you’re serving it in cooler months.
• Top it Off: Beyond ice cream, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Mini Skillet Cookies: For individual servings, divide the dough into smaller oven-safe ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Adjust baking time accordingly (likely 15-20 minutes). This is a fun option for personalized desserts!

Remember, the base recipe is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations!

Serving Suggestions: The Ultimate Dessert Experience

A Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie is a showstopper all on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments turns it into an unforgettable dessert experience.

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: This is non-negotiable in my kitchen! A generous scoop of cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting into the warm, gooey cookie is pure bliss. The contrast in temperature and texture is heavenly.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: My optional peanut butter drizzle recipe is a fantastic addition, intensifying that peanut butter flavor even more. It’s easy to whip up and adds an extra layer of decadence.
• Chocolate Sauce or Hot Fudge: A rich chocolate sauce complements the cookie beautifully, adding another dimension of chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel Sauce: A swirl of warm caramel sauce provides a sweet, buttery counterpoint to the peanut butter and chocolate.
• Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of freshly whipped cream can lighten the richness slightly, offering a cool, airy contrast.
• A Glass of Milk: For the true cookie purists, a tall, cold glass of milk is the perfect accompaniment.
• Coffee or Espresso: For an adult indulgence, a strong cup of coffee or an espresso cuts through the sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.

Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a casual dessert night, or just because, this skillet cookie is designed to be shared and savored. Don’t forget the spoons!

Storage & Reheating Tips

You’ve made this incredible skillet cookie (or maybe you just have leftovers… lucky you!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and enjoy it later:

• At Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cookie will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, transfer individual slices to an airtight container or keep the entire skillet covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer-term storage, cut the cooled cookie into individual wedges. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen.
• Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, you have a few options:
  • Microwave: For individual slices, microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and gooey.
  • Oven: For larger portions or the whole skillet, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover loosely with foil (if it’s in the skillet) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • Air Fryer: Individual slices can be warmed in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Baking can sometimes lead to questions, so I’ve anticipated a few common ones to help you along your journey to skillet cookie perfection!

Q: What kind of skillet should I use for this cookie?
A: A 9-10 inch cast iron skillet is truly ideal for this recipe. Cast iron retains and distributes heat beautifully, giving the cookie lovely crispy edges while keeping the center gooey. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe pie dish or round baking dish of a similar size (ceramic, glass, etc.) will work perfectly! Just ensure it’s oven-safe to 350°F (175°C).

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Once the dough is made, cover it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before pressing it into the skillet and baking as directed. You can also bake the cookie completely, store it, and reheat slices as desired.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover skillet cookie?
A: Once the skillet cookie has cooled completely, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, or for slightly longer storage, you can transfer individual slices to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheating instructions are above!

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth creamy peanut butter?
A: For best results and a consistency closer to the Crumbl original, I strongly recommend using a processed smooth creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) that doesn’t separate. Natural peanut butter can sometimes be too oily or have an inconsistent texture, which can affect the overall texture of your baked goods, potentially making them drier or more crumbly. If you do opt for natural, make sure it’s a “no-stir” variety if possible and very well stirred before using.

Q: What does the instant vanilla pudding mix do in this recipe?
A: Ah, the instant vanilla pudding mix is my special ingredient! It doesn’t just add more vanilla flavor; it acts as a magical dough conditioner. It ensures the cookie is incredibly moist, soft, and chewy, mimicking that signature Crumbl texture, and helps to keep it fresh for longer. It’s a secret weapon for bakery-quality cookies, so please don’t skip it! Make sure to use the dry powder straight from the box, not prepared pudding.

Q: My cookie came out a little dry. What did I do wrong?
A: The most common culprit for a dry cookie is overbaking. Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookie during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Remember, it should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull it out, as it will continue to cook from the residual heat. Incorrect flour measurement (too much flour) can also contribute to dryness. Make sure to measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nuttiness to the cookie. If you love a bit of crunch, go for it! Just be aware that it won’t be as smooth as the original, but it will still be delicious.

Ready to Bake Your Own Crumbl-Inspired Magic?

There you have it, friends! My ultimate guide to creating a truly unforgettable Crumbl Copycat Peanut Butter Cup Skillet Cookie right in your own kitchen. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a moment of pure comfort, and a testament to the joy of homemade treats.

From the moment you cream that butter and sugar, to the heavenly aroma filling your home as it bakes, to that first warm, gooey scoop – this cookie is designed to delight. Sophie’s tested and approved, it brings that viral cookie shop luxury to your table, without the drive or the wait.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic. I promise, your taste buds (and anyone you choose to share with!) will thank you. Don’t forget to serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Happy baking, and enjoy every single decadent bite!

Want more copycat cookie goodness? Check out some of my other popular recipes:

• Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies
• Pistachio NYC Cookies
• Creme Egg Stuffed Cookies
• Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies
• White Chocolate Stuffed Cookies

Happy baking!
Warmly,
Sophie
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