Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a Reese’s cup inside a freshly baked cookie, this is your sign to preheat the oven. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter goodness we all crave. Imagine a buttery peanut base hugging a melty chocolate center, still warm from the oven, filling your kitchen with the smell of pure comfort. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s one of those recipes that make people stop mid-bite and say, “Oh wow.”

So grab your mixing bowl, cue up your favorite playlist, and let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy movie night, making a treat for friends, or sneaking a few for yourself (no judgment here), these cookies bring smiles every single time. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a last-minute bake sale, a rainy afternoon treat, or a sweet surprise for your coworkers, these cookies fit right in.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need anything fancy. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples—simple things that come together to make something unforgettable.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or special equipment needed. Even if you’re not much of a baker, this recipe makes you feel like a pro.

Customizable: Want to mix things up? Try using mini peanut butter cups or even white chocolate ones for a fun twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something magical about the combo of chocolate and peanut butter. These cookies disappear faster than you can say “save me one.”

Recipe Origin

This recipe takes inspiration from the classic American peanut butter cookie, but with a decadent upgrade. It’s the kind of cookie you might find cooling on a grandma’s counter—familiar, nostalgic, and comforting—but with a fun, candy-filled surprise tucked inside. Think of it as the best of both worlds: a soft homemade cookie and your favorite candy bar, baked into one delicious bite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Chill the dough. If you have time, pop it in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes before baking. It helps keep the cookies thick and chewy.
• Don’t overbake. These cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix evenly for the best texture.
• Press the Reese’s cups in gently. Too soon, and they’ll melt completely; too late, and they won’t stick. Timing is everything here.

Ingredients in Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s the magic of these cookies—they come together with a few everyday ingredients that somehow create pure happiness in cookie form. Let’s break it down:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives your cookies that perfect chewiness without being too dense.

Baking Soda: Helps your cookies puff up slightly and stay soft inside.

Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweetness and brings balance to the peanut butter richness.

Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled for that rich, nutty depth that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness and keeps your cookies soft and chewy for days.

White Granulated Sugar: Balances the flavor with a touch of crispness around the edges.

Pure Vanilla Extract: A little splash goes a long way in rounding out all the flavors.

Peanut Butter: The heart of this recipe. Go for creamy peanut butter that gives the dough that luscious, nutty aroma.

Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness for that classic cookie texture.

Mini Chocolate Chips: A little surprise in every bite, adding melty pockets of chocolate goodness.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The showstopper. Each cookie gets one, pressed right into the center while it’s still warm.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece.

Preheat Your Equipment:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and keeps the cookies from sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step keeps your dry ingredients evenly distributed, so your cookies bake perfectly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, beat together melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and slightly creamy. Add the vanilla extract and peanut butter, mixing until everything looks silky and combined.

Add the Eggs:

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should look rich and glossy at this stage.

Combine the Wet and Dry:

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips:

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Each scoop of dough should be studded with chocolate.

Scoop and Bake:

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft.

Add the Reese’s Cups:

Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, press one Reese’s cup into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooled (or slightly warm, if you can’t resist), dig in. The peanut butter and chocolate swirl together into the dreamiest bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 280
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas:

With a Glass of Milk: The classic move. Cold milk cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Party Platter: Arrange them on a festive plate for holidays or gatherings—these cookies always steal the spotlight.

Gift Jar: Stack them in a glass jar, tie with a ribbon, and give them as a homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies store beautifully, which means you can make them ahead of time without losing that fresh-baked magic.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
• Freeze the Dough: Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, and store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Store Baked Cookies: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked feel.

Variations to Try

• White Chocolate Lovers: Swap the milk chocolate Reese’s for white chocolate ones.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: For a bit of texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Drizzle It: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish.
• Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies using mini Reese’s cups for adorable party treats.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Save time by pre-measuring your ingredients.
• Use Quality Peanut Butter: The better the peanut butter, the richer the flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a little flair.
• Let Them Rest: Allow cookies to cool fully on the rack—this gives them the perfect chewy edge and soft middle.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter?
A1: Yes, but natural peanut butter can make the dough oilier. Stir it well before using and you may need to chill the dough a bit longer.

Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A2: Absolutely. It adds a fun texture and extra peanut flavor.

Q3: What can I use instead of Reese’s cups?
A3: Try other chocolate candies like Rolos or mini Snickers.

Q4: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A4: The edges should be light golden while the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q6: How do I keep them soft?
A6: Store them with a slice of bread in the container. The moisture keeps cookies tender.

Q7: Can I double the batch?
A7: Definitely. These cookies freeze well, so making extra is always a good idea.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A8: Pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

Q9: Can I use mini Reese’s instead?
A9: Yes, just press two or three into each cookie for a fun twist.

Q10: Can I add nuts or pretzels?
A10: Totally! Chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels add an amazing crunch and contrast.

Conclusion

There’s something special about these Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies. They’re nostalgic yet indulgent, simple yet impressive, and every bite brings that melt-in-your-mouth mix of chocolate and peanut butter we all secretly crave. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring quietly in your kitchen with a glass of milk and a smile.

Once you make them, you’ll see why they’re the kind of cookies people ask for again and again. So go ahead, grab your spatula and make a batch—because some moments deserve to be a little extra sweet.

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