Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then these cookies are a must-try! The combination of peanut butter cookie dough and a mini Reese’s cup on top creates the perfect bite of flavor. They’re soft and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crunch from the Reese’s cups. These cookies are easy to make, and their indulgent, sweet-and-salty taste will make them a hit at any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon milk
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18 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or more, depending on the size of cookies)
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Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the peanut butter mixture, and continue to beat until fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Gently press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie dough ball.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18-24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 10-12 minutes, making it an easy treat to prepare and bake.
Variations
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Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey touch, you can mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking.
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Use Chunky Peanut Butter: If you prefer a bit of crunch in your cookies, swap creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter for added texture.
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Make it Mini: For smaller cookies, you can use mini cookie dough balls and mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, making them perfect for bite-sized treats.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: For an added peanut butter punch, you can swirl in extra peanut butter into the cookie dough for a more peanut-buttery flavor throughout.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in the oven for a soft, warm treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a more textured cookie. Just keep in mind that it will affect the consistency and texture of the dough.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. You can bake them straight from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use regular-sized Reese’s cups?
While mini Reese’s cups work best for this recipe, you can use regular-sized Reese’s cups. Just cut them into smaller pieces and press them into the center of each dough ball.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
5. Can I make these cookies without the Reese’s cups?
While Reese’s cups are a key part of this recipe, you can substitute with chocolate chips or peanut butter chips if you prefer a simpler cookie.
6. Can I add other ingredients to the cookie dough?
Feel free to experiment with adding other mix-ins like toffee bits, crushed pretzels, or M&M’s to give your cookies a fun twist.
7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake as usual.
8. How can I make these cookies even more indulgent?
For an extra treat, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate or dip them halfway in chocolate for a double chocolate-peanut butter experience.
9. Can I use other nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly depending on the type of nut butter you use.
10. How do I store these cookies for gifting?
To store these cookies for gifting, stack them in a decorative tin or airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate combination of two classic flavors—peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and the surprise of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in every bite, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just as a treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 18-24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious treat combining creamy peanut butter and chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie. Topped with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Ideal for any occasion, they’re easy to make and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon milk
- 18 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or more, depending on the size of cookies)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream the butter and peanut butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the peanut butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
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Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Shape the dough: Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Press in the Reese’s cups: Gently press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each dough ball.
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Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
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Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Variations: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey treat.Use chunky peanut butter for added texture if you prefer crunch in your cookies.Mini or regular Reese’s cups: You can use mini Reese’s cups for the best fit, or cut regular-sized ones into smaller pieces.Make it mini: Use smaller dough balls and mini Reese’s cups for bite-sized treats.Peanut butter swirl: For a stronger peanut butter flavor, swirl extra peanut butter into the dough.
