Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

My sweet-toothed adventure with Reese’s peanut butter cup cookies began during a lazy weekend baking experiment.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts hearts instantly.

Friends always request this nostalgic treat whenever we gather.

Soft, chewy cookies studded with chopped candy pieces promise pure indulgence.

Decadent chocolate chips complement the classic peanut butter flavor perfectly.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll be amazed how quickly these cookies disappear from the plate.

Dive in and let deliciousness guide your baking journey.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – Irresistibly Chocolatey

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These cookies guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings or potluck parties.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful peanut butter chocolate cookies in a flash.
• Irresistible Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate creates an unbeatable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Using a mini muffin pan ensures uniform shape and eliminates the need for complex shaping or cutting, making the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients to Create Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds moisture and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter: Provides a classic nutty flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a soft, chewy texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness.

• Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Creates the base structure of the cookie and helps it rise and develop a perfect texture.
• Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: The star topping that adds a delicious chocolate and peanut butter burst to each cookie.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cookies at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (177C).

This will create the perfect baking environment for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Use a mixer or whisk to create a rich, velvety mixture that will make your cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

• Vanilla extract
• Egg

Mix thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir just until the ingredients are married together – don’t overmix!

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies

Roll the dough into cute little balls.

Nestle each ball into a greased mini muffin pan, giving them just enough space to become magical.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Watch for those golden edges that signal deliciousness is about to happen.

Step 6: Crown Your Cookies

Pull the pan from the oven.

Quickly press a mini Reeses cup right into the center of each warm cookie.

The chocolate will start to melt slightly, creating a heavenly moment.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Allow your cookies to chill in the pan for a few minutes.

Then transfer them to a cooling rack to set completely.

Resist the temptation to devour immediately – though it will be hard!

Tips for Melty, Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Don't overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender and moist.
• Press Reese's cups immediately after baking while cookies are still warm for perfect melting and smooth appearance.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent cookie balls for even baking.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze dough balls for future baking.

Cookie Variations with Extra Reese’s Flavors

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select vegan-friendly chocolate peanut butter cups for a plant-based alternative.
• Almond Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile, keeping the cookie structure intact.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delicious taste.

Serving Reese’s Cookies for Dessert Buffets

• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create an eye-catching display with various chocolate and peanut butter cookies, showcasing these Reeses treats as the centerpiece.
• Chilled Delight: Refrigerate cookies for a firmer texture, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter combination, perfect for summer gatherings.
• Ice Cream Companion: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream, letting the warm cookie melt the cold scoop for a decadent dessert experience.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package cookies in clear gift bags with ribbons, making them a delightful homemade present for friends and family during holidays.

Keeping Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Soft and Chewy

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each row. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent Reese's cups from melting.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Prepare unbaked cookie dough balls, arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store frozen dough for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time.

FAQs

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies and still taste delicious.

• How do I prevent the Reese's cups from melting completely?

Press the Reese’s cups gently into the warm cookies right after baking, but not too deep. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate without completely destroying the shape.

• What if I don't have a mini muffin pan?

You can use a regular baking sheet and make traditional drop cookies. Just flatten the dough slightly and place Reese’s cups on top after baking.