Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies is a delightful dessert known for its soft, chewy texture and irresistible peanut butter chocolate combo. Inspired by classic bakery-style thumbprint cookies, this modern version combines creamy peanut butter dough and mini Reese’s cups to create a cozy, nostalgic treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With easy, step-by-step instructions, anyone can make this recipe at home and impress family and friends with bakery-quality results.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies recipe stands out for its simplicity, bold peanut butter flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of warm peanut butter dough and soft, chocolatey Reese’s cups makes it perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, lunchbox treats, or cozy nights when you just need something sweet. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe guarantees impressive results every time. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

All Ingredients You’ll Ever Need

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies

Special Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and sugar, then beat until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and fragrant with warm peanut butter aroma.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture and stir until a soft, pliable dough forms. The dough should feel slightly sticky but easy to roll.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into even balls and place them onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Gently roll each mound between your palms to create smooth dough balls. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite when they bake up perfectly round.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops look set and lightly crackled. The cookies should still be soft in the center, which gives them their signature chewy texture.

Step 5: Press in the Reese’s Cups
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie slightly melts the chocolate, creating a glossy, dreamy finish that is a total game changer.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to set. The chocolate will firm slightly as it cools, giving you that perfect soft cookie with a chocolate peanut butter center.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

• Serve warm for the softest, meltiest bite.
• Present on a simple white plate to let the cookies shine.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky salt for an elevated touch.
• For an elegant twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops.

Extra Tips for Best Results

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest dough texture.
• Do not overbake. Removing the cookies while slightly underdone keeps them chewy.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Variations You Can Try

• Swap mini Reese’s cups for chocolate kisses for a different flavor profile.
• Roll dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
• Add chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.

FAQ’s – 10 Most Common Questions About Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?

A: Natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily and crumbly. Stick to creamy, shelf stable peanut butter for best results.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, portion the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1 extra minute.

Q3: How do I keep the cookies soft?

A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture helps maintain softness.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully with no adjustments needed.

Q5: Why did my cookies spread too much?

A: The dough may have been too warm. Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Q6: Do I need to unwrap the Reese’s cups ahead of time?

A: Yes, unwrap them before baking so you can press them into the cookies while still warm.

Q7: Can I use a stand mixer?

A: Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly and makes the process even easier.

Q8: How long do these cookies stay fresh?

A: They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

A: You can, but the cookies may not be as smooth. It does add a fun texture if you enjoy a little crunch.

Q10: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

A: Yes, adding half a cup of chocolate chips creates a richer chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Cookies is a show stopping dessert that is surprisingly simple to make yet visually stunning. With its soft, chewy texture and rich peanut butter chocolate center, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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