Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delightful combination of a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie with a rich Reese’s cup nestled in the center. These mini treats are quick to make using a mini muffin pan, creating perfectly shaped cookie cups. The combination of creamy peanut butter and the chocolatey Reese’s candy makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Ideal for parties, gift-giving, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate is still soft. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet irresistible for everyone.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies combine the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter cookies with a rich, chocolatey Reese’s cup center. This simple yet decadent recipe starts with a classic peanut butter cookie dough made with butter, sugar, and creamy peanut butter. The dough is rolled into small balls and baked in a mini muffin tin, creating a perfect shape to nestle the Reese’s cup once they come out of the oven. These soft and chewy cookies are a favorite for parties, gift boxes, or simply as a treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
INGREDIENTS
- Butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for a rich and soft cookie base
- Creamy peanut butter: 1/2 cup, adds smooth peanut flavor
- Sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetness and slight crispness
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, adds moisture and depth of flavor
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp, enhances overall flavor
- Egg: 1 large, binds the dough
- Flour: 1 1/2 cups, to form the structure of the cookies
- Baking powder: 3/4 tsp, helps with slight rise
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, balances sweetness
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups: 1 (11 oz) bag, for the irresistible center
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Cream together softened butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Step 2:
- Mix in vanilla extract and egg until well incorporated. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
- Step 3:
- Roll the dough into small balls and place each in a greased mini muffin pan.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Remove from the oven and quickly press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each cookie.
- Step 6:
- Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
- Best enjoyed slightly warm for gooey chocolate centers.
Helpful Notes
- Gently press Reese’s cups into cookies while still warm for optimal melting.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Jamie recommends chilling the dough briefly to reduce spreading.
Why These Cookies Are Irresistible
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a perfect treat for those who crave the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. Baked to perfection and filled with gooey Reese’s centers, these cookies offer a delicious mix of soft, chewy textures and bursts of flavor that make them unforgettable.
FAQs
Can I substitute mini Reese’s cups?
Yes, other chocolate candies work well too, such as chocolate kisses or mini peanut butter cups.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Not necessarily, but it helps control spreading if the kitchen is warm.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, for added texture, crunchy peanut butter can be used.
How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Summary
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies bring together the unbeatable duo of peanut butter and chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie cup. Perfect for quick baking sessions, the cookie dough is easy to prepare with a simple blend of butter, peanut butter, sugar, and egg, enriched with flour, baking powder, and a hint of vanilla. Baked in a mini muffin pan, the cookies achieve a perfect cup shape, allowing a Reese’s cup to be pressed into the warm center immediately after baking. This creates a gooey, chocolatey core that makes these treats stand out. Delicious warm or at room temperature, they’re perfect for holiday trays, parties, or just as an everyday indulgence. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.