If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, brace yourself for a treat that’s about to blow your taste buds away. Imagine a thick, chewy cookie loaded with mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and at its core, a gooey, melty Reese’s cup surprise. Yes, dreams do come true with these Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Perfect for any chocolate aficionado, these cookies are the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- About 5 standard Reese’s cups, chopped
- 15-16 Reese’s cups for center of the cookies
- Sea salt for garnish
Directions:
Prepare Reese’s Cups:
Place 15-16 peanut butter cups in the freezer to harden. This step ensures they retain their shape during baking.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for achieving that ideal chewy texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla, mixing well to combine all the flavors seamlessly.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups for that extra burst of flavor in every bite.
Form Cookie Dough Balls:
Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to create 15 large dough balls and a 1-tablespoon scoop for 15 smaller ones. Press each large dough ball flat, place a frozen Reese’s cup in the center, and cover with a smaller dough ball, sealing the edges to form a large dough ball.
Bake:
Place the dough balls about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt and extra mini chocolate chips for garnish.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in your cookies.
Q2: How should I store these cookies?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days for maximum freshness.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them as needed.
Q4: What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
A4: They are best served warm with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Chef’s Advice
Freezing the Reese’s cups before baking is a game-changer. It prevents the peanut butter cups from melting too quickly, ensuring a delightful gooey center that contrasts perfectly with the chewy cookie exterior.
The Perfect Texture: Chewy Meets Gooey
Achieving the perfect texture in cookies can be a challenge, but these Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies strike a perfect balance. The exterior is just the right amount of crispy while the interior remains soft and chewy, thanks to the combination of sugars and the quick baking time. The frozen Reese’s cups create a gooey, molten center that takes these cookies to the next level.
Flavor Explosion: A Symphony of Tastes
These cookies are a true flavor explosion. The buttery dough combined with the richness of peanut butter creates a smooth, savory base. The addition of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures that every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness. The chopped Reese’s cups add an extra layer of indulgence, and the sea salt garnish enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies irresistible.
Easy Baking Tips for Success
To ensure success, follow these simple tips. First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth, creamy texture when combined with sugars. Secondly, don’t skip freezing the Reese’s cups; it’s crucial for maintaining their shape. Finally, do not overbake; these cookies should be soft when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you’re in luck. The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat Worth Every Bite
These Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they are an experience. From the moment you bite into the chewy cookie and reach the gooey Reese’s center, you’ll know you’ve found your new favorite dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!