Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves that heavenly combination of peanut butter and chocolate. If you’re like me, you probably have fond memories of snacking on these delicious delights. There’s just something special about soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, especially when packed with bits of chocolatey goodness. That rich flavor mixed with the nostalgic charm of Reese’s cups makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a friend’s get-together, or simply indulging yourself at home, this recipe is easy to follow and promises delightful cookies every time. Let’s round up our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies!

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Why This Recipe Works

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies blend the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and the nostalgia of a childhood favorite. Their chewy texture combined with the melty goodness of Reese’s cups not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates an emotional connection, making them a treat that transcends generations. The use of both mini and full-sized Reese’s ensures a delightful surprise in every bite, making each cookie a memorable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are not just tasty; they’re a celebration of flavors that capture the essence of comfort. Perfect for sharing during gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this recipe guarantees soft, chewy cookies that remain delicious for days. With minimal effort and maximum joy, you’ll find yourself reaching for one (or two) every time.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) bag mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 18 full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

The Preparation Process

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfect baking!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together and set aside, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter along with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it creates that smooth base we’re going for.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in one large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. The vanilla adds a lovely aroma and flavor!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Continue mixing until the cookie dough forms. This dough should be thick and a little sticky.

Add Mini Reese’s Cups

Gently fold in the bag of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Those little pieces will create pockets of joy in every cookie!

Form Cookies

Using your hands, scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the dough to form balls. Gently flatten the balls into a disk shape and place them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s adequate space between each. Remember, these cookies spread a little while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as overbaking can dry them out.

Add Full-Size Peanut Butter Cups

As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a full-sized Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie, allowing it to melt slightly. This melt-in-your-mouth goodness is definitely a highlight!

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging. It’s worth the wait, I promise!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delectable cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters, cookie exchanges, and parties. Imagine the smiles they’ll bring!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overbake the cookies to maintain their soft texture.

Variations

• Substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy for extra texture.
• Add chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for an additional crunch.

Storage Tips

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag, ensuring you can enjoy them later!

Pairing Ideas

These cookies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for those with a sweet tooth. The combination creates a dessert experience that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly. Ensure it’s well-stirred before measuring.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. What can I use instead of Reese’s cups?
You can substitute with any other chocolate candy or even chocolate chips.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

5. How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set but centers that still look a little soft. They’ll continue to cook while cooling.

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to delight your friends, family, and even yourself! With creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate all fused into a soft, chewy cookie, they evoke warm memories and create new ones. Bake a batch today and share the joy!

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