If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate, then Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Cups are sure to become your new favorite treat. These cookies marry the best of both worlds: the classic, soft and chewy peanut butter cookie infused with chunks of iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra punch of chocolate-peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Cups Are a Must-Try
Peanut butter cookies have long been a staple in the cookie world. Their perfect balance of salty and sweet, along with a tender but slightly chewy texture, makes them beloved by many. But add Reese’s Cups into the mix, and the cookie transforms into something extraordinary.
Reese’s Cups bring a creamy peanut butter filling wrapped in smooth milk chocolate, perfectly complementing the cookie dough’s flavor and texture. When baked inside a warm peanut butter cookie, the candy pieces soften slightly, creating pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter that elevate every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these decadent peanut butter cookies with Reese’s Cups, you’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 6 standard cups)
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in Reese’s Pieces
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, making sure they are evenly distributed but not over-mixed to prevent the candy from melting prematurely.
7. Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
8. Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set perfectly while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 120mg
These numbers can vary depending on the exact brands and size of your cookies.
Presentation Ideas
Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Cups are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Gift Wrap: Stack a few cookies in a decorative tin or clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a perfect homemade gift.
- Serve with Milk: These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange alongside other classic cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles for a festive cookie tray.
You can even garnish a few cookies with a mini Reese’s Cup pressed gently on top before baking for an extra eye-catching touch.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie
- Chop Reese’s Cups Coarsely: Larger pieces create gooey pockets of chocolate and peanut butter inside the cookie, giving the best texture contrast.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, take them out as soon as the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Chill Your Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies thick and tender.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures everything blends smoothly for the best texture.
Variations and Enhancements
- Add Chocolate Chips: For double the chocolate, add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the Reese’s cups.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of creamy peanut butter on top of each cookie dough ball before baking for an extra creamy bite.
- Salt Sprinkle: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor balance.
Why These Cookies Are a Crowd Favorite
Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Cups are more than just a cookie—they’re a celebration of two beloved flavors that everyone knows and loves. Their rich peanut butter base combined with the melty chocolate and peanut butter filling from the Reese’s Cups makes them incredibly indulgent and satisfying.
They’re perfect for:
- Family gatherings and holidays
- Bake sales and classroom parties
- A cozy night in or an after-school snack
Because these cookies are straightforward to make and use familiar ingredients, they’re a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate enthusiast—or both—Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Cups are a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The cookies balance richness and sweetness beautifully, with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
The next time you want to wow your friends, family, or yourself with a simple yet decadent cookie, give this recipe a try. You’ll find yourself coming back to these cookies again and again.
So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and prepare to bake the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience!