Kickstart your baking adventure with these irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cookies. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are a dream come true for any dessert lover. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Using Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups adds a surprise element that elevates the cookie experience.
- The dough is easy to work with, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- These cookies have a soft center with a slightly crispy edge, offering the best of both textures.
- They’re versatile, allowing for various additions and substitutions to suit any taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Tip: For even baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated before the cookies go in.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Incorporating air here is key for that perfect cookie texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a smooth, uniform dough. Tip: Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Fold in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the dough. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Tip: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to set.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use high-quality peanut butter and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The better the ingredients, the better the cookies. If you’re a fan of texture, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. For a gooier center, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet out of the oven. Storing these cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to a week, or you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for other candy like Snickers or Milky Way for a different flavor profile.
- Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey experience.
- For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by a quarter cup.
- Incorporate oats into the dough for a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cookies. Just keep in mind that the consistency of the dough might be slightly different, so you may need to adjust the flour amount if the dough seems too wet.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh, as it can lose its potency over time, affecting the cookies’ rise.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for a vegan version. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Summary
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter. Easy to make and customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion. Follow the tips and variations to make them your own, and enjoy the delicious results.