Indulge in Decadence with Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s
If your heart flutters at the thought of warm, freshly baked cookies emanating the inviting scent of roasted peanuts, then it’s time you treat yourself to these irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s! The combination of creamy peanut butter and velvety chocolate is a dream come true for any sweet tooth. Imagine biting into a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, gooey center, bursting with chunks of Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces—pure bliss on a plate. This nostalgic recipe is quick to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat at home. Every bite will transport you back to childhood memories filled with sweet treats and laughter, making it a delightful choice for the young and young-at-heart.
What’s Your Favorite Childhood Cookie Memory?
Remember the joy of baking with family or sneaking cookies from the cooling rack when no one was looking? Now, imagine transforming that childhood ritual into a fun-filled baking adventure with these Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s. Picture the delighted squeals from the kids (or even adults!) as they explore the ooey-gooey goodness of warm peanut butter cookies studded with everyone’s favorite candy. When was the last time you indulged in a treat that made you feel this good?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s are the perfect combination of nostalgia and indulgence. With easy prep and minimal ingredients, they’re approachable for bakers of all experience levels. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, no one will be left feeling discouraged.
- Crowd-Pleaser: They’re sure to please kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate?
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making it a go-to recipe on busy days.
- Quick Baking Time: In just under 15 minutes, your kitchen can be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Ingredients
Gather these indulgent ingredients to create your tantalizing Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s:
- Butter, softened: Rich and creamy, it brings that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Light brown sugar, soft and fresh: This adds a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the cookie’s texture.
- Granulated sugar: The white sugar creates that perfect crispy edge that complements the soft center.
- Egg, large: This binds everything together, giving the cookies a fluffy feel.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Smooth and rich, it delivers that luscious peanut flavor.
- Vanilla extract, pure: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that elevates the entire batch.
- All-purpose flour, sifted: Essential for that perfect cookie structure.
- Baking soda, fresh: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and airy.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These delightful chunks provide melty bursts of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Mini Reese’s Pieces: For an extra crunch of sweetness in every bite.
Timing
These Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s strike the perfect balance between fast and indulgent. From start to finish, you’re looking at a quick 20-minute commitment, making this recipe ideal for spontaneous cravings or a last-minute dessert surprise. It may seem like a simple treat, but the flavors and textures are anything but basic; they create a luxurious cookie experience that satisfies your deepest dessert desires.
Step-by-Step
Follow this simple yet enticing process to create your Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s:
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown and granulated sugars until light, pale, and fluffy—about three minutes.
Add the wet ingredients: Crack in the large egg, and pour in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the sifted all-purpose flour and fresh baking soda over the mixture. Mix on low speed until no dry flour remains; it’ll look beautifully textured.
Fold in the peanut buttery goodness: Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Mini Reese’s Pieces for those irresistible, gooey pockets of flavor.
Scoop and prepare for baking: Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a baking sheet, leaving ample space for them to spread. Top with a few extra Reese’s Pieces for an eye-catching finish.
Bake to golden perfection: Place the pan into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. This ensures that gooey goodness we all crave.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The suspense will be worth it!
Nutritional Information
Each decadent Peanut Butter Cookie with Reese’s contains approximately 120 calories, though indulging in a second cookie may not be uncommon. While they’re certainly a delightful treat, moderation is key. Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk creates a mouthwatering contrast that makes each bite even more enjoyable.
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to lighten up the recipe, consider these healthier alternatives:
- Low-sugar: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce calorie counts.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine instead of butter to keep them creamy but dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s are delicious on their own but can also be elevated with a few serving suggestions. Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an ultra-indulgent dessert. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays, office parties, or packed school lunches. The kids will adore them, and adults will appreciate the nostalgia!
Common Mistakes
A few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect cookies:
Overbaking: If you leave them in the oven too long, your cookies may end up dry instead of soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them—edges should be golden while centers remain soft.
Texture issues: For a crumblier cookie, ensure you’re mixing the ingredients just enough to combine but not overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
Messes: Measure and prep your ingredients before starting to avoid any last-minute scrambles and spills.
Storing Tips
Your delicious cookies deserve to be stored properly. Here are some easy tips:
Freezing portions: Place individual or several cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can freeze well for up to three months.
Reheating instructions: For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, simply microwave the cookie for 10-15 seconds to soften it just before enjoyment.
Temptation to Bake It ASAP
So why wait? These Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s are calling your name! Not only will they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also bring back that nostalgic feeling of warmth and joy, making them the perfect reason to gather around the kitchen. With fast prep times and the promise of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, it’s time to get baking and indulge in a batch. Your future self will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can add an extra dimension to the texture of your cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough isn’t necessary, but it can enhance the flavors and reduce spreading if you prefer.
Can I use different candies, or is it strictly Reese’s?
Feel free to mix it up! You can use other chocolate candies such as M&M’s or chopped chocolate bars for variety.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough mixing space to combine all the ingredients effectively.
Enjoy your baking adventure with this Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s recipe—it’s a guaranteed winner!
Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese's
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup Butter, softened Rich and creamy
- 1 cup Light brown sugar, soft and fresh Adds a subtle molasses flavor
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Creates the perfect crispy edge
- 1 large Egg Binds the ingredients together
- 1 cup Creamy peanut butter Star ingredient for peanut flavor
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract, pure Elevates the aroma
- 2 cups All-purpose flour, sifted Essential for cookie structure
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda, fresh Helps cookies rise
- 1/2 cup Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Provides melty bursts of flavor
- 1/2 cup Mini Reese's Pieces Adds crunch and sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown and granulated sugars until light, pale, and fluffy—about three minutes.
- Crack in the large egg, and pour in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Sprinkle the sifted all-purpose flour and fresh baking soda over the mixture. Mix on low speed until no dry flour remains.
- Gently fold in the mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Mini Reese's Pieces.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
