Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the beloved taste of Reese’s. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a unique flavor that will impress friends and family alike. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and chunks of chocolatey goodness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and Reese’s creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Quick and Easy: These cookies can be made in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Simple enough for kids to help make, turning baking into a fun family activity.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie is soft yet chewy, making them hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to blend ingredients smoothly without tiring your arms.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are soft cookies full of peanut butter and Reese’s. These cookies will melt in your mouth!

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (212 grams)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (4 ounces, room temperature)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (200 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (6 grams)
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (163 grams)

For Mix-Ins

• 2 cups quartered miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (295 grams)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (86 grams)

For Garnish

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (for drizzling, optional)

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butters

In a stand mixer, beat together the creamy peanut butter and salted butter until well blended.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs

Beat in the dark brown sugar, along with the baking soda, and baking powder. Then add in the large egg and mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined. Gently stir in the quartered miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups and mini chocolate chips.

Step 5: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough about 1 ½ inches thick (approximately 58 grams) onto parchment-lined cookie sheets.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Press down lightly on each dough ball with a glass dipped in sugar. This will give your cookies a better shape since they don’t spread much while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

If you wish to add a chocolate drizzle, microwave the chocolate chips in a bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir well, then continue microwaving in intervals of 10 seconds until melted.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Allow it to set before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Milk

• A classic choice, serving these cookies with a glass of cold milk enhances the peanut butter flavor and provides a nice balance.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• For a fun twist, sandwich your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies between scoops of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the soft cookies perfectly.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• Elevate your cookies by drizzling them with melted chocolate sauce. This adds an extra layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will enjoy.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.

Create a Cookie Platter

• Arrange your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies on a platter with other baked treats. This makes for an enticing dessert table at parties.

Enjoy with Coffee

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfecting your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding flour, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is accurately preheating at 375ºF; this ensures even baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Store Properly: To keep them fresh, store cooked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Milkshake: A rich milkshake complements the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy contrast to the soft, cookie texture.
5. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola made with nuts for added texture and taste alongside your cookies.
6. Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: For serious peanut butter fans, serve brownies topped with mini Reese’s cups as an ultimate dessert combo.
7. Coffee Cake: The flavors of coffee cake pair well with cookies, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies can be fun and rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially with flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you find your dough too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make scooping easier and improve texture.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at a lower temperature can result in undercooked centers, while a higher temperature may overbake the edges.
• Not using parchment paper: Using parchment or a silicone mat helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. Skip this, and you risk losing some cookies to the pan!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Just be aware that it may alter the overall consistency slightly.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies by adding more mini chocolate chips or using different types of chocolate.

How should I store remaining cookie dough?

Wrap any unused cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or customizing them with additional mix-ins, they are sure to please everyone. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore different variations—your taste buds will thank you!