Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Craving a dessert that’s packed with peanut butter and chocolate in every bite? These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter!

Imagine soft, chewy cookies with the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate, each one filled with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The gooey chocolate and smooth peanut butter make these cookies a must-have indulgence!

These cookies are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and rich flavors, and they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday treat, a special gift, or just a sweet snack to enjoy yourself!

Ready to bake up these irresistible treats? Let’s make some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and enjoy a rich, peanut buttery, chocolatey snack today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Peanut Butter Lovers’ Favorite: These cookies bring out the full flavor of creamy peanut butter with every bite.
• Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Centers: Thanks to the Reese’s inside, the middle stays gooey and rich.
• No-Fuss Dough: Simple pantry ingredients, no chilling required (but optional if you want thicker cookies).
• Perfect for Sharing: These always disappear fast at bake sales, parties, and family gatherings.
• Fun Twist on a Classic: It’s a soft peanut butter cookie — but with a surprise chocolate center.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Servings:
Makes about 24 cookies (depends on how big you scoop them)

Difficulty:
Easy — beginner-friendly, no special tools needed

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients for the Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. (Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card at the end.)

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of the cookie — make sure it’s not the natural, oily kind.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and just the right texture.
• Butter (softened): For that soft, rich cookie crumb.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The candy surprise baked into the center of each cookie.

Variations for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy for crunchy if you like a little texture in your cookie dough.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra sweet finish.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor throughout.
• Try White Chocolate Reese’s: Substitute with white chocolate Reese’s mini cups for a fun twist.
• Make It a Cookie Bar: Press the dough into a square baking pan, press the Reese’s into the dough, and bake as bars instead of individual cookies.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix.

6. Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly. Press a mini Reese’s cup in the center, then wrap the dough around it to fully cover the candy. Roll into a ball.

7. Bake

Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers might look slightly soft — that’s okay.

8. Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies are rich, soft, and full of peanut butter flavor. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With a Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing.
• As a Dessert Platter: Stack them on a plate for parties, bake sales, or movie nights.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
• Holiday Gift Bags: These cookies make great additions to homemade cookie boxes or festive tins.

Storing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

At Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft longer.

In the Freezer:
You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls:

• Baked Cookies: Let cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Dough Balls: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to bake time.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temp Butter and Eggs: This helps the dough mix evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: Take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still a bit soft.
• Use Good-Quality Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter that separates.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.
• Unwrap Reese’s Ahead of Time: Prep the mini cups before mixing dough so you can assemble faster.

Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4.5g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	105mg
Total Carbohydrate	21g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	13g
Protein	3g

Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies FAQs

Can I use full-size Reese’s cups?
They’re a bit too big for regular cookies. Stick with minis unless making cookie bars.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can give you thicker cookies.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended — the oil separation affects dough consistency and bake quality.

How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden. The centers may still look soft but will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a peanut butter dream — soft, chewy, and filled with a surprise chocolate center. They’re a hit every time I make them and always bring smiles to the table.