Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for any peanut butter fan! Combining two types of peanut butter candies, these cookies deliver a rich and creamy flavor that’s irresistible. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, they remain soft and chewy for days. Plus, they’re easy to make, ensuring you’ll want to whip up a batch again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies maintain their softness, making them perfect for dunking or enjoying on their own.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create delicious cookies.
• Versatile Treats: Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones by letting them help with mixing and decorating!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make it easy to cream the butter and sugars together quickly without tiring your arms.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate your dry ingredients from your wet ones seamlessly.
• Cookie scoop: This ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1 1/4 cups halved Reese’s mini peanut butter cups, divided
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces, divided

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the honey and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and dry pudding mix. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candies

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, halved Reese’s mini peanut butter cups (reserve some for topping), and mini Reese’s Pieces (again reserving some) into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Sheet

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 36 dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Press remaining candies into the tops of each dough ball for an extra decorative touch.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once baked, let them rest on the hot sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to parchment paper to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are not just delicious on their own; they can be dressed up or served alongside various treats for an even more enjoyable experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of these delightful cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich filled with your favorite ice cream flavor. The warm cookies and cold ice cream make for a perfect dessert.

Stack with Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cookies alongside fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or bananas. The fruity freshness balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over your cookies before serving. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances their chocolatey goodness.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a dessert platter with other sweet treats like brownies, cake pops, and fruit tarts. This makes for an attractive display at gatherings.

How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfecting your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies is all about getting the right texture and flavor balance. Here are some tips to elevate your cookie game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape during baking.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven for optimal softness.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Serving side dishes with your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a perfect complement, offering a cool contrast to the warm cookies.

2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cookies adds richness and makes them even more decadent.

3. Fresh Berries: A mix of fresh berries adds a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors effectively.

4. Peanut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut butter dip goes hand-in-hand with these cookies, allowing diners to indulge in extra peanut buttery goodness.

5. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream can add a fluffy texture that pairs well with the denser cookie, creating a delightful mouthfeel.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits alongside these cookies for a balanced snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a few missteps while baking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Boldly skip measuring ingredients: Not using precise measurements can lead to cookie dough that’s too dry or too wet. Always use measuring cups for accuracy.
• Boldly overlook room temperature butter: Using cold butter will prevent the dough from mixing well. Make sure your butter is softened for optimal creaminess.
• Boldly rush the mixing process: Failing to mix thoroughly can result in uneven distribution of flavors. Take your time to ensure everything is combined well.
• Boldly ignore baking time: Overbaking or underbaking can ruin your cookies. Watch them closely; they should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
• Boldly skip cooling properly: Moving cookies too quickly can cause them to crumble. Let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring them to cool completely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Boldly use the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Boldly try the Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Boldly utilize the Stovetop: If you have a skillet, place a cookie on low heat for 1-2 minutes, covered, for a warm, gooey bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you might want to know about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies!

What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies chewy?

The combination of peanut butter and pudding mix helps retain moisture, resulting in chewy cookies.

Can I customize my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for different flavors, or even include dried fruits.

How do I know when my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden while the centers look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe is not inherently gluten-free but can be modified by using gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for any peanut butter enthusiast! Their soft and chewy texture makes them delightful treats any time of day. Customize with your favorite additions like nuts or different candies for an exciting twist!