If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are made for you. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter flavor, making them a perfect treat for dessert, snacks, or holiday baking. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up these irresistible cookies at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined. Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, ready for the addition of your chocolate-peanut candies.
Step 3: Adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Chop the Reese’s peanut butter cups into small pieces and fold them into the cookie dough. Make sure the chocolate-peanut pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dough so that each cookie has a perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate. This step ensures that every bite delivers the signature Reese’s flavor you love.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For the classic peanut butter cookie look, gently press each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern. This step not only flattens the cookies for even baking but also gives them that iconic design.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking, as you want the cookies to stay chewy. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter – It ensures smooth mixing and a tender cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing the dough can make cookies dense rather than soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
- Cut your peanut butter cups evenly – Small, even pieces prevent pockets of too much chocolate in one cookie.
- Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt – A pinch of sea salt on top enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a fun addition to cookie platters, parties, or gift boxes during the holidays. You can even sandwich them with chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for an indulgent twist.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and you’ll have fresh-tasting cookies anytime.
Variations and Fun Twists
- Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base.
- Mini Reese’s Cookies – Use mini peanut butter cups for smaller bite-sized treats.
- Nutty Addition – Fold in chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Drizzle Finish – Top cooled cookies with melted chocolate or peanut butter for extra flair.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate-peanut goodness, they’re simple to make yet impressive to serve. Whether it’s a casual snack, a special dessert, or a holiday cookie, these treats are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every single cookie!