The moment I pulled my first batch of these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies from the oven, I knew I’d struck gold. It was a rainy Sunday, and the craving for that perfect sweet-salty peanut butter and chocolate combo hit hard. As I mixed the dough, my kitchen filled with the warm, nutty scent of roasting peanuts and melting butter. Pressing the chocolate cups into the hot cookies created a satisfying sizzle. That first bite, still slightly warm, with the gooey chocolate center and the crumbly, rich cookie, was pure bliss. It felt like I’d captured the soul of a Reese’s cup in cookie form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love this recipe because it delivers the iconic Reese’s flavor in a soft, decadent cookie that’s surprisingly simple to make. It satisfies that deep peanut butter craving with a cookie that’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet, with a tender crumb and a molten chocolate heart. They look impressively professional, like something from a fancy bakery, but come together with just one bowl and a handful of ingredients. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear from any cookie tray and make you a legend at any potluck or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (use a standard brand like Jif or Skippy, not natural)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (trust me, do not skip this!)
- 1 bag (about 36) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, unwrapped
Let’s talk ingredients, because a few choices are crucial. The type of peanut butter is everything. You must use a conventional, shelf-stable creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. I tried this once with natural peanut butter, and the oils separated, resulting in a greasy, spread-out mess. The stabilized fats in regular peanut butter are key to the perfect texture. The brown sugar is also non-negotiable—it adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that white sugar alone can’t provide. And that half teaspoon of salt? It cuts the sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor absolutely sing. It’s the secret to a truly addictive cookie.(See the next page below to continue…)