There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate that always hits the spot. These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with those beloved peanut butter cups. With a delightful swirl of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chunks, every bite will transport you to dessert heaven. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees scrumptious results. Get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies that will leave everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the delicious end result; it offers a treasure trove of benefits that make it a must-try for anyone craving a sweet treat.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
- Perfect for Beginners: With its simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve cookie perfection.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies. They are perfect for bake sales, school lunches, or just an afternoon snack.
- Economical: Made with everyday ingredients, these cookies won’t break the bank, making this treat both delicious and budget-friendly.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to match your tastes or dietary needs, making every batch uniquely yours.
The Necessary Ingredients
Before you dive into baking, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (optional)
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred because it allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe. If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth and uniform batter. You can substitute it with crunchy peanut butter for added texture or even almond butter for a different flavor profile.
- Flour: All-purpose flour yields the best results, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for better binding.
How to Prepare the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Step by Step
Ready to create cookie magic? Follow these easy steps for perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies every time.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step—ensuring your cookies bake evenly and rise perfectly.
- Pro Tip: A preheated oven helps cookies bake properly. Avoid opening the oven to check too often, as this can lower the temperature and affect baking.
- Mix the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix well and could lead to a lumpy batter.
- Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, which makes cookies tender.
- Pro Tip: Creaming the sugars well is key. Aim for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a pale color.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract just until combined.
- Pro Tip: Add the eggs one at a time for better incorporation. This helps maintain structure in your cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Pro Tip: Whisking the dry ingredients together helps distribute the baking soda evenly, ensuring consistent cookie texture.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Stir just until you don’t see any flour—this keeps the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Reese’s: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s if using.
- Pro Tip: Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking for a more appealing presentation.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Pro Tip: If you want a more uniform size, use a cookie scoop.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
- Pro Tip: The cookies will continue to cook a bit from residual heat after removing them from the oven, so don’t overbake!
- Cool Down: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pro Tip: Cooling them on a wire rack prevents sogginess, allowing air circulation around the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your snack time a bit?
Perfect Pairings
- Milk: A classic pairing! Whether it’s dairy, almond, or oat milk, it always complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- Coffee or Latte: The bitterness of coffee with a sugary cookie creates a perfect balance.
- Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Occasions
- Weeknight Treat: Baking a batch after dinner can become a comforting tradition.
- Parties and Gatherings: These cookies are a hit at birthday parties, potlucks, and holidays.
- Lunchbox Treats: Great for school lunches; your kids will be the envy of their classmates!
Serving Tips
- Cookie Sandwiches: Try adding a dollop of frosting or ice cream between two cookies for a special treat.
- Decorate: Add drizzles of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking for extra flair.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, follow these simple storage tips:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Type of Container: Use a plastic or glass container, layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Frozen
- If Possible: Yes! You can freeze the cookies to preserve them.
- Packaging: Layer cookies between parchment paper in a zip-locked freezer bag.
- Defrosting: Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
- Best Method: To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your cookies turn out exactly as you’d hoped, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Just mix enough to incorporate the flour to ensure a soft texture.
- Check your oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure your cookies bake just right.
- Use good-quality chocolate: The chocolate in your cookies can make a big difference in flavor, so opt for high-quality brands.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- For a Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor, or 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a surprising spice note.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use vegan butter.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe, nut-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My cookies came out completely dry; what did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is usually the culprit! Cookies should be set on the edges but slightly soft in the center. Start checking them a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer to a baking bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adjusting time as necessary.
Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A: You can make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) or simply use all granulated sugar.
Q: How can I make my cookies chewier?
A: The addition of an extra egg yolk or using more brown sugar instead of granulated sugar promotes chewiness in cookies.
Q: Can I replace the chocolate chips with something else?
A: Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts for added crunch.
Q: What’s the best way to keep my cookies soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will keep the cookies soft.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
A: Yes! Feel free to add in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or coconut for an exciting twist.
Now that you have everything you need to make delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s time to get baking! Indulge in their delightful flavors and share the sweetness with your family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth batter.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs Add eggs one at a time for better incorporation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensures proper rising of the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Omit if using salted butter.
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate Reserve some for decoration if desired.
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups Optional ingredient for extra peanut butter flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s, if using.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.