What happens when you combine peanut butter, chocolate chips and Reese’s pieces in one cookie? Pure magic. These easy homemade treats are perfect for a weeknight dessert, featuring a rich peanut butter dough and gooey chocolate centers. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert night.

Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Imagine the perfect combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and crunch all in one delicious cookie. Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the surprising delight of a Reese’s peanut butter cup hidden inside. This creative twist on traditional cookies is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal special ingredients and effort, making it perfect for a fun baking afternoon with family or a quick treat to impress friends.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the peanut butter dough, chocolate chips, and the Reese’s center creates a cookie that is both familiar and excitingly new.
• The ease of preparation means that anyone can make these, from beginners looking to impress to experienced bakers seeking a fun project.
• Despite the impressive presentation and flavor profile, these cookies require minimal effort and specialized equipment, making them accessible to all.

Key Ingredients

To make these decadent cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, creamy peanut butter is the base of the cookie dough, providing richness and depth of flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness and texture. The star of the show, however, is the Reese’s peanut butter cups, which are nestled inside each cookie, providing a delightful surprise. Other necessary ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. For those looking for substitutions, almond butter or other nut butters can replace peanut butter, and different types of chocolate chips can be used based on personal preference.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from spreading too much. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Step 3: To assemble the cookies, scoop out a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly into a disk shape. Place a Reese’s peanut butter cup in the center of the dough disk. Take another tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and use it to cover the peanut butter cup, sealing the edges together to enclose the Reese’s cup. Place the stuffed cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
4. Step 4: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour if you find it too sticky to handle, which can help in making the dough easier to work with.
• Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft and chewy in the center.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts to add your own twist to the recipe.

Heat Control

For perfect cookies, it’s crucial to control the heat. Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookies are done when they are lightly golden brown on the edges and still slightly soft to the touch in the center.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in these cookies comes from the edges, which should be lightly golden and set, providing a nice contrast to the chewy center and the smooth peanut butter cup inside. To achieve this, ensure you don’t overbake, and consider chilling the dough to help the cookies retain their shape and bake up with a better texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly, ensuring all cookies are the same size and bake consistently.
• For an extra crispy exterior, try baking the cookies on a silicone mat or parchment paper dusted with a small amount of granulated sugar.
• Keep the Reese’s cups in the freezer until you’re ready to assemble the cookies to prevent them from getting too soft and difficult to handle.

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Reheat cookies in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm and chewy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged in a decorative tin or jar. Consider adding a ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message. For a more rustic look, place the cookies in a paper bag and tie the top with twine. You can also package them individually in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a more polished presentation.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of peanut butter, like honey roasted peanut butter, for a unique flavor twist.
• Add some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet combination.
• Experiment with various types of chocolate chips or chunks, like white chocolate or caramel-filled chocolate chips, for different flavor profiles.

Troubleshooting

• If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking or ensuring your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature.
• For cookies that are too hard, check your oven temperature and baking time, as overbaking can lead to hard cookies.
• If the Reese’s cups melt out of the cookies during baking, try freezing them before assembling the cookies or baking the cookies at a slightly lower temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free cookies.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more cookies. Just ensure you have enough Reese’s cups and baking sheets.

Conclusion

Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy texture. With their ease of preparation and impressive presentation, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special and delicious.