There’s something about the way peanut butter and chocolate mingle that always pulls me back to the kitchen. One afternoon, I found myself rummaging through the pantry, half-distracted by a podcast and a growing craving that I couldn’t quite place. That’s when I spotted the bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups hiding behind the cereal boxes, their familiar orange wrappers promising a quick fix. I didn’t plan to bake, but somehow, the urge to mix those chopped candies into a peanut butter cookie dough took over. The smell of peanut butter melting gently in the oven filled the room, and the texture of the cookies—soft, tender, with pockets of gooey chocolate—was just the kind of comfort I needed. I think I might have eaten more dough than cookies that day, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
Why You’ll Love It
– It’s soft and chewy, not crunchy, with a rich peanut butter flavor that’s balanced by the creamy chocolate pieces.
– The chopped Reese’s add a surprise burst of sweetness that’s never overwhelming—just enough to make you pause and smile.
– You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients; it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t demand much time or fuss.
– It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes the best treats are the ones you can whip up without overthinking.
– These cookies don’t keep for ages, so you’re kind of encouraged to eat them quickly (or at least share).
If you’re worried about your oven or not having the exact candy, don’t sweat it. This recipe is forgiving, and the cookies still taste heavenly with slight tweaks.
PrintPeanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s
Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies loaded with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 6 standard cups)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully combined.
Fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly into the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Optional: Gently press down each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Notes
I usually just use a regular baking sheet lined with parchment, and it works just fine—no special pans needed. These cookies are fantastic when served slightly warm, especially with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. If you want to switch things up, you could try using dark chocolate peanut butter cups or even adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. I haven’t tested it myself, but maybe swapping in almond butter instead of peanut butter could add an interesting twist, though the texture might change a bit. Also, if you prefer chunkier cookies, folding in the chopped candy last and not overmixing keeps those pieces intact and melty.
FAQ
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: It might work, but natural peanut butter is usually thinner, so the dough could be softer and a little harder to handle.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can freeze them too, but thaw before eating.
Q: Can I skip the Reese’s cups?
A: Yes, but you’ll lose that gooey chocolate surprise. Maybe toss in some chocolate chips instead if you don’t have candy.
Ready to bake? These peanut butter cookies with Reese’s are waiting to become your new favorite weekend treat. Don’t just read about them—grab your mixing bowl and get started.