Introduction: There’s something special about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate that never fails to excite the taste buds. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate the classic peanut butter cookie, then look no further! Enter Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, the ultimate fusion of the rich, creamy peanut butter flavor with the irresistible sweetness of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family treat, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are sure to become your new go-to recipe.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to create the perfect batch of Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be indulging in these delicious cookies in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and everything you need to know for success in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
There are so many reasons why Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies will become your new favorite cookie recipe.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: Combining peanut butter with Reese’s peanut butter cups takes the classic peanut butter cookie to the next level. The richness of peanut butter paired with chocolate adds an exciting twist to the traditional recipe, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Balanced: These cookies are the perfect balance of soft and chewy with a slight crispiness at the edges. Each bite is a comforting experience, and the chunks of Reese’s throughout the dough make every bite a delightful surprise.
- Simple Ingredients & Easy to Make: Despite the incredible taste, this recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With no complicated steps, you’ll have a batch of these mouth-watering cookies in no time.
- Customizable: If you’re a fan of extra chocolate or peanut butter, you can add more Reese’s, or mix in some peanut butter chips. This recipe is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.
With these reasons in mind, it’s clear that this is a recipe you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients:
Before getting started, gather the following ingredients for the ultimate batch of Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky based on preference)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Necessary Tools for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
To ensure smooth preparation, gather the following tools before starting:
- Mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer (or hand whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat)
- Cookie scoop (or tablespoon for portioning dough)
- Cooling rack (for cooling cookies evenly)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions:
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to make substitutions based on your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some great swaps and additions you can try:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you’re allergic to peanuts or just want to switch things up, you can try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative to make these cookies vegan.
- Add More Chocolate: If you’re a true chocolate lover, feel free to double the chocolate chips or even add chopped chocolate to the dough alongside the Reese’s peanut butter cups for an even more decadent treat.
- Use Mini Reese’s: For a fun twist, use mini Reese’s peanut butter cups instead of regular-sized ones to create bite-sized surprises in each cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now that you’re all set with the ingredients and tools, let’s walk through the process of making these Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think!
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Then, once the butter and peanut butter are well mixed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should have a smooth, cohesive texture.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and optional chocolate chips. Use a spatula to mix these in evenly, ensuring each cookie has a nice distribution of the delicious candy.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Then, using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into evenly sized balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. If you want larger cookies, simply use more dough per ball.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the cookies should still look slightly soft—this is what gives them that perfect chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This creates a smooth and consistent dough.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so take them out when they’re just golden around the edges.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures your cookies are all uniform in size, so they bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
These Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- Serve with Milk: You can never go wrong with a tall glass of milk. The creamy, nutty flavor of the cookies pairs perfectly with cold milk.
- Top with Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies. You can even drizzle some extra peanut butter or chocolate syrup on top for an extra kick.
- Serve at Parties: These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or bake sales. They’re sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
Storing and Reheating:
To keep your Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
For freezing: Simply place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Also, these Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookie:
- Calories: 200-250 (depending on size)
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
FAQs – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just portion it out and bake fresh cookies when you’re ready.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, making the cookies even more interesting. Feel free to experiment with either smooth or crunchy based on your preference.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden-brown edges and slightly soft centers. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they’re a little undercooked in the center.
4. Can I add more chocolate to the recipe?
Definitely! You can add extra chocolate chips or chunks of Reese’s for an even more chocolatey treat. Customize to your liking!
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion:
These Reese’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are an irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate, taking the classic cookie to new heights. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a homemade delight, these cookies are the perfect choice.
So, give the recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family. For more fun and tasty recipes, explore the other delightful treats in our collection!
Also, these Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat, featuring a perfect balance of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices—ideal for a comforting snack!
