Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups

Introduction

Craving a delicious, irresistible dessert that combines two iconic flavors? Look no further than Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups! Moreover, these little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of rich, creamy peanut butter and crunchy, cookie goodness, all in one bite-sized treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or simply a sweet snack, these cookie cups are sure to impress. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these mouth-watering treats from scratch, ensuring that every bite is just as satisfying as the last.

Why You’ll Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

There’s something truly magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Add a crunchy cookie base, and you’ve got a dessert that hits every note – sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups take this classic combination to the next level. The cookie base offers a satisfying crunch, while the rich peanut butter filling adds a smooth, indulgent contrast. The best part? They’re easy to make, and you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, whether you love extra peanut butter or want to add a drizzle of chocolate on top.

This recipe not only tastes amazing but is also incredibly versatile. Moreover, you can make them for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a special celebration. Plus, these little cookie cups are perfect for gifting – they look as impressive as they taste!

Ingredients

To make Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Cups:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (or as needed)

And for the Topping:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter

Necessary Tools of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Before you start baking, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

• A mixing bowl
• An electric mixer (or a hand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A muffin tin (12-cup)
• Parchment paper or muffin liners
• A spatula or spoon for mixing
• A small saucepan (for melting chocolate)
• A spoon for scooping dough

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

While this recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

1. For a Crunchier Base: Swap out the cornflakes for crushed graham crackers, pretzels, or even crushed nuts for a different texture.
2. For a Peanut Butter-Lover’s Dream: Add more peanut butter filling or use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
3. For a Chocolate Twist: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top of each cookie cup, or add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for a richer taste.
4. For a Healthier Version: Use a healthier cookie base by swapping in whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar slightly. Opt for natural peanut butter to cut down on added sugars.
5. Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly. You can also swap out the egg for a flax egg or another egg substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your muffin tin by lining each cup with parchment paper or muffin liners to ensure easy removal after baking.

2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – about 3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the crushed cornflakes until evenly distributed.

3: Form the Cookie Cups

Later, Scoop the cookie dough into the muffin cups, filling each cup about halfway. Use a spoon or your fingers to slightly flatten the dough in each cup. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the cookies are firm to the touch.

4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cookie cups are cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. You may need to adjust the milk quantity to get the right consistency for filling.

5: Assemble the Cookie Cups

Then, once the cookie cups have cooled for about 10 minutes, use a spoon to gently press down the center of each cookie cup to create a well. Fill each well with the peanut butter filling, smoothing it evenly across the surface.

6: Add the Chocolate Topping

In a small saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined. Then, drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling in each cookie cup, covering it completely.

7: Let the Cups Set

Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a wire rack to set for another 10 minutes. The chocolate will harden as it cools, creating a delightful top layer.

Pro Tips for Success of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping it into the muffin tin. This helps the dough maintain its shape while baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the muffin cups with dough. This allows room for the cookie to bake and expand without overflowing.
• Press Down Gently: When creating the well in the cookie cup, press down gently to avoid breaking the cookie.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. You want them golden but not overdone.

Moreover, indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate with these homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Serving Suggestions

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups are perfect for a variety of occasions:

1. Serve at Parties: These cookie cups are great for parties, holiday gatherings, or bake sales.
2. Pair with Coffee or Milk: Enjoy them as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
3. As a Gift: Package them up in a gift box or cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. Make Them Mini: For bite-sized treats, you can make mini cookie cups by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting the baking time.

Storing and Reheating

To store your Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups:

• Room Temperature: Place the cookie cups in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave each cookie cup for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value for each Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cup:

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g

FAQs – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Can I make these without cornflakes? Yes, you can substitute the cornflakes with crushed graham crackers or oats for a different texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the filling.

How do I prevent the cookies from overflowing? Be sure not to overfill the muffin cups with dough. Leave enough space for the cookies to spread.

Can I add more chocolate? Yes! You can drizzle more melted chocolate on top or add chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling.

Can I make these ahead of time? Of course, you can make the cookie cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Cookie Cups are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, enjoying them as a dessert, or gifting them to someone special, these cookie cups are sure to delight everyone who tries them. So, grab your ingredients and start baking today – your taste buds will thank you!

Also, enjoy the perfect balance of buttery richness and a crisp edge with these Danish Butter Cookies, a delightful treat for any occasion.