What happens when peanut butter cookies meet Reese’s Cups? Pure magic. Rich peanut butter and melted chocolate come together in these easy homemade treats, made with simple ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate chips. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert night.

Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie that combines the richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the delightful surprise of a Reese’s Pieces center. These Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a creative twist on classic peanut butter cookies, elevating them to a whole new level of flavor and fun. What’s more, they’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple steps. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, or just great cookies, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for baking with kids, as a gift for friends, or simply as a treat to brighten up your day.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and Reese’s Pieces creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors, all of which are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive outcome, these cookies are relatively simple to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and the process of stuffing each cookie with a Reese’s Piece is more fun than fuss.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, but the actual work involved is minimal, making it a great option for those short on time or new to baking.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in these cookies include creamy peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of flavors, and Reese’s Pieces for the fun surprise in the middle. You’ll also need basic baking staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. For those looking for substitutions, almond butter or another nut butter can replace peanut butter, and you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Additionally, if you can’t find Reese’s Pieces, you could experiment with other small candies like M&M’s or chopped peanut butter cups, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Step 3: Scoop out small balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon each. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape. Place a Reese’s Piece in the center of each disk. Fold the dough over the candy and press the edges together to seal the cookie, making sure the Reese’s Piece is completely enclosed. Place the stuffed cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
4. Step 4: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown on the edges. 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

• Make sure to not overbake, as the cookies will continue to set after being removed from the oven. A slightly underbaked cookie will retain its chewiness.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you find it too sticky to handle, which can make the process of stuffing the cookies easier.
• Experiment with different types of candy or nuts in the center for varied flavors and textures.

Heat Control

For perfect cookies, it’s crucial to maintain the right oven temperature. Ensure your oven is at 375°F (190°C) for baking. The cookies are done when they are lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center. Overcooking will result in hard cookies, so keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of baking.

Crunch Factor

These cookies are designed to be chewy on the inside and lightly crispy on the edges. To achieve this texture, avoid overbaking and consider taking the cookies out of the oven when they are just lightly golden. The residual heat will continue to cook the cookies slightly after they are removed from the oven.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• For an extra crunchy exterior, chill the cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape better.
• Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, which is crucial for consistent baking results.

Storage Tips

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature when needed.
• For the freshest flavor, consider freezing the dough balls instead of baked cookies. Simply bake frozen dough balls for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• When storing, place a piece of parchment paper or a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture and keep the cookies fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make wonderful gifts, especially for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Consider packaging them in decorative jars, gift tins, or even cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. You can also include a batch of the cookie dough balls in a cute container or bag, along with baking instructions, for a fun and interactive gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for added depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Press a few extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the top of each cookie immediately after baking for extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor or substitute some of the peanut butter with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies turn out too hard, they were likely overbaked. If they’re too soft, they might have been underbaked or the oven temperature was off.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re allergic to peanut butter, consider using sunflower seed butter or another nut butter as a substitute. Always check the ingredient labels of any store-bought candies for allergens.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cookies during the baking time. They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the center.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze either the baked cookies or the dough balls. Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as stated is not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute, though the texture may vary.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re baking for a large group. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets for the cookies to spread out.

Conclusion

Reese’s Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of peanut butter, chocolate, and fun. With their ease of preparation, impressive flavor, and the excitement of a hidden surprise, they’re perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!