Craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Cookies are the perfect answer for a quick dessert, a bake sale contribution, or just a little self-indulgence. They combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible chocolatey crunch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, creating a cookie that's truly addictive. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer or hand mixer really comes in handy, saving you some elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter
Stir in the creamy peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The dough will be thick, but that's perfectly fine.
Step 5: Add Reese's Cups
Gently fold in the unwrapped mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Try not to break them too much – a few cracks are fine, adding to the rustic charm!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to eat them while they're still warm – although it's incredibly tempting!
Tips for the Best Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures that it blends well with the sugars and creates a smooth, fluffy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey punch.
- Different Reese's: Experiment with using full-size Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into pieces.
- Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: Approximately 15-18g Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They're quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. Enjoy every bite!