Craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are the perfect answer for those late-night cravings or a delightful addition to your next bake sale. This easy recipe delivers rich peanut butter flavor, melty chocolate, and the unmistakable crunch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups – all in one irresistible cookie. Get ready to experience homemade happiness in every bite!
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 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 large Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Peanut Butter Heaven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly achieve good results with a strong arm and a whisk! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Step 3: Mix in the 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; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Stir in the creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate will create an amazing flavor profile in these cookies.
Step 5: Time for the Reese's!
Gently fold in half of the unwrapped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Reserve the other half for pressing into the tops of the cookies later.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Press a half Reese's Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Cookie Success:
- For extra chocolatey goodness, use dark chocolate chips or even add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough.
- If your butter isn’t soft enough, microwave it in short bursts (10-15 seconds at a time) until it's easily workable.
- Don't overbake the cookies! Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer and chewier.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Mini Reese's: Use mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for smaller, bite-sized cookies.
- Different Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific ingredients used.)
This recipe is a great example of quick dinner ideas that satisfy any sweet tooth! Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookies! They're sure to become a new family favorite.