Peanut Butter-Stuffed Mini Cookies with Reese’s Pieces

Introduction

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe for Peanut Butter-Stuffed Mini Cookies with Reese’s Pieces is a must-try! These cookies are an absolute hit in my household. The peanut butter stuffing adds an extra layer of creamy goodness, and the mini Reese’s Pieces bring a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances the richness of the peanut butter. What makes these cookies so special is the combination of textures—the chewy cookie, the gooey peanut butter center, and the burst of chocolate from the Reese’s Pieces. My family loves them, and I enjoy making them because they are so easy yet incredibly delicious. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special events, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit at your next gathering too.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces candies
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (for stuffing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is important for creating a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This helps create a smooth dough for the cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the cookies.
6. Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold the mini Reese’s Pieces candies into the dough. This adds a fun crunch and burst of flavor to each bite of the cookies.
7. Stuff the Cookies with Peanut Butter: To form the stuffed cookies, scoop about one tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter in the center, and then fold the dough around the peanut butter, sealing it inside. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat the Process: Repeat this process with the remaining dough and peanut butter, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them; they should be slightly soft in the center when done.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking apart.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Total time: 27 minutes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with a Glass of Milk: These cookies are perfectly paired with a tall glass of cold milk, which complements their sweetness and richness.
• Perfect for Parties: Serve these cookies at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or bake sales for a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or an afternoon espresso for a delightful snack.
• Pack for Lunches: These cookies make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.
• Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar and gift them to friends or family members for special occasions.

Additional Tips

1. Make Sure to Use Softened Butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth, fluffy dough. If you don’t have time to soften the butter, microwave it in short bursts of 5-10 seconds.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to shape and stuff.
3. Stuffing Variations: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can use Nutella or a chocolate spread as a filling instead.
4. Use Mini or Regular Reese’s Pieces: While mini Reese’s Pieces are ideal for bite-sized cookies, you can also use regular-sized pieces for a more substantial bite.
5. Don’t Overbake the Cookies: These cookies will firm up as they cool, so make sure to remove them from the oven when they’re just starting to brown at the edges. This will ensure a soft and chewy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Stuffed Cookies: Substitute the mini Reese’s Pieces with chocolate chips for a more traditional peanut butter cookie with a chocolate twist.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Instead of stuffing the cookies with peanut butter, swirl peanut butter into the cookie dough for a more subtle flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, you can omit the peanut butter filling and use a nut butter substitute like sunflower seed butter.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewy, hearty version of these cookies.
• White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Version: Replace the Reese’s Pieces with white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with a freshly baked Peanut Butter-Stuffed Mini Cookie for an indulgent dessert.
• On a Cookie Platter: Include these cookies on a platter with other homemade treats like brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and shortbread for a diverse dessert table.
• Pair with Hot Chocolate: These cookies go wonderfully with a cup of rich, homemade hot chocolate. Add marshmallows on top for extra sweetness.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: To balance the sweetness of the cookies, pair them with fresh fruit like apple slices, berries, or grapes.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze the cookie dough, scoop the dough balls and stuff with peanut butter. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. You can bake them from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter? Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a more textured cookie, but creamy peanut butter works best for stuffing.
2. Can I use different types of chocolate candies? Absolutely! You can substitute Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, or any other favorite candy.
3. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
4. What can I use as a substitute for brown sugar? You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar and a small amount of molasses (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar).
5. How can I make the cookies softer? To make the cookies softer, avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
7. What size should I make the dough balls? About 1 tablespoon of dough is the perfect size for each cookie. This will make them bite-sized and easier to stuff.
8. How can I make the peanut butter filling creamier? Use peanut butter that’s at room temperature and slightly softened for easier mixing and stuffing.
9. Can I add other fillings? Yes, you can try other fillings like Nutella, caramel, or even jam for different flavors.
10. Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you find it too soft to handle.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter-Stuffed Mini Cookies with Reese’s Pieces are an irresistible treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the

sweetness of Reese’s Pieces. These cookies are easy to make, delicious, and versatile, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies will not disappoint. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness in every bite!

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