Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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Introduction:

Indulge in the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate with our irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! These delectable cookies are packed with creamy peanut butter flavor and studded with chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, creating a heavenly treat for peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the details and discover the magic of this mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
  7. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Serve the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate and peanut butter experience.
  • Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer-term storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2-3 months.

Variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:

  1. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies:
    • Add rolled oats to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Mix in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and enjoy the combination of oats and peanut butter goodness in every bite.
  2. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies:
    • Incorporate chocolate chips into the cookie dough along with the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a double dose of chocolate and peanut butter decadence.
  3. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies:
    • Roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking, then press a Hershey’s Kiss or Reese’s mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven for a classic peanut butter blossom variation.
  4. Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies:
    • Swirl Nutella into the cookie dough for a rich and gooey chocolate hazelnut twist. Fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra layer of peanut butter flavor.
  5. Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies:
    • Crush pretzels into small pieces and mix them into the cookie dough along with the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a sweet and salty combination that’s sure to please.
  6. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies:
    • Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, including the peanut butter cups, are also gluten-free.
  7. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies:
    • Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly. Be sure to use vegan-friendly chocolate chips or chunks as well.
  8. Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies:
    • Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy to add extra texture and nuttiness to the cookies. Combine with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a truly chunky peanut butter experience.
  9. Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies:
    • Sandwich two cookies together with a layer of peanut butter frosting or chocolate ganache for an indulgent cookie sandwich that’s perfect for special occasions or dessert tables.
  10. Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches:
    • Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious frozen treat. Roll the edges of the sandwich in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for added crunch and flavor.

With these creative variations, you can customize your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer classic combinations like chocolate chip or inventive twists like peanut butter pretzel, there’s a variation for every cookie lover to enjoy!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
    • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a well-stirred variety to ensure proper consistency and flavor in the cookies.
  2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
    • Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and nuttiness to the cookies, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
  3. Can I substitute the Reese’s peanut butter cups with another type of chocolate?
    • While Reese’s peanut butter cups add a unique flavor to the cookies, you can certainly substitute them with your favorite chocolate chips or chunks if desired.
  4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
    • To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain the shape of the cookies.
  5. Can I freeze the cookie dough to bake later?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  6. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
    • Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. Keep in mind that smaller cookies will require less baking time, while larger cookies will require more baking time. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cookies to prevent over- or under-baking.
  7. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
    • Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer-term storage.
  8. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with additional mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even pretzel pieces for added texture and flavor.
  9. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
    • Yes, you can make these cookies without eggs by using a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Simply follow the instructions on the egg replacer package or mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to make a flax egg substitute.
  10. Can I drizzle chocolate on top of the baked cookies for extra decoration?
    • Definitely! Drizzling melted chocolate on top of the baked cookies adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the chocolatey goodness. Simply melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

With these FAQs and their corresponding answers, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently bake and enjoy delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!

Conclusion:

With their irresistible blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, our Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or served at a cookie exchange, these cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of these homemade cookies!

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