Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are like a little chocolatey hug in dessert form. Soft, buttery peanut butter cookies are baked into tiny cups, then filled with those iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, giving every bite a gooey, chocolate-peanut butter punch. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but feel like a decadent treat you’d pick up from a bakery. Let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want cookies that double as a candy cup? From cozy family nights to casual get-togethers, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups steal the show every time.
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
Description
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies filled with melty Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Easy to bake, fun to serve, and perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12–15 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to wet mixture.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough into each liner and press to create a small well.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Immediately press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into each cookie while warm.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill dough briefly before baking for thicker cookie cups.
- Optional: drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle nuts for added flair.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups became a favorite among home bakers because they combine two classics: peanut butter cookies and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Essentially, they’re bite-sized peanut butter cookies that cradle a mini chocolate-peanut butter candy. The recipe trend started online as people shared how surprisingly easy it was to get a bakery-style cookie at home. Because they feel special yet require basic ingredients, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups have quickly earned a spot in dessert repertoires nationwide. They’re the perfect sweet compromise for those who love peanut butter as much as chocolate.
Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Pantry Staples and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ingredients
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Purpose in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick), softened | Adds richness and soft texture |
| Peanut butter | ¾ cup | Gives classic peanut butter flavor |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Adds moisture and chewy sweetness |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Balances sweetness and structure |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds ingredients and adds softness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Provides structure |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Helps cookies rise |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups | 12–15 | Center filling for cookie cups |
Ingredient Substitutions and Easy Swaps
If you need flexibility, there are a few swaps that work well. You can use natural peanut butter instead of creamy, though texture may slightly change. For a slightly different flavor, half the butter can be replaced with coconut oil. Mini chocolate chips can also be added around the cookie cups for extra chocolatey bites. Because the base is forgiving, small adjustments won’t ruin your cookie cups. These substitutions make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups versatile while keeping them easy to bake.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms. The dough should be easy to scoop but not too sticky. This creamy peanut butter cookie dough forms the base for your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups.
Step 2: Baking the Cookie Cups
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each lined muffin cup. Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently press the dough down and create a little well in the center for the candy. Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers are slightly soft. This ensures a chewy texture that complements the melty Reese’s filling.
Step 3: Adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Finishing
Immediately after removing the cookie cups from the oven, press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie while still warm. Let the cookies cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will slightly melt and settle into the cookie, creating a perfect gooey center. Serve warm for the ultimate indulgent treat.
Variations and Fun Add-Ins
Chocolate and Nut Variations
While classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are irresistible on their own, adding a personal twist can make them even more exciting. For chocolate lovers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips around the peanut butter cup before baking. Chopped peanuts or pecans can add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cookie base. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookie cups for an extra chocolatey finish. Because the cookie dough is forgiving, these small add-ins won’t affect texture but will boost flavor, making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups even more indulgent.
Seasonal or Holiday Twists
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are versatile and perfect for seasonal or holiday baking. During fall, a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice in the dough adds warmth and depth. Around Valentine’s Day, swap the mini Reese’s cups for heart-shaped peanut butter candies. For Christmas, you can use festive-colored chocolate melts or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Because these cookie cups are adaptable, you can create themed versions for any occasion without compromising the classic soft, gooey center. Seasonal tweaks keep the recipe fun and visually appealing while keeping that signature peanut butter-chocolate flavor intact.
Storing and Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Short-Term Storage Tips
Once your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them soft and delicious. Place the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to four days this way. For extra softness, add a slice of bread in the container—the moisture helps maintain the chewy texture. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or near heat, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and the cookies to become overly soft or sticky. Proper storage ensures every bite tastes just like freshly baked.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups freeze beautifully for future enjoyment. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that melty, gooey center. You can also freeze the cookie dough scoops before baking, allowing fresh-baked cookie cups whenever desired. This makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups ideal for prepping ahead of parties or family gatherings.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups FAQs
What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups different from regular cookies?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups stand out because they combine a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base with a melty chocolate-peanut butter candy center. Unlike standard cookies, each bite includes a sweet, gooey surprise that elevates the dessert.
Can I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Baked cookie cups can also be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for later use.
Why are my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups spreading too much?
Overly warm butter or insufficient chilling of the dough can cause cookie cups to spread too thin. Chill the dough briefly and avoid over-softening the butter for best results.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. The recipe doubles easily, but make sure to mix evenly so all cookie cups bake consistently.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be folded into the dough or sprinkled on top for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are the perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies and gooey chocolate-peanut butter candy. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but feel indulgent enough to impress friends and family. Because they use simple pantry ingredients and come together quickly, you can whip up a batch for a casual snack, party, or holiday treat. With their irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring a little extra joy to every occasion.