Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, combining the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the creamy sweetness of chocolate. These cookies take the traditional peanut butter blossom—already a favorite in many households—and elevate it by stuffing it with a mini Reese’s Cup at the center. The result is a cookie that is not only soft and chewy but also has a surprise burst of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless pairing that has been cherished for generations. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, in particular, have become an iconic treat, known for their perfect balance of flavors. By incorporating these into a peanut butter cookie, this recipe taps into that universally loved flavor combination, making these cookies an instant hit for any occasion.

This recipe is particularly appealing because it offers a simple way to enhance a traditional cookie with minimal effort, yet the outcome is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy treat at home, these Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are sure to impress both in flavor and presentation.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these mouthwatering Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Unsalted butter provides the necessary fat for a tender cookie while allowing you to control the salt content. Softening the butter helps it to cream more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth and fluffy dough.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter is the star of this recipe, giving the cookies their rich, nutty flavor. Opt for high-quality, creamy peanut butter for the best results, as it blends smoothly into the dough.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly as they bake, contributing to a balanced texture.

1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create a chewier cookie. The combination of both sugars gives these cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, contributing to the structure and softness of the cookies. Use fresh eggs for the best results.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle depth that complements both the peanut butter and the chocolate in the Reese’s Cups.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides the structure for the cookies. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe as it gives the cookies the right balance of softness and sturdiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and giving them a light, tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential in balancing the sweetness of the cookies and enhancing the other flavors.

24 mini Reese’s Cups, unwrapped: The mini Reese’s Cups are the surprise center of these cookies, adding an extra layer of chocolatey-peanut butter goodness that takes these cookies to the next level.

Tips for Selecting Ingredients:

Peanut butter: Choose a creamy, well-blended peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the best texture and flavor.

Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your recipe, and make sure it’s fresh for optimal flavor.
Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients and ensuring the cookies have the right consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

To start, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Begin by placing the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the two together until they are well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy, which is crucial for achieving the right texture in the final cookies.

Next, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until the sugars are fully incorporated, and the mixture is again light and airy. Proper creaming of the butter and sugars is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies to rise and giving them a tender crumb.

Once the mixture is smooth and fluffy, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat these in on low speed just until combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies. The egg acts as a binder, while the vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the peanut butter.

After the wet ingredients are fully combined, you’re ready to incorporate the dry ingredients.

Incorporating the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps in achieving an even rise and consistent flavor in the cookies.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start by adding about a third of the flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low speed until just combined. Repeat this process two more times until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. It’s important to mix only until the flour disappears into the dough. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies instead of the desired soft and tender texture.

A common mistake to avoid is using a high speed or mixing for too long once the flour is added. This can lead to overworked dough, which affects the cookie’s texture negatively.

Shaping and Stuffing the Cookies

With the dough prepared, it’s time to shape and stuff the cookies. Begin by rolling the dough into 1-inch balls. To do this, pinch off small portions of dough and roll them between your palms until they are smooth and uniform in size. This size will ensure that the cookies bake evenly and that the Reese’s Cups fit perfectly inside.

Once you have a dough ball, flatten it slightly in your hand to create a small disc. Take an unwrapped mini Reese’s Cup and place it in the center of the flattened dough. Gently fold the dough up around the Reese’s Cup, ensuring that it is completely enclosed. Roll the dough ball between your hands again to smooth out any seams or cracks. This step is crucial for preventing the Reese’s Cups from leaking during baking.

Place the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This spacing allows the cookies to spread slightly as they bake without touching each other.

For best results, work quickly when handling the dough and Reese’s Cups. If the dough becomes too warm, it may become difficult to shape. If needed, you can chill the dough briefly to make it easier to work with.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is essential for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they bake; you’re looking for the edges to become lightly golden. This indicates that the cookies are done while the centers will remain soft and chewy.

It’s important not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This allows them to firm up enough to transfer without breaking.

After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures that air circulates around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and helping them to cool evenly. Enjoy your Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies once they’ve cooled—or while they’re still warm for a gooey, melty treat!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

To achieve perfect Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, here are some helpful tips:

Preventing Dough from Sticking: If the dough sticks to your hands while shaping it, lightly dust your hands with flour or chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
Storing for Freshness: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Adjusting Baking Time: If you’re baking at a high altitude, you may need to reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes to prevent the cookies from drying out. Conversely, if your oven runs cool or you prefer a slightly crispier cookie, you can extend the baking time by a minute or two, watching closely to avoid overbaking.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be customized in many ways:

Dark Chocolate Reese’s Cups: For a richer flavor, substitute the milk chocolate Reese’s Cups with dark chocolate ones. The slightly bitter dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet peanut butter cookie.

Sea Salt Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. The salt enhances the flavors and adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness.
Gluten-Free or Vegan: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and vegan peanut butter cups.
Seasonal Variations: Celebrate the holidays by using themed Reese’s Cups, such as those shaped like Christmas trees, hearts, or pumpkins. This adds a festive touch and makes the cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of drinks:

Milk: A classic choice, milk complements the rich flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate.

Coffee or Hot Chocolate: For a more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, which enhances the richness of the flavors.

For parties, consider arranging the cookies on a decorative platter, perhaps with a few Reese’s Cups scattered around as accents. If giving as gifts, package the cookies in a festive tin or box lined with parchment paper. A simple ribbon or bow on the package adds a special touch. For a more elegant presentation, serve the cookies on a tiered stand alongside other holiday treats, allowing guests to choose from a variety of goodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls, flatten them, and wrap each around a Reese’s Cup as directed. Place the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months.
What can I use instead of Reese’s Cups?
- If you don’t have Reese’s Cups or want to try something different, there are several other delicious fillings you can use. Chocolate kisses, mini peanut butter cups from other brands, or even pieces of chocolate bars like Snickers or Milky Way can work well. For a non-chocolate option, consider using caramel-filled candies or fruit-flavored chocolates for a unique twist.
How can I make the cookies softer or chewier?
- To make your cookies softer, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes, so the centers remain gooey and soft. For chewier cookies, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the dough, as the moisture from the molasses in brown sugar contributes to a chewier texture. You can also increase the peanut butter slightly, which will enhance the chewiness.

Conclusion

Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors that’s hard to resist. The classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, enhanced by the surprise of a Reese’s Cup at the center, makes these cookies a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether during the holidays, at a party, or just as a special treat. They’re sure to impress with their rich flavor and fun presentation. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media or with friends, spreading the joy of these irresistible cookies far and wide. Give this recipe a try, and watch as these cookies quickly become a new favorite in your home!