Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: A Heavenly Treat for Every Sweet Tooth
Peanut butter and chocolate are an eternal match made in dessert heaven, a pairing that has delighted taste buds for generations. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, you know that no other combination quite compares to the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter coupled with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. These Reese’s Cup Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies take this iconic pairing to the next level, wrapping a mini Reese’s Cup in a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie dough, creating the ultimate indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the foundation of any cookie dough, providing moisture and richness. The unsalted butter is preferred so that you can control the level of salt in the dough.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter is the star ingredient here. It adds that unmistakable nutty flavor and smooth texture that peanut butter lovers crave. The creamy variety ensures that the dough is soft and easy to work with.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies the right amount of sweetness and contributes to the slight crispness that forms around the edges as the cookies bake.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor, with its molasses undertones giving the cookies a soft, chewy texture. It also helps keep the cookies moist, so they don’t dry out too quickly.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together and contributing to the structure of the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookie dough, providing a subtle sweetness that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The flour is the main dry ingredient that gives the cookie its structure. It combines with the wet ingredients to form a dough that holds its shape while baking.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda acts as the leavening agent in this recipe, helping the cookies rise and spread slightly during baking. This ensures that the cookies are light and chewy rather than dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings balance to the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the peanut butter flavor. It’s essential for cutting through the richness of the dough.
For the Stuffing:
- 24 mini Reese’s Cups, unwrapped: These mini Reese’s Cups are the secret ingredient that transforms an already delicious cookie into something extraordinary. As they bake, the Reese’s Cups soften and melt, creating a gooey, chocolatey center that perfectly complements the peanut butter cookie dough.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies won’t stick to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. The key is to mix the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender, chewy cookie.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, then continue mixing until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the dough.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before being added to the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once the dough is ready, shape it into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop or your hands will work for this step. If you prefer slightly larger or smaller cookies, you can adjust the size of the dough balls accordingly. Keep in mind that changing the size of the cookies will affect the baking time.
Step 5: Stuff the Reese’s Cups
Take each dough ball and gently flatten it with your fingers. Place a mini Reese’s Cup in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the Reese’s Cup, ensuring that the candy is fully encased in the dough. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal in the Reese’s Cup. This is the fun part—the candy will melt inside the cookie as it bakes, creating a gooey, chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the stuffed dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread out as they bake. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers of the cookies should still look soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures they’ll stay chewy and melt-in-your-mouth after cooling.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Reese’s Cups will be hot and gooey when you first take them out of the oven, so give them time to set before you take a bite.
Notes
- Swap the chocolate: If you’re not a fan of Reese’s Cups, try stuffing the cookies with other types of candy like mini Snickers, chocolate truffles, or M&Ms. You could even use chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a different chocolate experience.
- Use crunchy peanut butter: For an added texture, substitute crunchy peanut butter for the creamy variety. The small peanut chunks will give the cookies an extra crunch, adding a delightful contrast to the soft dough.
- Add sea salt: For a sophisticated touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. The salt will enhance the sweetness and provide a contrast to the rich peanut butter and chocolate.
- Make them mini: If you prefer bite-sized cookies, you can make smaller dough balls and stuff them with mini Reese’s Cups. This is perfect for parties or sharing with friends.