Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Indulge in the decadent delight of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! These cookies are a true celebration of the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie studded with mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips, all thanks to a secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix. The result is a bakery-style treat that stays fresh and chewy for days, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or care package.

I first discovered the magic of these cookies when my neighbor couldn’t resist following the mouthwatering aroma wafting from my kitchen. Since then, they’ve become a staple for school events and thoughtful gifts. The key to achieving that perfect texture is to trust the process and take them out of the oven while the centers still look slightly underbaked. And if the dough feels too soft, a quick chill before baking will ensure that bakery-style height we all crave.

Whether you enjoy them as traditional cookies or opt for a fun twist by turning them into bar cookies, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to bring joy to all who indulge. With the option to freeze the dough for future baking sessions, this recipe is a true winner that promises to impress time and time again. Get ready to experience pure bliss with every bite of these delightful cookies!

Quick Benefits

• Maintains freshness and chewiness for nearly a week due to the secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix
• Thick, bakery-style cookies with a colorful and multi-textured experience
• Easily adaptable into bar cookies or holiday-themed treats
• Freezes well for convenient baking anytime

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a decadent and indulgent way, making it a must-try for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
• The addition of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips elevates these cookies to a whole new level, creating a multi-textured and flavorful experience.
• The use of instant vanilla pudding mix results in cookies that are incredibly soft, chewy, and bakery-style, making them stand out from traditional cookie recipes.
• With tips on baking the cookies just right for the perfect texture and height, this recipe ensures that you achieve bakery-quality results every time.
• The versatility of this recipe allows you to easily customize it by turning the cookies into bar cookies, adding seasonal twists, or enhancing the chocolate flavor with espresso powder.
• These cookies stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them perfect for school bake sales, care packages, or simply enjoying as a special treat at home.
• The option to freeze the cookie dough for future baking allows you to enjoy freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice, making this recipe a convenient and go-to choice.
• Overall, these Reese’s peanut butter cookies promise pure joy and delight with their colorful appearance, rich peanut aroma, and irresistible taste, making them a highly requested and beloved recipe in any kitchen.

Ingredients for Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 box (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces, divided
• 1 1/4 cups halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, divided

How to Make Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth. Add eggs, honey, and vanilla; mix well.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix. Gradually add this mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until no dry flour is visible.

Step 4: Fold in the Candy

Carefully mix the chocolate chips, 1 cup of peanut butter cup halves, and 3/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces into the dough, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Scoop dough into 36 balls using a 2-tablespoon scoop. Press remaining candy pieces onto the tops of the dough balls.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Arrange 12 dough balls on a baking sheet with space between them. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to parchment paper to cool completely.

Storage Tips

After baking a batch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. To keep the cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days. To prevent the candy shells from sticking together, place a layer of parchment paper between the cookies when stacking them in the container.

If you want to save some cookies for later or make a larger batch to enjoy over time, the dough freezes exceptionally well. To freeze the cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the bake time to ensure they are cooked through. This convenient method allows you to have freshly baked cookies whenever you crave them.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and a soft, bakery-style texture in your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies for an extended period, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, there are a few options available. For the unsalted butter, you can swap it out with an equal amount of salted butter and adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly. Additionally, if you prefer a salted peanut butter flavor, feel free to use salted peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter, adjusting the salt in the recipe as needed.

If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix on hand, you can omit it from the recipe. The pudding mix helps create a soft and chewy texture, but the cookies will still turn out delicious without it. To enhance the vanilla flavor, you can increase the amount of vanilla extract used in the recipe. Lastly, you can customize the mix-ins based on your preferences. Consider using different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, and swap out the Reese’s Pieces with your favorite candy or nuts to create a unique flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in a variety of creative ways. For a fun presentation, try stacking a few warm cookies on a plate and drizzling them with melted chocolate or peanut butter for a decadent touch. You can also sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create a delicious and indulgent ice cream sandwich that will be a hit at any gathering.

Another serving suggestion is to crumble the cookies over a bowl of creamy vanilla pudding or chocolate mousse for added texture and flavor. The combination of the soft cookies with the creamy pudding creates a delightful contrast that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether served on their own or as part of a creative dessert ensemble, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting seconds.

FAQs for Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer extra texture in your cookies. Just be aware that the final texture of the cookies may be slightly different compared to using creamy peanut butter.

Can I omit the instant vanilla pudding mix if I don’t have it?

The instant vanilla pudding mix is a key ingredient in this recipe as it helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with a small amount of cornstarch or omitting it, but the texture of the cookies may not be the same.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

A good indicator that the cookies are done baking is when the edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Remember that the residual heat will continue cooking the centers as the cookies cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies as much as I do. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the soft, chewy texture makes them a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you whip them up for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to those who enjoy them.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Share them with loved ones, take them to gatherings, or simply savor them with a glass of milk at home. Let the aroma fill your kitchen and the taste transport you to a world of delectable delight. Happy baking, and may these cookies bring you as much joy as they have brought me!

Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

“Thick, bakery-style Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies loaded with mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips, made irresistibly soft with a secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings36 cookies

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 box (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces, divided
• 1 1/4 cups halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, divided

Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth. Add eggs, honey, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix. Gradually add this mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until no dry flour is visible.
4. Fold in the Candy: Carefully mix the chocolate chips, 1 cup of peanut butter cup halves, and 3/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
5. Shape and Decorate: Scoop dough into 36 balls using a 2-tablespoon scoop. Press remaining candy pieces onto the tops of the dough balls.
6. Bake the Cookies: Arrange 12 dough balls on a baking sheet with space between them. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to parchment paper to cool completely.