Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies blend the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter into a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. These cookies transform the classic peanut butter blossom by incorporating a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, creating a soft, chewy base with the iconic combination that everyone loves.

From soft-baked textures to the rich, creamy filling, these cookies promise a journey into baking that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, crafting Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, including reeses peanut butter cookies and peanut butter cookies with reese cups, is an adventure in flavor and texture bound to captivate.

History and Origin

The journey of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups began with its introduction on November 15, 1928, by the H.B. Reese Candy Company, founded by Harry Burnett Reese in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1923. Reese, a former dairy farmer and shipping foreman for Milton S. Hershey, ventured into the candy business with a focus on chocolate and peanut butter, leading to the creation of the iconic candy.

• 1923: Establishment of the H.B. Reese Candy Company.
• 1928: Introduction of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
• 1963: Merger with Hershey Chocolate Corporation.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups quickly rose to fame as the company’s most popular candy, prompting Reese to discontinue other lines and focus on this successful combination. The merger in 1963 with Hershey Chocolate Corporation, in a tax-free stock-for-stock merger, marked a significant milestone, expanding its reach and contributing to its status as a top-selling candy brand worldwide, with annual sales surpassing $2 billion.

Today, the Reese’s brand encompasses over 100 products, including candy bars, spreads, cookies, and cereals, with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remaining the best-selling candy brand in the United States, boasting sales of $2.603 billion in 2012. The success of Reese’s has also inspired a variety of recipes and treats, including the popular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, created by Teresa Ambra, and featured in the annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza 2019.

Why These Cookies are a Must-Try

Why Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a Must-Try:

Perfect for Sharing and Occasions:

• Each batch yields a generous amount, making 36-40 cookie cups suitable for large gatherings like Halloween, tailgating parties, potlucks, or even Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
• The versatility of these cookies also makes them an excellent option for using up leftover Halloween candy, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Unforgettable Taste and Texture:

• The unique combination of chocolate and peanut butter, especially with the inclusion of miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, guarantees a delicious taste that stands out from other cookies.
• Described as soft and chewy, they offer the melt-in-your-mouth experience many people crave in a cookie, especially when served at room temperature to allow the chocolate to soften slightly.

Convenience and Longevity:

• These cookies are not only delicious but also practical. They can be frozen for up to three months, providing an easy meal prep solution or a last-minute dessert option that maintains its quality and taste.

Key Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, quartered

 Step-by-Step Baking Guide 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Take a spoonful of dough, place a quartered peanut butter cup in the center, and fully enclose it with dough. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes

Kcal: 220 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies

Baking and Adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

To bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, the process involves a blend of precise baking and timely addition of the peanut butter cups. Here’s a detailed guide:

Preparation:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Sift together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda; set aside.
• Cream together ½ cup butter, sugar, ½ cup peanut butter, and ½ cup packed brown sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk.
• Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well.

Shaping and Baking:

• Shape the dough into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes.
• While baking, unwrap your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and place them in the freezer. This ensures they don’t fall apart when pressed into the warm cookies.

Adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:

• Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball.
• Let the cookies cool in the pans for a few minutes before removing them to cooling racks.
• For an extra touch, you can roll the dough balls in extra sugar before baking, and after adding the peanut butter cups, quickly transfer the cookies to the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.

This method ensures a perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookie every time, combining the soft, chewy texture of the cookie with the creamy, chocolaty goodness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Common Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When embarking on baking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, several common mistakes can hinder achieving that perfect batch. Here’s how to avoid them:

Preparation and Ingredient Temperatures:

• Uneven Baking: Ensure even baking by rotating pans halfway through. Consider an oven thermometer for accurate temperatures.
• Using Cold Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for lighter cookies.
• Improperly Softened Butter: Soften butter to the right consistency – not too hard or too soft.

Ingredient Measurements and Types:

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Adopt the “spoon and level” method for flour.
• Wrong Flour Type: Stick to the specified flour type in the recipe.
• Stale Leavening Agents: Refresh baking powder or soda every six months.

Baking Process and Techniques:

• Overworking the Dough: Mix just until the dough is uniform to avoid tough cookies.
• Skipping Dough Chilling: Chill dough for up to 24 hours for better texture.
• Baking on the Wrong Rack: Use the middle rack for even heat.

By paying attention to these details, you can significantly improve the outcome of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, ensuring they are just as delightful to bake as they are to eat.

Customizations and Variations

Exploring the versatility of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies allows for a delightful customization according to personal taste or occasion. Here’s how to bring variety to this beloved recipe:

Types of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:

• Mini or regular-sized cups can be used depending on the desired cookie size.
• Experiment with different flavors like dark chocolate or white chocolate cups to alter the taste profile.

Decorative Touches:

• Enhance the visual appeal with icing and chocolate sauce, perfect for festive occasions or to make an ordinary day special.

Mix-Ins for Added Texture and Flavor:

• Introduce chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for an extra crunch or a burst of chocolate.
• Consider using different flavored chips for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations for Dietary Needs:

• For a dairy-free version, opt for dairy-free or vegan butter and milk, along with dairy-free or vegan mini peanut butter cups.

These customizations not only allow for a personalized baking experience but also ensure that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences or taste.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of a sumptuous dessert, I highly recommend exploring an article on Easy Orange Flavor Cake From Scratch. It’s the perfect read for a simple yet flavorful baking project.

Serving and Storage Tips

To ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies remain as irresistible as the day they were baked, follow these essential serving and storage tips:

Storing at Room Temperature

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Best Practice: For optimal taste, consume within 4 days.

Freezing for Long-term Storage

• Unbaked Dough:
  • Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 30 minutes. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Baked Cookies:
  • Cool cookies completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for 2 to 3 months. This ensures they retain their texture and flavor.

Key Tips for Serving

• Serving Fresh: Though these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, they can still delight your taste buds up to a week after baking if stored properly at room temperature.
• Reviving Frozen Cookies: To recapture the just-baked warmth and texture, gently warm frozen cookies in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 10 minutes.

By adhering to these storage guidelines, you can enjoy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies at their best, whether they’re fresh out of the oven or savored over time.

If you’ve enjoyed diving into the world of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, you might be intrigued by another decadent treat that’s perfect for any peanut butter and chocolate enthusiast. I recommend checking out an article on crafting the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie.

FAQs

1. Why don’t my peanut butter cookies have a strong peanut butter flavor?

The key to achieving a rich peanut butter flavor in cookies is using the correct type of peanut butter. Processed creamy peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy are recommended for the best flavor and texture in peanut butter cookies.

2. Which peanut butter is recommended for cookie baking?

For baking peanut butter cookies, creamy peanut butters from brands such as Skippy or Jif are highly recommended by Cook’s Illustrated. These brands offer a smooth texture that blends well with cookie dough, ensuring consistent results.

3. What’s the purpose of the crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies?

The crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Practically, it helps the cookies bake evenly. Aesthetically, the distinctive pattern has become a traditional way to identify the cookies as peanut butter flavored.

4. Which Reese’s product has the optimal peanut butter to chocolate ratio?

When comparing different Reese’s products, the pumpkin-shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup has been found to have a higher peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio than the regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, making it the better choice for those preferring more peanut butter.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of baking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is an adventure that pays off with every bite, blending the legendary combination of chocolate and peanut butter into a perfectly baked delight. This exploration not only touches upon the rich history and origins of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but also provides a comprehensive guide on crafting these irresistible cookies. From avoiding common baking mistakes to understanding the importance of ingredient temperatures and measurements, the article ensures bakers at any skill level can achieve that melt-in-your-mouth experience synonymous with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.

As this delicious journey into baking comes to a close, the significance of these cookies extends beyond their rich, creamy filling and into the hearts of those who share them. Whether modified to meet dietary needs or adorned with festive decorations, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies stand as a testament to creativity and the enduring love for the iconic Reese’s combination. With the guidance provided, readers are equipped to not only recreate this beloved recipe but also to explore further customizations, ensuring that the joy of baking and the pleasure of indulging can be endlessly rediscovered.