Reeses Cookie Cups: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection

Reeses cookie cups: Prepare to enter a world where peanut butter and chocolate collide in the most delightful way possible! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie base, only to discover a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup nestled inside. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for another before you’ve even finished the first.

While the exact origins of combining cookies and peanut butter cups are shrouded in delicious mystery, the love affair between these two iconic treats is undeniable. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup itself, invented by H.B. Reese in 1928, quickly became a beloved American classic. Its perfect balance of sweet milk chocolate and salty peanut butter has captivated generations. Now, imagine taking that winning combination and elevating it with a homemade cookie – pure genius!

What makes Reeses cookie cups so irresistible? It’s the sheer simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat for parties. The combination of the soft, buttery cookie and the creamy, peanut buttery center is simply divine. Plus, who can resist the nostalgic charm of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? Get ready to bake up a batch of these addictive little delights – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies, divided
• 1 bag (10.5 oz) Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want the cookies to bake evenly and have that perfect golden-brown color.
2. Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for the cookies to rise properly and have the right flavor. I like to whisk for about 30 seconds to make sure everything is well combined.
3. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your patience comes in! It usually takes about 3-5 minutes of beating on medium speed to get the mixture light and airy. The butter should be truly softened, but not melted, for the best results. If you’re using a hand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step. You don’t want any streaks of egg in your dough!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
6. Stir in 3/4 cup of the Reese’s Pieces candies. We’re saving the rest for topping the cookies later. I love the pop of color and peanut butter flavor these candies add to the dough.

Baking the Cookie Cups:

1. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. You can also use paper liners if you prefer, but I find that greasing the tin works best for easy removal of the cookie cups.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup. I usually use a cookie scoop to ensure that each cup has the same amount of dough. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
3. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want the cookies to be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
4. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie. Don’t wait too long to do this, as the cookies will start to set up quickly. The heat from the cookies will melt the peanut butter cup slightly, creating that gooey, delicious center.
5. Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s Pieces candies over the tops of the cookies. This adds a final touch of color and peanut butter flavor.
6. Let the cookies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart when you try to remove them from the tin.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Reese’s Cookie Cups:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This is crucial for creaming the butter and sugar properly, which results in a light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
• Use a cookie scoop: This ensures that each cookie cup has the same amount of dough, which helps them bake evenly.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: You want the edges to be golden brown and the center to be slightly soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
• Press the peanut butter cups in immediately after baking: This allows the heat from the cookies to melt the peanut butter cup slightly, creating that gooey center.
• Let the cookies cool completely before storing: This will prevent them from sticking together.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of candies or nuts. You could try using chopped pecans, M&Ms, or even pretzels.

Storing Your Delicious Cookie Cups:

Once the Reese’s cookie cups are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are too flat: This could be due to using melted butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix the dough until just combined.
• Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly soft, and measure your flour accurately.
• Cookies are too hard: This could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much sugar. Mix the dough until just combined, and measure your sugar accurately.
• Peanut butter cups are melting too much: Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and that you’re not baking the cookies for too long. You can also try chilling the peanut butter cups in the freezer for a few minutes before pressing them into the cookies.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between a soft, chewy cookie and the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The use of both granulated and brown sugar creates a cookie that is both sweet and moist, while the Reese’s Pieces candies add a pop of color and extra peanut butter flavor. Pressing the Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups into the center of the cookies while they’re still warm creates that gooey, melty center that everyone loves. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients.

Serving Suggestions:

These Reese’s cookie cups are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. They’re also great for gifting! Package them up in a cute box or bag and give them to friends, family, or neighbors. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per cookie cup):

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 150-180
• Fat: 8-10g
• Saturated Fat: 4-5g
• Cholesterol: 20-25mg
• Sodium: 50-70mg
• Carbohydrates: 18-22g
• Sugar: 12-15g
• Protein: 2-3g

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious Reese’s cookie cups as much as I do! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Reese’s cookie cups are truly a must-try for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie base with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Reese’s filling is simply irresistible. I know, I know, I’m biased, but trust me on this one – your taste buds will thank you!

But what makes these little treats so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cookie provides a comforting, familiar foundation, while the Reese’s adds that signature sweet and salty kick that we all crave. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip up a batch of these in no time. And let’s be honest, who can resist a homemade cookie, especially one that involves Reese’s?

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, these Reese’s cookie cups are incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. Or, let them cool completely and pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat during the day. They’re also perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade delight.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? You could add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an even more intense sweet and salty flavor. Or, try using different types of chocolate chips in the cookie dough, like dark chocolate or white chocolate. For a festive twist, add some holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts. You could even experiment with different types of peanut butter cups, like the Reese’s Pieces cups or the Reese’s white chocolate cups. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The joy of baking these, and then sharing them, is something special.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing Reese’s cookie cups. I promise you won’t regret it.

And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? Did you serve them with ice cream? Did your family and friends love them as much as I do? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these incredible Reese’s cookie cups! I am confident that you will add this recipe to your regular rotation.

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