Discover pure indulgence with our Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter recipe. These cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream, combining soft, chewy textures with bursts of colorful Reese’s Pieces and a creamy peanut butter filling inside. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with a delightful treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Mini Reese’s Pieces
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in Mini Reese’s Pieces until evenly distributed.
Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten slightly in your palm.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of creamy peanut butter in the center of flattened dough.
- Fold edges of dough around peanut butter, sealing it inside, and shape into a ball. Place stuffed cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake cookies in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Drizzle:
- If desired, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in microwave or over double boiler. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for extra decadence.
Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy these delicious Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies stuffed with creamy peanut butter with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging yourself!
Serving and Storage Tips:
To ensure your Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter remain fresh and enjoyable, follow these serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their colorful appearance and enticing filling.
- Pairing: Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee to complement the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Gifting: Package cookies in gift boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to please.
- Warm Serving: Microwave cookies for a few seconds before serving to enhance the gooey texture of the peanut butter filling.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: If storing for longer periods or in warm environments, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reviving Freshness: If cookies become stale, place them in a sealed container with a slice of bread or apple for a few hours to absorb moisture and restore freshness.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter remain irresistible and ready to enjoy at any time. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for peanut butter and chocolate!
Variations:
Explore these creative variations to customize your Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter and add a unique twist to this delicious recipe:
- Double Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dough for double chocolate flavor, and use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped peanuts or almonds into the cookie dough for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Place a mini peanut butter cup instead of peanut butter in the center of each cookie for a gooey surprise.
- Marshmallow Filling: Replace peanut butter with marshmallow fluff for a fluffy, sweet filling reminiscent of s’mores.
- Oatmeal Raisin: Substitute half of the flour with rolled oats and replace Reese’s Pieces with raisins for a hearty oatmeal cookie variation.
- M&M’s Surprise: Use mini M&M’s instead of Reese’s Pieces for a colorful candy-filled cookie experience.
- Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the cookie dough and use coconut butter or coconut cream as the filling for a tropical twist.
- Caramel Center: Insert a caramel candy into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking for a gooey caramel surprise.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter finish.
- Almond Joy Inspired: Add chopped almonds and coconut flakes to the dough, and place a whole almond in the center with the peanut butter for an Almond Joy-inspired treat.
These variations offer a wide range of flavors and textures, allowing you to experiment and create unique versions of this classic cookie recipe. Whether you prefer chocolatey, nutty, or fruity twists, there’s a variation to suit every taste preference and occasion. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats!
FAQs:
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
- Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and may not hold its shape as well when stuffed into cookies. Creamy peanut butter is recommended for best results.
- Can I omit the Reese’s Pieces or substitute them with another candy?
- You can omit the Reese’s Pieces if desired or substitute with another small candy of your choice, such as M&M’s or chocolate chips.
- How do I prevent the peanut butter from leaking out during baking?
- Ensure the cookie dough completely encloses the peanut butter filling, sealing it tightly. Be careful not to overstuff the cookies to prevent leakage.
- Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
- Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw dough in the refrigerator before using.
- Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
- To prevent cookies from spreading too much, make sure the dough is sufficiently chilled before baking. Also, avoid placing cookie dough on warm baking sheets.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the saltiness.
- How should I store leftover cookies?
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate cookies for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour?
- Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will yield a denser cookie. You may need to adjust the amount slightly and expect a different texture.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the recipe. Ensure all other ingredients, including Reese’s Pieces, are gluten-free.
- Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
- You can try using a commercial egg replacer or applesauce as a substitute for eggs, but this may alter the texture of the cookies slightly.
These cookies are a surefire hit for anyone who adores the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Treat yourself to these irresistible treats today!