These Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter are a deliciously indulgent treat for any peanut butter lover. The combination of a soft and chewy cookie with a hidden center of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Mini Reese’s Pieces creates the perfect balance of sweetness and savory peanut flavor. These cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Mini Reese’s Pieces
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Mini Reese’s Pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop out dough and roll it into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a teaspoon of peanut butter in the center. Fold the dough around the peanut butter to seal it inside.
- Place the stuffed cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
- Stuff with Nut Butter: For a variation, try stuffing the cookies with almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey kick alongside the Reese’s Pieces.
- No Peanut Butter in the Center?: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter in the center, you can omit it and just use Reese’s Pieces throughout the dough for a more straightforward cookie.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the peanut butter filling again.
10 FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but it may affect the texture slightly by adding extra crunch to the cookies. - Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use applesauce as an egg replacement. - Can I use regular-sized Reese’s Pieces?
While Mini Reese’s Pieces are ideal for this recipe, you can use regular-sized ones, but chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the dough. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I add more peanut butter to the center?
Absolutely! If you prefer more peanut butter in the center, feel free to add a little more than the teaspoon amount. - What’s the best way to measure peanut butter?
For easy measuring, lightly coat the measuring cup with cooking spray before adding peanut butter. This helps it come out cleanly. - Can I use a different kind of candy?
Yes, you can use M&M’s, chopped Snickers, or any other candy of your choice in place of Reese’s Pieces. - Can I skip the step of stuffing the cookies with peanut butter?
Yes, you can just roll the dough into balls and bake without the peanut butter center for a simpler version. - Why are my cookies too soft or too hard?
If your cookies are too soft, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. If they’re too hard, you might have overbaked them, so reduce the baking time slightly. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the dough in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter are the perfect combination of chewy, gooey, and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just a simple snack, these cookies are sure to delight. With a hidden peanut butter center and a sweet and salty combination of flavors, they’re a cookie you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!