If you adore the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, you are going to fall head over heels for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe. Imagine soft, tender cookies bursting with peanut butter richness, crowned with a perfectly melty Reese’s Thin Peanut Butter Cup that adds just the right touch of sweet chocolate magic. These cookies bake up fast, making them a fantastic go-to when you want a decadent homemade treat without fuss or delay. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or satisfying your own peanut butter cravings, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left to right, there is a small glass bowl with white milk, a small white bowl filled with smooth light brown peanut butter, and a single brown egg. Below that, a rectangular block of pale yellow butter sits on a white dish. To the right of the butter is a white bowl completely filled with white flour. Below, there are three small white bowls containing light brown sugar, white powdered sugar, and white granulated sugar. At the bottom left, there is a small white bowl filled with extra flour, and next to it on the right is a dark brown chocolate bar broken into even pieces. The overall arrangement is clean and organized, with simple white containers showing off the varied textures and colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this list; each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups. From the creamy peanut butter that forms the base to the granulated and brown sugars that balance sweetness with chewiness, every component is chosen to perfection.

1 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the star of the show, providing rich flavor and a smooth texture to the cookie dough.
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp salted butter, softened: Adds moisture and a buttery depth that keeps the cookies tender.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and helps with structure.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a slight caramel note that enhances the peanut butter.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds a bit of lift for softness.
1/4 cup milk: Moisturizes the dough for a tender crumb.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, forming the foundation of your cookie.
1 tsp baking powder: Offers a gentle rise for a soft, chewy texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the cookie.
36 Reese’s Thins: These thin peanut butter cups melt perfectly on top, giving each cookie its signature look and flavor.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

Start by creaming together the creamy peanut butter, softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer until everything comes together in a smooth, luscious blend. This step is crucial for creating the soft, chewy base of the cookie dough and ensures that sweetness is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Incorporate these fully so that your dough becomes rich, moist, and fragrant — these ingredients will give the cookies a lovely lift and a tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately

It’s always a good practice to mix your flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This uniform blending prevents any clumps and ensures that your cookies rise evenly with just the right texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the flour mixture to your peanut butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – the dough should hold together but remain soft and slightly sticky for the best cookie texture.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Using a medium scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake smaller cookies for about 8 minutes or larger ones for around 10, being careful not to overbake so they stay soft.

Step 6: Add the Reese’s Thins

Just as you pull the cookies out of the oven, gently press one Reese’s Thin Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating that irresistible soft, melty topping that sets these cookies apart.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow your cookies to cool right on the baking sheet. This sitting time helps the chocolate set perfectly and lets the cookies firm up just enough so they are perfect to pick up and enjoy.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cooling rack filled with round peanut butter cookies, each topped with a thick, smooth, and shiny layer of melted chocolate spread evenly in the center. The cookies have a rough, cracked texture and a warm golden-brown color. A woman's hand is gently touching one of the cookies on the lower left side of the rack. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface, and the scene is brightly lit, highlighting the glossy chocolate and crumbly cookie texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies speak for themselves but feel free to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sophisticated contrast that elevates the peanut butter sweetness and chocolate richness. Another fun idea is a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with a cold glass of milk, almond milk, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their richness balances so well with these drinks, turning snack time into a delightful mini indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with clusters of roasted peanuts or alongside other peanut butter treats for a dessert spread. You could even sandwich them with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a dreamy dessert sandwich that’s bound to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or parties.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies easily by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that melty, just-baked texture. This little trick brings back the magic of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups nestled on top.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter provides a smooth texture to the cookie dough, crunchy peanut butter can add a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor. Just keep in mind it may slightly affect the softness of the cookie.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Thin Peanut Butter Cups?

You can substitute with regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but you might want to halve them so they fit nicely on top and melt well. Alternatively, any peanut butter chocolate cup will work beautifully.

How do I make sure these cookies stay soft?

Don’t overbake your cookies and store them in an airtight container as soon as they’re cooled. A slice of bread stored with the cookies can also help maintain moisture and softness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture might change slightly depending on the blend used.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe, use plant-based butter, a flax or chia egg substitute, and ensure your peanut butter cups are dairy-free. The cookies will still be deliciously rich and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Recipe is a total game-changer for any peanut butter lover wanting quick, fuss-free homemade cookies that pack a big flavor punch. The combination of soft peanut butter cookie dough topped with melty chocolate peanut butter cups creates an unforgettable sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again. Go on, grab those ingredients, and bake up a batch that will have everyone coming back for more!