Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter—and these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups deliver that magic in the most irresistible way. Imagine soft, chewy cookie dough with warm, buttery edges, holding a melty Reese’s peanut butter cup right at the center. It’s the kind of treat that disappears within minutes of hitting the cooling rack (trust me—I’ve witnessed it firsthand!).

I first made this recipe on a chilly autumn afternoon when I needed something comforting but quick. The house filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla, peanut butter, and sugar, and by the time the cookies were cooling, my family was already hovering in the kitchen. What makes these cookie cups extra special is that they feel like a bakery-level indulgence, yet they’re unbelievably easy to whip up at home.

Whether you're baking for a holiday party, a casual weeknight dessert, or just because—you’ll love how simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding this recipe is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Chewy Texture

These cookie cups are the ultimate comfort dessert. The outside bakes up golden and just slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft, buttery, and rich. And when you press that Reese’s into the center while they’re still warm? It melts slightly into the cookie, giving you that dreamy, gooey middle that’s packed with sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter.

Each bite is perfectly balanced—sweet, salty, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. It’s a texture lover’s dream.

Simple Ingredients

No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here. In fact, you likely have everything you need already sitting in your pantry:

• Butter

• Granulated and brown sugar

• Creamy peanut butter

• Egg, vanilla, and flour

Add in a pack of Reese’s peanut butter cups and you’re ready to bake. This is a recipe that keeps things beautifully simple, making it ideal for last-minute cravings or spontaneous baking days.

Easy to Make, Even for Beginners

You don’t need a stand mixer, rolling pin, or even cookie cutters. Just a couple bowls, a muffin tin, and a spoon. That’s it.

The dough comes together in under 10 minutes, and the baking time is short, too—so you can go from mixing to munching in less than 30 minutes. The instructions are foolproof, and even if you’ve never baked from scratch before, you’ll nail it.

Customizable and Fun

Want to make them your own? Go for it! Here are a few fun ideas:

• Use dark chocolate Reese’s for a richer twist

• Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-salty hit

• Mix in mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra indulgence

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or white chocolate for a bakery-style finish

• Try mini muffin tins and mini Reese’s for bite-sized treats

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, and that's part of the joy. Once you try it, you’ll be thinking of new ways to make it again and again.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking fun, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. The beauty of these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups is that they rely on simple, everyday ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

Full List of Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookie cups soft, flavorful, and downright delicious:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives the cookie dough its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create those lightly crisp edges.

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed – Brings in moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for extra richness.

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter – The heart of the flavor; it adds nutty, creamy depth.

• 1 large egg – Binds everything together and keeps the cookies from crumbling.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the dough without making it too dense.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft in the center.

• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

• 12 Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped) – The irresistible chocolate-peanut butter center that makes these cookie cups unforgettable.

• Optional: Melted chocolate – For a pretty (and tasty) drizzle on top.

Quick tip: If you're planning to drizzle chocolate, you can use the microwave to melt it in 15-second bursts, stirring in between. Easy and mess-free!

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just learning how to turn on your oven, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this process is.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will help the cookie cups release easily once baked.

2. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter.
   In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to mix until smooth and creamy. This step sets the foundation for that chewy, soft texture.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract.
   Beat them in until the mixture is well combined. You’re now building the base flavor.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet.
   Mix just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cookies nice and tender.

6. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls.
   Roll them gently between your palms and place one into each muffin cup. Press down slightly to form a shallow well—this helps hold the Reese’s later.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
   The edges should be lightly golden, and the tops just set. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to cook slightly in the pan.

8. Immediately press a Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
   Gently push it down until the top is nearly level with the cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, making it irresistibly gooey.

9. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
   This allows them to firm up just enough to hold their shape.

10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Use a butter knife to gently lift them out if needed.

11. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate.
    This adds a decorative touch and a little extra chocolatey indulgence—because why not?

And there you have it—beautiful, bakery-style Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups that are ready to impress.

What to Serve with This Recipe

These cookie cups are delightful all on their own, but pairing them with the right drinks or desserts can elevate the experience even more. Here are a few ideas to make your sweet treat shine:

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

• A cold glass of milk (classic and kid-approved)

• Iced coffee for a perfect balance of bitter and sweet

• A cozy mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream

Desserts:

• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side

• Crumbled into a sundae with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top

Occasions:

• Kids’ birthday parties – fun, handheld treats that are always a hit

• Holiday cookie trays – these stand out in a crowd

• Bake sales or potlucks – easy to transport, and guaranteed to disappear fast

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups is how easy they are to adapt. Whether you're working with allergies, dietary preferences, or just looking for a twist on the classic, there’s a version for everyone.

Nut-Free Version

If you're baking for someone with a nut allergy, you can swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and taste. As for the Reese’s, try using a nut-free chocolate candy or simply fill the center with a chunk of dairy-free chocolate.

Extra Chocolatey

Chocolate lovers, this one's for you! Replace part of the flour with cocoa powder to make a chocolate cookie dough base, or fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips to double down on the decadence.

Gluten-Free Option

You can easily make these gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. No other changes needed—the texture and flavor stay wonderfully rich and chewy.

Storage Instructions

Whether you’re saving leftovers (rare!) or planning ahead for a party, these cookie cups store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature

Store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration

If you prefer them slightly chilled or need to store them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. For the best texture, let them sit at room temp or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Freezing

These freeze like a dream!

• Freeze baked cookie cups in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

• Want to prep ahead? Roll and freeze the unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you get perfect cookie cups every time:

• Don’t overbake – the edges should be golden, but the centers will continue to cook after removing from the oven.

• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth, even mixing.

• Chill the dough (optional) if you want thicker, puffier cookie cups.

• Press the Reese’s gently but firmly into the center to get that perfect nest.

• Let them cool in the pan before removing to keep their shape intact.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, you’ll enjoy these sweet treats too:

• Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe: Smooth, sweet, and dipped in chocolate.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs: The ultimate layered dessert.

• Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies: Timeless and perfect for your holiday spread.

FAQs

Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions home bakers ask about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can. Just reduce the added salt to a pinch to keep the balance right.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! It adds a little extra texture. Just note the dough may be slightly thicker and more rustic.

Do I have to use a muffin tin?

Yes—this recipe is designed for muffin tins to create the perfect cookie “cup” shape and hold the Reese’s in place.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. They freeze well both baked or unbaked, so you can prep in advance and bake fresh whenever the craving hits.

What size Reese’s should I use?

Both mini and regular-size cups work—just make sure they fit your muffin tin. For bite-sized versions, use mini muffin pans and mini Reese’s!

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy night in, or just because—you truly can’t go wrong with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups. They’re rich, chewy, chocolatey, and so incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, which makes them a go-to treat in any season.

These cookie cups are always a crowd-pleaser, and once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again.

Have you tried this recipe yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below, share your twist, or pin it for later! Let’s keep spreading the joy, one cookie cup at a time. 🍪❤️

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