Introduction
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter are a must-try. Perfectly chewy with a gooey peanut butter center, these cookies combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the delightful crunch of mini Reese’s Pieces candies. These treats are not only delicious but also fun to make, making them a great baking project for both kids and adults.
Overview of the Recipe
These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, featuring a hidden peanut butter filling that oozes out with each bite. The mini Reese’s Pieces candies add a pop of color and a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft and chewy cookie. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday snacks.
History and Origin
Peanut butter cookies have been a beloved treat in American households for decades. The introduction of Reese’s Pieces candies in the late 1970s added a new dimension to peanut butter confections. Combining these two elements into a stuffed cookie brings together the rich history of peanut butter cookies with the innovative twist of candy-stuffed desserts. This recipe pays homage to the classic flavors while offering a modern take that appeals to both nostalgic adults and enthusiastic kids.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces candies
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Candies: Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
- Add Filling: Place a small dollop of peanut butter (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each flattened dough ball.
- Seal Cookies: Top each with another scoop of dough and carefully seal the edges, ensuring the peanut butter filling is completely enclosed.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly undercooked, but they will set as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
These Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies are best served warm, allowing the peanut butter filling to be gooey and melty. They can be enjoyed with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Perfect for dessert tables, lunchbox treats, or as an indulgent snack.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
- Ice Cream: Crumble these cookies over vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Variations of the Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Replace mini Reese’s Pieces candies with mini chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Variation: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are an indulgent treat, they do offer some benefits due to the peanut butter content. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. However, moderation is key, as these cookies are also high in sugar and calories.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
- Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before forming the cookies.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the filling for the best texture. Natural peanut butter may be too oily or runny for this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter, but the filling may have a different texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container or freeze them.
What if I don’t have mini Reese’s Pieces candies? You can substitute with regular-sized Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even chocolate chips.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter are a delicious and fun treat that combines classic flavors with a modern twist. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dessert, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are a perfect choice. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and crunchy goodness in every bite!