Stuffed Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies stuffed with creamy peanut butter and speckled with mini Reese’s Pieces are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers! With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and bursts of chocolate-coated peanut butter candies in every bite, these cookies are irresistibly rich. Perfect for sharing or indulging, they bring the flavors of classic peanut butter cookies to a whole new level.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
  • Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups
  • Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Mini Reese’s Pieces: 1/2 cup
  • Additional Peanut Butter: 1/4 cup, for stuffing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice the mixture becoming pale and airy.
  2. Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined. The dough should be smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
  5. Fold in the Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Cookies

  1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, place the extra 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter for stuffing. You can also chill it briefly to make it easier to handle.
  2. Portion the Dough: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each dough ball slightly in the center, creating a small indent.
  3. Add the Peanut Butter Stuffing: Place a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) of peanut butter filling in the center of the dough.
  4. Seal the Cookie: Take another small piece of dough and place it on top of the peanut butter filling. Press the edges together and roll gently to form a ball, ensuring that the peanut butter filling is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the Dough Balls on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed. The cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t overbake them.
  4. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per cookie)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, chunky peanut butter will add a little extra texture, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother dough and is generally easier to work with for stuffing.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag.

3. What’s the best way to measure peanut butter accurately?

Spray your measuring cup with a bit of cooking spray before adding the peanut butter. This makes it easier to get every bit out without sticking.

4. How can I make these cookies even more chocolatey?

Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the dough, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies after baking.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

  1. Soften Your Butter Properly: Room-temperature butter is key for the right texture. It should be soft enough to press your finger into easily but not so soft that it’s oily or melted.
  2. Chill the Dough for a Few Minutes: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle and to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
  3. Don’t Overfill with Peanut Butter: While it’s tempting to add more filling, too much peanut butter can cause the cookies to leak or break. A small dollop is perfect.
  4. Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps keep all the cookies the same size, ensuring even baking.
  5. Store with a Slice of Bread: If you’re storing these cookies for a few days, place a slice of bread in the container with them to keep them soft. The cookies absorb moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh with the right storage.
  • Refrigeration: For extended storage, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be kept for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Stuffed Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious, peanut butter-packed treat that’s sure to become a favorite. From their irresistible soft texture to the creamy peanut butter surprise in the center, these cookies deliver all the flavors and textures peanut butter fans crave. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk, shared at a gathering, or saved for a sweet treat anytime, these cookies will never disappoint. Easy to prepare and bursting with peanut butter goodness, they’re the perfect recipe to keep in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of these delectable cookies!