Last Sunday afternoon, my kitchen smelled like sweet nostalgia. My grandchildren had just left for a playdate, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a little treat for our “just because” moment. I dug into my pantry and spotted a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the usual baking staples. The idea of combining them into small, indulgent cookie cups immediately sparked joy.
Mixing the butter and sugars until creamy brought back memories of simpler times, the quiet rhythm of stirring, the soft crackle of melted sugar as it blended into butter. Folding in the egg and vanilla created that familiar, rich aroma that always makes a house feel like home. Rolling the dough into small balls and popping them into the muffin tin felt playful—like tiny edible treasures waiting to reveal a gooey, peanut butter-filled surprise.
Sliding the tray into the oven, I watched the edges turn golden, the warm chocolate scent rising and wrapping around the kitchen. Pressing a Reese’s cup into the center while still warm created little cups of bliss, each one perfect for savoring slowly.
When I finally took a bite, the balance of soft cookie and creamy peanut butter chocolate melted together in a way that made the simple Sunday feel extraordinary. These cookie cups aren’t just desserts—they’re tiny celebrations of sweetness, comfort, and family moment.
Short Description
Soft, chewy cookie cups filled with a creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup center. Perfect for dessert, parties, or a sweet snack that melts in your mouth.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Tools Needed
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until dough forms.
Step 5: Shape Cookie Cups
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place each in a muffin tin cup.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are golden.
Step 7: Add Reese’s Cups
While cookies are still warm, press one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie cup.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow cookie cups to cool completely in the tin before removing. Serve at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Salty Bliss: The combination of buttery cookie and creamy peanut butter chocolate is irresistible.
Quick and Fun: Only a few ingredients, simple steps, and under 30 minutes to dessert.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, family nights, or gifting in cute tins.
Customizable: Easy to swap peanut butter cups for other chocolates or candies.
Mistakes to Avoid and Solutions
Dough Too Sticky: Chill for 10 minutes or dust hands with flour.
Cookies Spread Too Much: Make sure butter is softened, not melted.
Reese’s Sinking Too Deep: Press gently while warm, not hot.
Overbaking: Bake until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
Perfect for dessert plates, party trays, or casual snack bowls.
Arrange on a platter for family-style serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezing: Store in freezer-safe container up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
1. Can I use mini peanut butter cups instead?
Yes, they work perfectly and make smaller bite-sized treats.
2. Can these be made vegan?
Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.
3. How do I prevent cookies from sticking?
Grease the muffin tin or use liners for easy removal.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in ¼ cup chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
5. Can I double the batch?
Absolutely, just bake in multiple trays and watch the timing carefully.
Tips and Tricks
Chill dough slightly for easier rolling.
Press the peanut butter cup gently to avoid cracking the cookie.
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Fold in ¼ cup cocoa powder and add a Hershey’s Kiss instead of Reese’s.
Nutty Delight: Add ¼ cup chopped peanuts into the dough for extra crunch.
Mini Bites: Use mini Reese’s and smaller dough balls for bite-sized treats.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle a bit of caramel over the Reese’s before cooling.
Final Thoughts
Sitting down with a warm Reese’s cookie cup in hand, I felt the simple joy of baking for family and small celebrations. The cookie edges are soft, the centers perfectly filled with creamy peanut butter chocolate, and every bite feels like a little indulgence.
The process, from creaming butter to pressing the chocolate cups, felt calming and playful. Sharing them with my husband brought laughter and small smiles, making the afternoon memorable. These cookie cups are easy, comforting, and absolutely delightful—a recipe I’ll return to whenever I want to turn an ordinary day into a sweet little celebration.
Decadent Reese’s Cookie Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Mix ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Whisk 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually stir into the wet mixture to form dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place in a greased muffin tin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Press one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each warm cookie.
- Let cool completely in the tin before removing. Serve at room temperature.
