Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe

These Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic peanut butter cookies and the creamy, chocolatey goodness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, with the soft, chewy cookie dough enveloping a hidden surprise of gooey peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on its own or as a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless favorite, and these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• About 30-40 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar until fluffy.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Add Milk: Stir in the milk to achieve a smooth dough.

7. Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. If using a mini muffin tin, place each ball into a greased tin. If baking on a sheet, place the balls about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for about 8 minutes for mini muffin tin or 10 minutes for baking sheet. Do not overbake.

9. Press in the Peanut Butter Cups: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie.

10. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tips

1. Softening Butter: To prevent sticky dough, let the butter sit at room temperature for about an hour before using.

2. Chilling Peanut Butter Cups: Chill the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the freezer for about 10 minutes before pressing them into the cookies. This helps them stay firm and prevents melting.

3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Overbaking can make them dry and less enjoyable.

4. Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This helps them retain their shape and texture.

5. Variety of Sizes: You can adjust the size of your cookies by using different amounts of dough. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones will take longer.

6. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Variations

1. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter in the microwave, stirring often. Drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

2. Peanut Butter Flavor Boost: Add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dough for an even stronger peanut butter flavor.

3. Mini Muffin Pan: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized cookies that are perfect for parties or snacks.

4. Holiday Sprinkles: Add some festive sprinkles or chopped nuts to the dough for a colorful and festive touch.

5. Dark Chocolate Cups: Use dark chocolate cups instead of regular Reese’s for a slightly different flavor profile.

6. Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: These cookies are high in fat and calories due to the peanut butter and chocolate. However, they are also rich in protein and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying treat. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content, consider using natural peanut butter or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe. Always enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.