Reese’s Cookie Cups: Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Reese’s Cookie Cups – Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Author: Patricia
Description
These Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups combine two beloved flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—into a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing dessert. Each cup features a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie shell with a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup nestled inside and a Hershey’s Kiss pressed on top while still warm for a melty, irresistible finish. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a special treat at home, this recipe is simple to follow and highly customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 12 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- 12 Hershey’s Kisses
Optional substitutions:
- For gluten-free: replace all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend measured cup for cup.
- For nut-free: use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter and a nut-free chocolate filling in place of mini Reese’s cups.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with silicone liners so cookie cups release easily.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cookie cups tender.
- Stir in chocolate chips: Fold the chocolate chips into the dough so they’re evenly distributed.
- Fill the tin: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup, filling each about halfway. Press the dough lightly to form a small well in the center.
- Add the peanut butter cup: Press one mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each dough-filled cup so it sits slightly below the cookie surface.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and tops have set around the Reese’s cup.
- Top with a Kiss: Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the top of each warm cookie cup. The heat will gently soften the Kiss for a gooey center.
- Cool: Let cookie cups cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes & Tips
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more evenly and produces a smoother dough.
- Don’t overbake: Cookie cups will firm as they cool—remove them when edges are lightly golden for the best chewy texture.
- Chill sticky dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it 10–15 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading.
- Portioning: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizes and even baking.
- Variations: Try caramel-filled chocolates, white chocolate Kisses, or an extra mini Reese’s on top for more indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa to balance the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Storage and Leftovers
Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to restore that warm, gooey center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes. The dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. When ready, portion and bake as directed.
- Can I use full-size Reese’s cups? You can, but you’ll need to increase the dough portion per cup and adjust baking time so the cookie cooks through without burning.
- How do I prevent sticking? Lightly grease the mini muffin tin, use silicone liners, or use a nonstick spray so the cookie cups release easily.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely. Garnish with chopped nuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast.
Related Recipes
- No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies – Easy & Delicious
- French Butter Cookies – Easy, Buttery, and Delicious
- Baklava Bundt Cake (Honey-Soaked & Nutty)
- Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bites – Ultimate Dessert Bites
Conclusion
Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that marries chewy chocolate chip cookie dough with creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate. They’re quick to prepare, adaptable to dietary needs, and ideal for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat. Try the variations above and make the recipe your own—these little bites are sure to become a favorite.
