Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Filled Crinkle Cookies

If you’re dreaming of a cookie that perfectly balances rich chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, you’re in for a real treat with these Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Filled Crinkle Cookies. These cookies are soft, fudgy, and crackled on the outside, with a gooey peanut butter cup surprise inside every bite. Imagine biting into a warm, chocolatey cookie that melts in your mouth, revealing a luscious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup center—pure bliss! Whether you’re baking for a party, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Filled Crinkle Cookies combine the best of both worlds: a tender chocolate cookie and a peanut butter cup hidden within. The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee, giving the cookies a deeper, more complex taste. The crinkle effect from rolling the dough in confectioners’ sugar adds a beautiful touch that makes these cookies look as good as they taste. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. If you’re a fan of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars, these cookies will quickly become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough providing structure and a soft crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor for richer taste without coffee bitterness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies for a tender bite.
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted: Provides deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor for depth.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
• 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The luscious surprise center that is the star of these cookies.
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted: For rolling the dough, creating the signature crinkle effect.

Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier and faster.
• Sifter: Essential for sifting cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps.
• Baking sheet: For baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: For portioning dough evenly to ensure uniform cookies.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Filled Crinkle Cookies, Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, instant espresso powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. Sifting ensures your dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free, which is key for a consistent cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise and develop a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent the butter from seizing and to create a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. The dough should be thick and fudgy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center, then fold the dough around it, sealing it completely. Roll the dough ball in the sifted confectioners’ sugar to coat it evenly. Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges have set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the cookies develop their chewy texture with a gooey peanut butter center. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

Smart Substitutions

• Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
• Light brown sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor or coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.
• Peanut Butter Cups: Swap for any nut butter cup or allergy-friendly peanut butter candy for a nut-free twist.
• Instant espresso powder: Replace with a teaspoon of strong brewed coffee or omit entirely if you prefer.
• All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free variation—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

What Could Go Wrong

• Cookies spreading too much: Make sure your dough is well chilled before baking. Too warm dough can cause spreading.
• Peanut butter cups melting out: Seal the dough tightly around the candy to keep it inside while baking.
• Dry or crumbly cookies: Don’t overbake. Remove cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
• Uneven crinkle effect: Roll cookies generously in confectioners’ sugar to get that beautiful cracked look.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to bake. This resting period actually enhances the flavors. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Quick Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

Natural peanut butter can be delicious, but it won’t provide the same gooey chocolate-peanut butter center. You could add a dollop of peanut butter inside the dough, but the texture and flavor will differ from using the cups.

What does the espresso powder do in this recipe?

The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more intense without adding a coffee taste. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference!

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement. Swap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a vegan-friendly alternative, and you’re good to go.

How do I get the perfect crinkle effect?

Roll your cookie dough balls generously in confectioners’ sugar before baking. The sugar cracks as the cookies spread and rise, creating the signature crinkle look.

You Might Also Like

• Chocolate Macarons – A delicate, airy chocolate treat with a smooth ganache filling.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars – A chewy, buttery bar packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips for a decadent snack.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve these Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Filled Crinkle Cookies warm with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or packing in lunchboxes for a special treat. These cookies also shine on dessert platters at parties, offering a fun surprise inside that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Happy baking!

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