Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies -

Description of this recipe: Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter experience with these Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Loaded with creamy peanut butter, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and peanut butter chips, these cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream come true. With a soft and chewy texture and a rich, decadent flavor, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or sharing with friends and family.

Why you will love this recipe: These cookies are not just good; they’re extraordinary! The combination of three different peanut butter elements elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The creamy peanut butter in the dough provides a rich, nutty base, while the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add pockets of intense peanut butter and chocolate flavor. The peanut butter chips contribute to the overall peanut butter intensity, ensuring every bite is bursting with goodness. Beyond the flavor, the texture is divine—soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients. Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience!

Introduction

Peanut butter cookies are a classic for a reason—they’re comforting, nostalgic, and undeniably delicious. But what if you could take the humble peanut butter cookie to the next level? That’s exactly what these Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies aim to do. This recipe is designed for the true peanut butter aficionado, someone who appreciates the creamy, nutty flavor and wants to experience it in its most decadent form.

The secret to these cookies lies in the triple threat of peanut butter: creamy peanut butter in the dough, chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and peanut butter chips. This combination ensures that every bite is packed with peanut butter flavor, creating a symphony of taste and texture that will leave you craving more.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck with friends, or simply a quiet night in. They’re also a great option for gifting, as they’re sure to impress anyone who receives them. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to embark on a peanut butter adventure!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

For the Mix-Ins:

1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (mini or regular size)
1 cup (170g) peanut butter chips
½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips — optional but highly recommended

Preparation:

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process usually takes about 3 minutes. Ensure that the butter is properly softened, as this will help create a smooth and creamy base for the cookie dough. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, which will result in a lighter and more tender cookie. Don’t rush this step – the creaming process is crucial for achieving the desired texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a homogenous batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all ingredients are evenly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is essential to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which will help the cookies rise properly and have a consistent texture. The baking soda and baking powder act as leavening agents, helping the cookies to puff up during baking. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense and chewy texture. Mix only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and then stop.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently stir in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This is where the “triple” in Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies comes into play. The combination of Reese’s cups, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips (optional) creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold in the mix-ins, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for just 30 minutes, but longer chilling times are recommended for the best results.

Step 7: Preheat & Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also use silicone baking mats if you prefer.

Step 8: Scoop and Shape

Scoop out 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using a cookie scoop ensures that the cookies are uniform in size, which will help them bake evenly. Rolling the dough into balls helps to create a round, aesthetically pleasing cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set—but the centers still look slightly underdone. This is the key to achieving that classic soft and chewy texture. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool, so it’s important to remove them from the oven when they are still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Once the cookies are completely cool, they are ready to be enjoyed!

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: Medium
Taste: Excellent
Texture: Soft and Chewy
Overall: A must-try recipe for peanut butter lovers!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat during the day.
Bring them to a party or gathering to share with friends and family.
Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips:

Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.
Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly underdone.
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
If you don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on hand, you can substitute with another type of peanut butter candy.
Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the top of the cookies before baking to enhance the flavor.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

10-12 minutes

Total Time:

Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 250-300 per cookie
Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams per cookie
Sodium: Approximately 100-150mg per cookie

Conclusion

These Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie. With their soft and chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and decadent mix-ins, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your peanut butter desires. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate peanut butter experience!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

A: While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and consistency of the cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and less stable than processed peanut butter, which can result in flatter, greasier cookies. If you do use natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well before measuring it out, and you may need to add a bit more flour to the dough to compensate for the extra moisture.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

A: Yes, you can definitely freeze the cookie dough! Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the freezer, let it thaw slightly for about 10-15 minutes, and then bake as directed in the recipe.

Q3: What can I substitute for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

A: If you don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on hand, you can substitute with another type of peanut butter candy, such as peanut butter M&Ms or chopped peanut butter bars. You can also use chopped peanuts for a more subtle peanut butter flavor.

Q4: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?

A: There are several reasons why your cookies might have spread too much during baking. One common cause is using butter that is too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. Another reason could be that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling the dough helps to firm up the butter and prevent it from spreading too quickly in the oven. Finally, overmixing the dough can also contribute to spreading, as it develops the gluten in the flour.

Q5: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that is specifically designed for baking and contains a mix of different gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. You may also need to add a binder, such as xanthan gum, to help improve the texture of the cookies. Be sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour blend for the best results.