As the sweet aroma of baking cookies wafts through my kitchen, I often find myself transported back to the joyous days of my childhood—when a simple moment of dessert could brighten the whole day. Today, I'm excited to share my easy recipe for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, a delightful twist on classic flavors that marries rich chocolate with the irresistible taste of creamy peanut butter. Not only do these cookies come together in just under an hour, but they also bring a fun surprise inside: mini peanut butter cups that melt into gooey perfection. Perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are bound to become a beloved staple in your home. So, are you ready to indulge in this delicious, chocolatey goodness? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Reese’s Crinkle Cookies a Must-Try?
Decadent Flavor: Each bite bursts with a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that will leave you craving more.
Surprise Inside: The mini peanut butter cups create a delightful molten center, transforming each cookie into a mini treasure chest of deliciousness.
Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour to bake, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it perfect for unexpected cravings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress everyone—making you the star of the dessert table!
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or save some for later; they’re delicious either way!
Reese's Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – adds the perfect structure to our cookies.
• Cocoa powder – intensifies the chocolate flavor for a rich taste.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies rise, making them light and airy.
• Salt – enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cookie.
• Creamy peanut butter – brings that delightful nutty richness to the dough.
• Salted butter – contributes to the buttery flavor and moist texture.
• Dark brown sugar – adds depth and a hint of caramel to the sweetness.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together for a perfect cookie consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet aroma throughout the cookies.
For Coating and Filling
• Granulated sugar – for rolling, giving the cookies a sweet, crisp exterior.
• Powdered sugar – dusts the finished cookies for a beautiful presentation.
• Mini peanut butter cups – the delicious surprise that melts in the center, making the cookies irresistible.
With these Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Ingredients, you’re all set to create a warm, inviting treat that will warm hearts and satisfy cravings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This process helps to aerate the ingredients, making your cookies lighter and fluffier. Set the bowl aside as you prepare the wet mixture, ensuring all dry ingredients are fully combined and free of lumps.
Step 2: Cream Butters
In a separate large bowl, cream ½ cup of creamy peanut butter and ½ cup of softened salted butter using a stand or handheld mixer on medium speed for 1 to 1.5 minutes. The mixture should appear smooth and creamy, reflecting a light and fluffy texture. This step is crucial as it ensures a well-blended base for your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 3: Add Sugar
To the peanut butter mixture, add ¾ cup of dark brown sugar and mix for another minute until fully incorporated. The sugar will add a rich sweetness and depth to the dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful creamy mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg
Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and add 1 large egg to the mixture. Mix gently just until you can no longer see yellow streaks to ensure the egg is fully integrated into the dough. This step binds the ingredients and adds moisture to your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Next, pour in 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds a lovely aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor of your cookies. Mix for about 30 seconds, ensuring the essence is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, mixing only until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the dough. Do not overmix; you want a thick, pliable dough that holds its shape well. This gentle folding helps maintain the structure of your upcoming Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle when forming the cookies. During this time, the flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste of your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil. Preheating ensures that your cookies start baking immediately when placed in the oven, leading to that perfect crinkle effect we all love.
Step 9: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of cookie dough and flatten them slightly in your palm. Place half of a miniature peanut butter cup in the center of each piece, fold the dough around it, and roll it into a ball. This playful step is what gives your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies their delightful surprise inside.
Step 10: Roll and Coat
Roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar first, ensuring they’re nicely coated, then dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This two-step coating process creates a stunning contrast when baked, enhancing the beautiful crinkle that characterizes your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 11: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated cookie balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the surfaces start to crackle and they appear slightly puffed. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking may lead to a drier cookie texture.
Step 12: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step lets them set correctly, maintaining that soft and chewy center while they cool down completely. Your irresistible Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are now ready to enjoy!
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and discover the perfect twist that speaks to your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful version that everyone can enjoy.
- Nut-Free: Use sunbutter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter to ensure a nut-free cookie that still delights.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey cookie, delighting the chocoholics in your life.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies into the dough or sprinkle on top for a refreshing holiday twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a surprising flavor bump that elevates each bite to a new level of yum.
- Creamy Center: Swap out the mini peanut butter cups for caramel-filled chocolates for a gooey surprise that adds a different sweetness.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce and use vegan butter for a plant-based twist.
- Stuffed Delight: Instead of filling with half a peanut butter cup, try filling with a small spoonful of Nutella for a decadent surprise.
What to Serve with Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Indulging in the sweet blend of chocolate and peanut butter is delightful, but pairing these cookies with complementary treats can elevate your dessert experience.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the chocolatey richness, creating a harmonious duo with each bite.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast, brightening your palate between bites of indulgent cookies.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake enhances the chocolate notes, making for a truly decadent treat that's perfect for dessert lovers.
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Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee or espresso cut through the sweetness, offering a sophisticated touch to your cookie experience.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for a sticky, sweet delight that pairs beautifully.
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Peanut Butter Cup Sundae: Create a fun dessert using the cookies as a base for sundaes, topped with peanut butter cup pieces and hot fudge for extra indulgence.
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Almond Milk: For a lighter option, chilled almond milk harmonizes with the flavors of the cookies while providing a soothing finish.
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Nutty Hot Cocoa: A steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts complements the cookies, making it a cozy dessert pairing.
Enhance the magic of your baking moment by trying these delightful combinations!
How to Store and Freeze Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and soft.
Fridge: If you'd like to extend their shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container, but note that they may become slightly firmer.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let them thaw for 10-15 minutes before rolling in sugar.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked feel!
Expert Tips for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is crucial; it firms up the mixture, preventing overly flat cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain that soft, chewy texture unique to Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Bake until the tops begin to crackle; overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them during the last minutes.
Two-Step Coating: Roll in granulated sugar first for crispiness, then dust with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation that elevates your cookies.
Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality peanut butter and cocoa powder; they significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your delicious cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save time while indulging in homemade treats! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then chilling it in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and maintain that delightful texture. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop and shape the dough as directed, roll it in sugar, and bake as usual. This way, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of these delicious cookies any time, enjoying the same sweet, gooey goodness!
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Reese's Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use high-quality creamy peanut butter that's smooth and free from excess oil. A good cocoa powder should be rich and dark for an intense chocolate flavor. When selecting butter, make sure it's softened but not melted—this gives the cookies the right texture. The egg should be fresh, as this helps bind your ingredients together flawlessly.
What’s the best way to store Reese's Crinkle Cookies?
You can keep your cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in the container to preserve their softness. If you prefer to extend their life, store them in the fridge, but they may become slightly firmer, which is just fine if you love a more solid cookie!
Can I freeze Reese's Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough! To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop out the cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 2 hours until solid, then transfer the dough balls into a sealed freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw for about 10-15 minutes before rolling them in sugar and baking!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough seems overly stick—this can happen due to room temperature or humidity—sprinkle a little extra flour, about one tablespoon at a time, making sure to combine it into the mixture until you have a workable consistency. Also, remember to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, which helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
Are Reese's Crinkle Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
I recommend caution! While these cookies are a delicious treat for humans, they are not dog-friendly due to the presence of chocolate and peanut butter. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies or other dietary restrictions, consider using allergen-free alternatives, such as sunflower seed butter and a nut-free chocolate substitute. Always check labels to ensure safety!
Irresistible Reese’s Crinkle Cookies to Satisfy Your Cravings
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Coating and Filling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- ¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups for filling
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Add the dark brown sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate the egg, mixing just until combined.
- Add the vanilla and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, place a peanut butter cup in the center, and roll into a ball.
- Roll the cookie balls in granulated sugar, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on the baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
