Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

If you’re a fan of creamy peanut butter and scrumptious cookies, then Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are going to steal your heart. These delightful treats combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate, making for an irresistible dessert. Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a family gathering, or just for yourself, this recipe will not disappoint.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies is their wonderful texture. Thanks to the pudding mix, these cookies are incredibly soft and chewy. You won’t find yourself biting into a hard cookie here! Additionally, they are filled with chunks of Reese’s candy, which makes each bite an explosion of flavor. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make. Even if you are not an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

How to Prepare Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

Baking cookies can be a fun and enjoyable process. You don’t have to be an expert; just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. Below is a simple guide to making Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: Additional Reese’s for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix the Sugars and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix them until they are well blended.
3. Add the Pudding Mix: Now, add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the bowl. This will give your cookies their soft and chewy texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the two large eggs into the mixture and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the baking soda, flour, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Reese’s: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. This is the best part, as you’ll get delicious chocolatey surprises in every bite!
7. Scoop the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a greased baking sheet or a baking mat. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
8. Top with Reese’s (Optional): If you want, you can place a whole mini Reese’s on top of each cookie before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden, and the middle might look a little underbaked – that’s okay! They will continue to set after you take them out of the oven.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

Serving up these cookies is easy and fun! They can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Milk: A classic pairing for cookies is a glass of cold milk. The creaminess compliments the cookies perfectly.
• As a Dessert: Serve them on a dessert platter for a birthday party or family gathering. You can also place them in a decorative jar for a cute presentation.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a special treat, you can make ice cream sandwiches. Just take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. Yum!

How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

If you have leftover cookies (which is rare because they are so delicious), you can store them easily. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to seal them well to prevent them from drying out. They can last up to a week this way.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips for Preparing Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

Here are some handy tips to help you make the best Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
2. Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, take them out of the oven when they are just slightly underbaked.
3. Chop Reese’s Carefully: When chopping the Reese’s, try to keep the pieces somewhat large for bigger chocolate chunks in your cookies.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to use different flavors of pudding mix if you want to change things up!

Variation

If you want to try something different, here are a few variations of this recipe:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: For a double chocolate version, add some cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla.
• Nut-Free Version: If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute peanut butter with sun butter or any other nut-free spread.
• Add More Mix-Ins: Consider adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or nuts for an added crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, you can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter in this recipe. Creamy will give a smooth texture, while crunchy will add a bit of extra bite!
2. What happens if I overmix the cookie dough?
   If you overmix the dough, the cookies may turn out tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined for the best results.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them, then bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
4. How do I make the cookies thicker?
   If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them spread less in the oven.

In conclusion, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make. They bring together the savory taste of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of chocolate, making them a perfect treat. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful flavor of home-baked goodness!