Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet Treat
What defines your ultimate favorite cookie? For many, it’s a difficult choice, as preferences often shift with the seasons or current cravings. Yet, there’s a timeless classic that reliably draws us back: the humble Chocolate Chip Cookie. Especially when it’s fresh out of the oven, its warm, gooey center and slightly crisp edges are simply unparalleled. I’ve been perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe since I was a child, and that cherished tradition undoubtedly plays a big part in its enduring appeal. There’s something truly magical about a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie, a comfort food that instantly transports you back to simpler times.
But what if we took that beloved classic and elevated it to an entirely new level of decadence? Forget your average cookie; we’re talking about a creation that will utterly redefine your dessert expectations. Last week, we explored the delightful world of Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, a fantastic twist on a favorite. This week, prepare yourselves for another extraordinary cookie adventure, one that combines two legendary treats into a single, glorious bite. And for this spectacular idea, we owe a huge thank you to Shelly at Cookies and Cups. She’s a true genius when it comes to creative cookie concepts!
Introducing the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookie
Just take a moment to imagine these magnificent treats! We’re talking about two perfectly baked, soft, and chewy chocolate chip cookies, embracing a creamy, dreamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in their warm embrace. As these cookies emerge from the oven, the heat gently melts the peanut butter cup, turning it into a luscious, gooey filling that perfectly fuses the two cookie halves together. It’s not just a cookie; it’s an experience. The unparalleled combination of rich chocolate and savory-sweet peanut butter is, for many, the ultimate flavor pairing. And let’s be honest, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are practically everyone’s favorite candy, so integrating them into my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe creates an insanely good treat that’s impossible to resist. This decadent dessert is a celebration of textures and flavors, offering a delightful crunch, a tender chew, and that signature, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter goodness.
A Sweet Surprise That Brightens Any Day
The joy of baking often comes from sharing, and these cookies are absolute showstoppers. I recently surprised my 7-year-old with one of these delightful sandwich cookies in his lunchbox. You can only imagine his excitement when he discovered it! He came home from school absolutely beaming, recounting how amazing it was and, naturally, asking for more. He was quite disappointed to learn that I had only made a limited batch – and for good reason. Realistically, if I had more than five of these incredibly tempting treats in the house, they wouldn’t last long, and the consequences for my waistline wouldn’t be pretty! It’s a good problem to have, though, knowing a recipe is this popular.
Thankfully, I always keep a stash of cookie dough in the freezer. This smart trick means I can whip up a fresh batch of these heavenly Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies whenever the craving strikes or whenever a special occasion calls for an extra-sweet surprise. Having frozen cookie dough on hand is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade treats but might not always have the time for a full baking session. It ensures that warm, gooey cookie perfection is always just a few minutes away, ready to delight family and friends alike. It’s the ultimate solution for spontaneous dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
Why These Sandwich Cookies Are a Must-Try
What makes these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies so incredibly special? It’s more than just the combination of ingredients; it’s the interplay of textures and flavors that creates a truly unforgettable dessert experience. You get the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie – that perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy interior, studded with rich chocolate chips. But then, in the very heart of it all, you encounter the smooth, intensely satisfying peanut butter cup, which melts just enough to become a creamy, luscious layer. It’s a moment of pure bliss, a harmonious blend of sweet chocolate, savory peanut butter, and buttery cookie goodness that dances on your taste buds. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of two iconic flavors united in perfect harmony, making it a standout treat that satisfies every sweet craving. These sandwich cookies are perfect for parties, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply as an indulgent reward for yourself after a long day.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you might think with a few simple tips and tricks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This is crucial for proper creaming, which incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, fluffier, and more uniformly textured dough that bakes beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which will lead to tough, dry cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons or 1/4 cup for larger cookies) is your best friend. This ensures that all your cookie halves are roughly the same size and bake evenly, which is absolutely essential for creating perfectly matched sandwich cookies. Consistency is key!
- Perfect Baking Time: The baking time of 10 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) is crucial. You want the cookies to be just set around the edges but still slightly soft and chewy in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- The Melty Peanut Butter Cup: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and cool just enough to handle without crumbling, quickly place the unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on half of them. The residual warmth from the freshly baked cookies will work its magic, gently melting the peanut butter cups into that irresistible, gooey, and sticky filling. This is where the magic happens!
- Cooling Patience: Allow the assembled sandwich cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the melted peanut butter cup set slightly and prevents the cookies from falling apart when handled. If you’re eager to enjoy them sooner or find them a bit too melty, a brief stint (10-15 minutes) in the refrigerator can speed up the setting process.
- Quality Ingredients: While a classic recipe, using good quality butter, premium chocolate chips, and, of course, fresh Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor and enjoyment of your cookies. Don’t skimp on the stars of the show!
Ready to bake these incredible peanut butter and chocolate masterpieces? Here’s the detailed recipe to guide you through every step of creating these delightful sandwich cookies. Get ready to experience a dessert that combines the best of both worlds – the classic comfort of homemade chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible charm of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Your kitchen is about to become a haven of delicious aromas!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies
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Equipment for Perfect Sandwich Cookies
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Cookie Scoop (essential for uniform cookies!)
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Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer (makes mixing a breeze)
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Decadent Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup shortening (contributes to soft, chewy texture)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 12 oz bag chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 18 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped (standard size works best)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Delicious Sandwich Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Cream Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), scoop small, uniform balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
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Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They should still be warm enough to be pliable, but cool enough to handle without falling apart. This brief cooling period is essential for the next step.
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Assemble the Sandwich: While the cookies are still warm, gently match up cookies of similar size. Place half of the cookies face down on a cooling rack. Immediately top each of these with an unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Take the other matching cookie half and gently press it on top of the peanut butter cup, creating a sandwich. The residual heat from the cookies will beautifully melt the peanut butter cup, creating a luscious, sticky filling. If they become too melty and messy, you can briefly place them in the fridge to help the peanut butter cup firm up faster.
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Final Cooling: Allow the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies to cool completely on the rack before serving. This allows the centers to set and makes them easier to handle and enjoy.
Chef’s Notes & Variations
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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We all have those moments when a simple cookie just won’t cut it, and that’s precisely where these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies shine. They offer a delightful escape, a burst of flavor and texture that truly elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, preparing a thoughtful gift, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. The combination of homemade chocolate chip cookies with the iconic, melty peanut butter candy is pure genius and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth and try this recipe – you (and your lucky recipients!) won’t regret it. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of bakery-quality indulgence into your own kitchen, proving that some of the best treats are homemade and filled with love (and peanut butter cups!).