There’s a certain joy that comes from creating something utterly delightful in the kitchen, isn’t there? The first time I combined creamy peanut butter with rich cocoa, a delicious magic began to unfold. These Reese’s Crinkle Cookies emerged from my oven, crackling with promise and a sweet, nutty aroma that seemed to beckon everyone around.
What makes these cookies truly special is their incredible blend of textures—the soft, chewy cookie gives way to a sweet, surprise peanut butter cup at the heart of each bite. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon at home or as a showstopper at any gathering.
Whether you’re a busy chef looking for a quick dessert or someone wanting to escape the monotony of takeout, these cookies are a wonderful solution. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can whip up a batch that will satisfy any sweet tooth and bring smiles all around. Let’s dive in and make these heavenly cookies!
Why are Reese’s Crinkle Cookies a must-try?
Sweet, indulgent flavors: The combination of decadent cocoa and rich peanut butter creates an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can master these cookies.
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser: From dinner parties to family gatherings, these cookies will quickly disappear and leave everyone craving more.
Surprising centers: Each cookie hides a delightful peanut butter cup, making every bite a sweet surprise.
Timely treat: Ready in under an hour, they fit perfectly into your busy schedule while satisfying your sweet cravings.
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness of these delightful, indulgent treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – ensures the perfect base for a chewy texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – brings deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and achieve their signature crinkle.
- Table salt – enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter – adds that signature nutty taste and richness.
- Salted butter – buttery goodness that keeps the cookies moist and flavorful.
- Dark brown sugar – gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness that’s essential for depth.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
- Pure vanilla extract – infuses warmth and sweetness into each bite.
For the Surprise Center
- Miniature peanut butter cups – the star ingredient that makes these Reese’s Crinkle Cookies truly special!
For the Coatings
- Granulated sugar – adds an initial crunch when rolled on the dough balls.
- Powdered sugar – creates a snowy finish that makes these cookies look irresistible.
How to Make Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
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Sift Together: Start by sifting the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium-sized bowl. This ensures a light, fluffy cookie texture—definitely a vital first step!
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Beat the Butters: In a stand mixer, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened salted butter for 1-1½ minutes until silky smooth. This delicious combo is where those rich flavors begin to meld beautifully.
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Mix in Sugar: Add the dark brown sugar to the butter mixture and mix for another 1-1½ minutes. You’ll want it well combined for a sweet, caramel-like flavor in every bite.
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Combine Egg: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low, then add the room temperature egg. Beat just until the yellow disappears—no one likes a streaky cookie!
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Introduce Vanilla: Add the pure vanilla extract and mix for a short time until it’s thoroughly blended. You’ll notice the warm aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
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Incorporate Flour Mixture: Keep mixing on medium-low and add the dry flour mixture one cup at a time. Mix only until it just comes together, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure they’re ready for those delicious cookies!
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Prepare Sugars: In a small bowl, place the granulated sugar. In another small bowl or ziplock bag, add the sifted powdered sugar. Both will give the cookies an irresistible coating!
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Scoop and Shape: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough. Shape each portion into a ball, push in half a miniature peanut butter cup, and seal it up nicely. Roll back into a ball!
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Coat the Cookies: Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the powdered sugar until well-coated. This not only looks beautiful but adds a delightful sweetness!
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Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the second baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until they’re crackled on the surface. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Optional: Sprinkle with a little extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent drying out. Just remember to soften the dough slightly before scooping and baking. Additionally, you can roll the cookie balls and coat them in sugar up to 3 days ahead; simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into a preheated oven—restaurant-quality results with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious for your enjoyment.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just be sure to let them warm up to room temperature before indulging.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will refresh their delightful soft texture, bringing back that freshly baked taste to your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to personalize your cookies with these fun twists and substitutions that elevate the flavor and cater to dietary preferences!
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Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Extra Chocolate: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a melty, chocolatey surprise that enhances each cookie.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an unexpected heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Minty Fresh: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla for a refreshing mint chocolate twist that’s perfect for the holidays!
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Coconut Bliss: Blend in ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical touch that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
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Fruit Flavor: Add ½ cup of chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity hint that balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
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Sugar Swaps: Instead of granulated sugar, roll the cookie dough balls in brown sugar for a deeper, more caramelized crust that adds warmth to each bite.
Expert Tips for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. This step is crucial for achieving those delightful crinkles!
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, well-blended dough, avoiding lumps and uneven textures.
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Correct Baking Time: Watch the baking time closely; remove the cookies when they’re still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.
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Sugar Rolling: Roll the dough balls thoroughly in both sugars to ensure an even coating. This adds flavor and an appealing appearance to your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
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Store Wisely: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last a week, but they likely won’t last that long!
What to Serve with Reese’s Crinkle Cookies?
Create a delightful spread that complements these cookie indulgences perfectly.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk enhances the rich flavors and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Velvety Hot Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, this is an absolute must. The warmth and richness of hot chocolate create a cozy pairing that’s irresistible.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries offers a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies. Pairing fresh berries with these cookies adds a touch of elegance.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Elevate dessert time by serving these treats. The combination of creamy chocolate with the fruity burst of strawberries perfectly complements the Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top can turn your cookie plate into a dessert masterpiece. It adds a lightness that balances each rich bite.
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Ice Cream Scoop: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds a luscious touch. Imagine pairing a warm cookie with a scoop of cold ice cream—pure bliss!
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Vanilla Latte: The coffee’s rich flavors enhance the cookie experience, making for a welcoming afternoon treat that fuels your day.
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Peanut Butter Dessert Bars: Double the delight by serving baked peanut butter bars alongside. Their chewy texture and nutty flavor mirror those in your cookies and make for a fun dessert duo.
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Chewy Caramel Brownies: Enhance your sweet spread with these fudgy brownies that offer a rich, chocolatey experience that marries beautifully with the flavors of the cookies.
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Sparkling Water: For a refreshing contrast, pair the sweets with a fizzy drink. The bubbles help cleanse the palate, making each cookie taste as good as the first.
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of peanut butter is best for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies?
I recommend using creamy peanut butter for these cookies, as it blends beautifully with the other ingredients and offers that smooth texture we love. You can also experiment with natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred to avoid excess oil.
How should I store Reese’s Crinkle Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come back to room temp before enjoying for the best taste!
Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cookie dough ball tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before popping them in the oven.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too warm. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and ensure that your butter is soft but not melted.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, these cookies are not safe for pets, especially dogs. Ingredients like chocolate and cocoa powder are toxic to them. Please keep your freshly baked treats out of their reach!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I suggest checking labels to ensure it’s safe for your dietary needs, and you may need to adjust baking times slightly.
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
- In a stand mixer, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened salted butter for 1-1½ minutes until silky smooth.
- Add the dark brown sugar to the butter mixture and mix for another 1-1½ minutes.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium-low, then add the room temperature egg and beat just until the yellow disappears.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until thoroughly blended.
- Keep mixing on medium-low and add the dry flour mixture one cup at a time until just combined, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, place the granulated sugar. In another small bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar.
- Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough and shape each portion into a ball, pushing in half a miniature peanut butter cup before sealing.
- Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the powdered sugar until well-coated.
- Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes until crackled on the surface.
- Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.