If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter and chocolate, the Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies combine the fudgy texture of cocoa-infused batter with pockets of creamy peanut butter cups that crunch and melt at the same time. The crackled powdered sugar exterior gives them an irresistible homemade look, while the gooey centers deliver pure bliss in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cookie recipe plays an essential part in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance. From the rich cocoa powder that adds depth, to the peanut butter and miniature cups that infuse that classic Reese’s taste, each component is both simple and indispensable.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitution.
- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed is preferred for a richer chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and get those signature cracks—make sure it’s fresh!
- Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; reduce if using salted butter.
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a smooth, nutty richness; natural peanut butter may change texture.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Brings moisture and tenderness; vegan butter is a great swap.
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar: Gives deep caramel notes and chewiness; light brown sugar works too.
- 1 large Egg: Binds ingredients together; substitute with flax or chia egg for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates flavor with sweet and warm notes; choose a high-quality version.
- 1 cup Miniature Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped for bursts of melty, chocolaty peanut butter goodness inside every bite.
How to Make Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening agent will be evenly distributed and prevents clumps of cocoa in the dough, setting a solid base for those fudgy cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Add the dark brown sugar, continuing to mix until light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a luscious, cohesive batter that will result in tender yet chewy cookies.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula. Mix just until combined — overmixing can toughen the cookies. The final dough should be thick and slightly sticky, hinting at the gooey texture to come.
Step 4: Add Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
Fold in the chopped miniature peanut butter cups gently to distribute the pockets of melty chocolate-peanut sweetness evenly throughout the dough. This step is the heart of the Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe, giving them that unmistakable signature flavor.
Step 5: Form the Cookies and Chill
Using a cookie scoop or spoons, form uniform balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up — this helps the cookies keep their shape and develop those charming crinkles.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat the chilled dough balls in powdered sugar, then bake for 10 minutes until the tops crack but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra powdered sugar adds a festive, snowy finish, enhancing their visual appeal. For an extra touch, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or peanut butter over the cooled cookies for a stunning contrast and decadent flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for frozen delight and texture contrast that will have you swooning.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper, or stack them like a mini tower tied with a bow for gifts. For parties, serve them alongside peanut butter cups and chocolate shards to amplify the Reese’s theme and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the cookies soft and moist, retaining the delightful contrast between the fudgy interior and the crackled exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or the unbaked dough. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Dough balls can be frozen before baking—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To revive that freshly-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds. This makes the peanut butter cups melty again and the cookie blissfully soft.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture inside the cookie, which some people love. Just know it might slightly affect the dough’s smoothness but won’t compromise flavor.
Is there a vegan way to make the Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe?
Yes! Swap the egg with a flax or chia egg, use vegan butter, and choose dairy-free peanut butter cups. These substitutions work beautifully without sacrificing the cookie’s indulgent qualities.
What is the best way to chop the peanut butter cups?
Use a sharp knife and cut the miniature cups into small pieces that balance melty pockets without overwhelming the dough. Avoid crushing them into crumbs—you want distinct bites of peanut butter chocolate goodness.
Why do the cookies have cracks on top?
The cracks form as the cookie dough spreads and rises during baking, contrasting beautifully with the powdered sugar coating. This crackled finish is a hallmark of crinkle cookies and adds charming texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for binding agents to help maintain the cookie’s structure, and adjust baking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of the Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe feels like a celebration of two of the most beloved dessert flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—wrapped in a soft yet crackly hug of cookie dough. I can’t recommend this recipe enough if you’re looking to wow friends, family, or even just treat yourself to something truly special. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with these irresistible cookies!
Print
Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are a rich, chocolatey treat infused with creamy peanut butter and chunks of miniature peanut butter cups. They feature a fudgy interior with a delightful crinkled powdered sugar coating, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder (Use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (Ensure it’s fresh)
- Pinch Salt (Can reduce if using salted butter)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Natural may alter texture)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with vegan butter)
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (Can replace with light brown sugar)
- 1 large Egg (For vegan, use flax or chia egg)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Opt for high-quality for best results)
Add-ins
- 1 cup Miniature Peanut Butter Cups (Chop for integrated flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa for balanced flavor and texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and homogenous. This process integrates air, which aids in cookie softness.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated. This provides structure and enhances flavor complexity.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to form a smooth, thick cookie dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Carefully fold the chopped miniature peanut butter cups into the dough, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up. This step makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Roll chilled dough into 12 equal balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar to create the signature crinkled effect once baked.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and formed a crinkle pattern on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set their structure and prevents breakage.
Notes
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Use vegan butter and a flax or chia egg substitute to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and fudgy in the center.
- Chilling the dough is important to achieve the crinkle effect and to handle the dough easily.
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder if available for a richer chocolate flavor.
