As the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel like a kid again, brought back to those carefree afternoons filled with sweetness and laughter. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, a delightful twist on classic chocolate cookies that will make you weak in the knees. These irresistible treats combine rich cocoa flavor with creamy peanut butter and hidden chocolatey surprises, all while being incredibly simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or satisfy your late-night sweet tooth. If you’re ready to take your baking game to the next level, come along for the ride! What’s your favorite way to indulge in a homemade cookie?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Decadent, these Reese’s Crinkle Cookies deliver a sweet punch that’s layered with creamy peanut butter and chocolate surprises. Quick to whip up, you can have these cookies ready in just under an hour! Crowd-pleasers, they’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Satisfying, each bite combines a fudgy texture with a delightful crunch from the powdered sugar. Versatile, feel free to customize the filling or adjust the sweetness! Trust me; these cookies will leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – a must for structure in your cookies.
- Cocoa powder – adds the rich chocolate flavor you crave.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise to perfection.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Creamy peanut butter – brings a delightful nuttiness and richness.
- Salted butter – ensures a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Dark brown sugar – for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together, adding moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract – infuses warmth and enhances all flavors.
For Rolling and Dusting
- Granulated sugar – provides a sweet crunch on the outside.
- Powdered sugar – dust these cookies for a beautiful finish.
For the Filling
- Mini peanut butter cups – the delightful surprise in every bite! A perfect addition to your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth and well-mixed cookie dough, so take your time to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Set the bowl aside as you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Cream Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ½ cup softened salted butter. Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer set to medium-high speed, cream the mixture for about 1 to 1.5 minutes until it becomes smooth and light in color. This creamy base is essential for the rich flavor of your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, so make sure it’s well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Brown Sugar
Add ¾ cup dark brown sugar to the creamed peanut butter mixture, mixing for an additional minute. As you blend, you'll notice the mixture turning glossy and slightly fluffy—this is when you know it’s perfectly combined. The dark brown sugar adds depth and moisture to your cookie dough, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Add the Egg
Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and add in 1 large egg to the mixture. Mix just until the egg is fully incorporated and no yellow streaks remain, which should take about 30 seconds. This step ensures that your cookie dough binds nicely together, creating that wonderful chewy texture in your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 5: Mix in Vanilla Extract
Pour in 1½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and mix for another 20-30 seconds until well combined. The vanilla will infuse your cookie dough with a warm aroma and rich flavor, complementing the chocolate and peanut butter perfectly. Make sure everything is well blended before moving ahead.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. As the dough starts to come together, it should be thick and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want for your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies. Avoid over-mixing to maintain that fabulous fudgy texture.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and deepens the flavors. During this waiting period, take a moment to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and place half of a mini peanut butter cup in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the peanut butter cup to form a ball, ensuring it is completely encased. Repeat this process, placing each filled ball on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between them.
Step 9: Roll and Dust the Cookies
Roll each cookie ball first in granulated sugar, then dust with powdered sugar for that signature crinkle effect. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful contrast when baked. Place the sugar-coated balls back on the lined baking sheets, ready for the oven.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops start to crackle and look set. The cookies should be soft but firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as over-baking can lead to dryness—aim for a slightly gooey texture for that irresistibly soft bite in your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up a bit more without losing their softness. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy the anticipation as the sweet aroma fills your kitchen!
Helpful Tricks for Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes ensures a better texture and helps prevent cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the fudgy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies you're aiming for.
Perfect Sugar Coating: For a beautiful crinkle effect, roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar before dusting with powdered sugar. This double-layer adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies. Bake until they’re just crackled on the surface—overbaking can dry them out quickly.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baking soda and high-quality cocoa powder makes a big difference in taste. Always double-check the expiration date!
How to Store and Freeze Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies warm, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive the fudginess and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
What to Serve with Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for creating memorable moments, whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Rich and creamy milk beautifully complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that elevates your cookie experience.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh strawberries or banana slices provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies—perfect for balancing flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate, adding a touch of marshmallow fluff for an extra sweet treat.
- Coffee: A rich medium-roast coffee creates a delightful contrast that enhances the cookies' flavor while adding warmth to your snack.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: For a crunchy, salty-sweet snack, pair these treats alongside chocolate-covered pretzels; it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Peanut Butter Mousse: Serve a dollop of creamy peanut butter mousse for an added layer of peanutty indulgence that your guests will love!
- Caramel Sauce Dip: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce makes for a delightful dipping experience, introducing a new texture and flavor element.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and bubbly, a citrus-infused sparkling water provides a clean palate cleanser, keeping your taste buds excited!
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: For a sweet breakfast twist, serve alongside chocolate chip muffins, bringing together all the flavors in a delightful way.
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients to make these cookies truly your own delight!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful alternative.
- Vegan: Swap the egg for ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce and use vegan butter to keep them plant-based and delicious.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for the same creamy texture without nuts.
- Extra Chocolatey: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a double dose of chocolatey goodness with every bite!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for refreshing minty crinkle cookies that bring holiday joy year-round.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peanut butter!
- Caramel Surprise: Instead of mini peanut butter cups, use caramel-filled chocolates to create a gooey center that’s sure to impress.
- Crunchy Texture: Fold in ½ cup of crushed pretzels or nuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are absolutely perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow the first six steps, cover the dough with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. For best results, chill the dough to maintain that fudgy texture when baked. You can also scoop and shape the cookie balls, rolling them in sugar, and place them on the baking sheets, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and pop those delightful cookies in without any further prep. This way, you’ll have fresh, homemade cookies ready to satisfy your cravings, saving you time on busy weeknights!
Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, ensure your ingredients are fresh. The peanut butter should be creamy and not overly oily, while the salted butter should be soft but not melted. For the egg, a large, whole egg is ideal to maintain moisture content, and using fresh cocoa powder can enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
How should I store my cookies once baked?
Very simply! Store your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just make sure to wrap them well to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze my Reese’s Crinkle Cookies? What’s the best method?
The more the merrier! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookies don’t crinkle properly?
Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! If your Reese’s Crinkle Cookies don’t develop that signature crinkle, it could be due to not rolling them in enough granulated sugar before baking. To rectify, ensure your dough balls are generously coated in both sugars. Also, keep an eye on the bake time; under-baking slightly can help achieve that gooey texture that contributes to the crinkle effect.
Are these cookies suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If someone has a peanut allergy, consider substituting the peanut butter with sun butter or almond butter as alternatives. For vegans, swapping out the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) works great. Always double-check that the chocolate candies used are suitable for dietary needs as well—there are plenty of allergy-friendly options out there!
Indulgent Reese’s Crinkle Cookies That Will Make You Smile
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth and light in color.
- Add brown sugar to the mixture and mix until glossy and fluffy.
- Lower mixer speed, add egg, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just incorporated.
- Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and place a mini peanut butter cup in the center. Form into a ball.
- Roll in granulated sugar and dust with powdered sugar.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until tops crackle.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
