Reese’s Cookie Cups – Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

Reese’s Cookie Cups are rich, gooey chocolate peanut butter bites baked into a soft cookie base with a Reese’s cup nestled right in the center. These easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treats are everything you love about classic peanut butter and chocolate desserts—compact, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two favorites: cookies and Reese’s peanut butter cups
• Gooey, melty centers with a soft cookie shell
• Perfect for parties, bake sales, and holidays
• Easy to make with pantry staples and a mini muffin tin
• No chilling required—ready in under 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and fun to make together
• Great for portion control—bite-sized indulgence
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking
• Ideal for gift boxes or cookie exchanges
• Endless variation potential with different candies or doughs

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Peanut butter
• Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup and press gently to form a base.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly puffed.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or top with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 24 mini cookie cups
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Base: Use chocolate chip cookie dough for a twist.
• Brownie Cups: Replace the cookie dough with brownie batter for extra gooeyness.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute with sunflower seed butter and nut-free chocolate cups.
• Topped with Marshmallow: Add a mini marshmallow on top after baking for a s’mores vibe.
• Stuffed with Caramel: Use a caramel-filled chocolate candy instead of Reese’s.
• Festive Flair: Decorate with sprinkles or colored candy melts for holidays.

storage/reheating

Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back the gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes! Pre-made dough makes this recipe even quicker. Just press it into the mini muffin cups and proceed as directed.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope—this dough comes together quickly and bakes perfectly without chilling.

Can I make these in a regular muffin pan?

Yes, but they’ll be larger. Use about 2 tablespoons of dough and a full-size Reese’s cup. Adjust baking time by a few extra minutes.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest texture. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can be too oily or dry.

Can I freeze these?

Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw at room temp or microwave briefly before serving.

Are they overly sweet?

They’re rich and sweet, as expected from a candy-stuffed cookie, but the peanut butter balances it nicely.

Can I use different candy centers?

Yes! Try Rolos, mini Snickers, or Hershey’s Kisses for other fun versions.

How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin tin well or use mini paper liners to prevent sticking.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Definitely. Mini chocolate chips add extra richness without overpowering the Reese’s.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Conclusion

Reese’s Cookie Cups are the ultimate bite-sized dessert—easy to make, fun to eat, and loaded with chocolate peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday tray, or a late-night snack, these gooey little bites are guaranteed to satisfy. Make a batch (or two) and watch them disappear faster than you can say “more, please.”

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