Introduction
Welcome to a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate and the unique texture that pudding mix adds to cookies. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a cozy evening at home. This recipe promises a batch of cookies that are not only irresistible but also quite straightforward to make.
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients to ensure you can whip up these cookies without any hiccups:
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup, softened
- Creamy Peanut Butter: ½ cup
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
- Packed Brown Sugar: ½ cup
- Large Eggs: 2
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 (3.4 oz) box
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup
- Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups: 1 ¼ cups (divided)
- Mini Reese’s Pieces: 1 cup (divided)
Directions and Preparation Method
The process of making these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. Here’s how to put everything together:
- Preparation:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for baking which is crucial for getting the perfect texture in your cookies.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Making the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air into the dough which helps in leavening the cookies.
- Stir in the honey and vanilla extract, blending everything together smoothly.
- Combining the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and dry vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies a moist, tender texture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Adding the Fun Stuff:
- Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the Reese’s mini peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces. Reserve the remaining candy for topping the cookies, adding a bit of extra texture and flavor to each bite.
- Baking the Cookies:
- Scoop the cookie dough into 36 small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press the reserved candy pieces into the tops of the dough balls for a visually appealing finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. It’s crucial not to overbake to maintain that delightful chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from the oven before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set without falling apart.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are a splendid treat that brings together the creamy texture of peanut butter, the rich taste of chocolate, and the unique softness that pudding mix imparts. These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any event, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike. With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fit perfectly into any busy schedule. Whether you’re making them for a party or as a special treat for your family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!