Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter – Chewy, Creamy Delight

Hey there! I’m Emeli, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years of baking, it’s that the best cookies tell a story. These Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter came to life on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my niece visited with one request: “Can we make cookies that taste like candy?” Challenge accepted. What started as a playful experiment turned into the most requested recipe in my kitchen a cookie with a surprise peanut butter heart, studded with colorful Mini Reese’s Pieces, and perfectly golden on the outside. If you’ve ever felt that store-bought cookies just don’t hit the same, or you’re tired of one-note chocolate chip recipes, this is your new go-to. Welcome to FoodFansy, where we turn simple ingredients into unforgettable moments.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: why this recipe works magic every time, how to prep your peanut butter filling for the perfect gooey center, foolproof baking techniques, and creative flavor twists to make these cookies your own.

Why This Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter Recipe Works

These cookies aren’t just another dessert they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ve become a FoodFansy favorite:

• Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients – No specialty items needed. Grab butter, sugars, flour, and your favorite peanut butter, and you’re halfway there.
• Prep in just 30 minutes – The peanut butter filling comes together in seconds, and the dough requires minimal mixing.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight craving, a birthday party, or holiday cookie exchanges, these stuffed cookies steal the show every time.
• Built-in surprise factor – That hidden peanut butter center creates a “wow” moment with every bite.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but quality ingredients make all the difference.

Best Peanut Butter for This Recipe

Creamy peanut butter is your friend here. I recommend brands like Jif or Skippy they’re smooth, sweet, and hold their shape when frozen. Avoid natural peanut butters that separate, as they’ll make the filling too oily and difficult to work with.

Choosing Your Mini Reese’s Pieces

Standard Mini Reese’s Pieces work perfectly, but feel free to experiment with seasonal colors (pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas). The mini size distributes better throughout the dough without weighing down the cookies.

Substitutions That Work

• Swap Mini Reese’s Pieces for mini M&M’s, chocolate chips, or chopped peanut butter cups if you can’t find them.
• Brown sugar alternative: Use all granulated sugar for a crispier cookie, or all brown sugar for extra chewiness.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, plant-based butter works well just ensure it’s softened properly.

Ingredients & Prep for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Cookie Dough Essentials

Getting your ingredients prepped properly is half the battle. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It should indent easily when pressed.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Packed firmly for moisture and that signature molasses flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and helps with spread.
• 1 egg – Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – This gives the cookies their perfect rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup Mini Reese’s Pieces – The colorful, crunchy star of the show.

Peanut Butter Filling Magic

This is where the cookie transforms from good to unforgettable:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar – This helps the filling hold together and adds subtle sweetness.

Prep tip: Mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Roll into balls about 3/4-inch in diameter (roughly a teaspoon each). Freeze for at least 15 minutes this is crucial! Frozen centers prevent the filling from melting into the cookie during baking.

Pantry Pro Tip

Keep your baking soda and baking powder fresh by replacing them every six months. Old leavening agents can result in flat, dense cookies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Let me walk you through this process like we’re baking together in my kitchen.

Pre-Cooking Prep for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper this prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

While the oven heats, prepare your peanut butter filling balls as described above and pop them in the freezer.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix this can lead to tough cookies.

Fold in the Mini Reese’s Pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Cooking Method for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Here’s where the fun begins stuffing those cookies!

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place one frozen peanut butter ball in the center. Scoop another small amount of dough (about 1-2 teaspoons) and place it on top of the peanut butter ball. Gently seal the edges, rolling the dough between your palms to form a smooth ball. The peanut butter should be completely enclosed.

Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet they’ll spread as they bake.

Doneness Check for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are golden brown while the centers still appear slightly soft and underdone. This is the secret to chewy, perfectly baked cookies they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven.

Visual cue: The cookies should no longer look wet or shiny in the center, but they shouldn’t be fully set either.

Resting for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

This step is non-negotiable! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up just enough to move without breaking, while keeping that gooey peanut butter center intact.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely if you can wait that long!

Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Avoiding Flat, Spread-Out Cookies

Chill your dough if it feels too soft or if your kitchen is warm. Refrigerate the shaped cookie balls for 15 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain that thick, bakery-style look.

Don’t skip the parchment paper it regulates heat distribution better than a greased pan.

Tool Recommendations

• Cookie scoop: A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop ensures uniform size and even baking.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless.
• Wire cooling rack: Essential for proper airflow and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Kitchen scale: For the most precise measurements, especially with flour.

Storage & Reheating for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Pro hack: You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked cookie dough balls. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Flavor Variations for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some creative twists:

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the Reese’s Pieces. Use a chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella) instead of peanut butter for the filling. Drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate.

Salty-Sweet Upgrade

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. The salt enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be nearly identical, though the cookies may spread slightly less.

White Chocolate Macadamia Twist

Replace Mini Reese’s Pieces with white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts. Fill with vanilla-flavored almond butter instead of peanut butter for a tropical vibe.

Serving Suggestions for Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

These cookies are show-stoppers on their own, but here’s how to elevate the experience:

Pair with beverages: Serve warm with a cold glass of milk (classic!), iced coffee for adults, or hot chocolate for a decadent treat. For evening gatherings, try them with Irish cream liqueur or dessert wine.

Ice cream sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream vanilla and chocolate work beautifully with the peanut butter filling.

Cookie platters: Arrange on a tiered stand alongside brownies and Rice Krispie treats for a crowd-pleasing dessert table.

Gift-giving: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon perfect for teachers, neighbors, or hostess gifts.

FAQs About Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Natural peanut butter contains oils that separate and can make the filling too runny to hold its shape when frozen. Stick with conventional creamy peanut butter for best results.

My peanut butter filling leaked out during baking. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the filling wasn’t frozen long enough or if the dough wasn’t sealed properly around it. Make sure your peanut butter balls are frozen solid (15 minutes minimum), and completely encase them in dough with no gaps.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze shaped cookie balls (stuffed and ready to bake) for up to 2 months. No need to thaw just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and that you’re measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t scoop). If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking.

Are these cookies safe for people with peanut allergies?

No, these cookies contain peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces (which also contain peanuts). For nut-free versions, substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for the peanut butter, and use chocolate chips or colored candies without peanuts.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have enough freezer space for all the peanut butter balls and enough baking sheets to work efficiently.

Conclusion

There you have it Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter that deliver everything you want in a homemade treat: that perfect chewy texture, a surprise peanut butter center, and those iconic colorful candies in every bite. Fire up your oven and try this tonight! Trust me, the look on everyone’s faces when they bite into that hidden peanut butter filling is worth every minute of prep.

Join the 5,000+ home cooks who’ve already fallen in love with this recipe and made it their own. Share your creations with me on social media using #FoodFansyKitchen I love seeing your beautiful baked goods!

Want more cookie inspiration? Try our [Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Guide] next, or explore our [Ultimate Cookie Baking Tips] for more techniques to level up your baking game.

Happy baking, friends! Let’s make something unforgettable together.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter – Chewy, Creamy Delight

---

• Author: Emili
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Soft, chewy Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter featuring a creamy filling and colorful crunch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup Mini Reese’s Pieces

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tbsp powdered sugar

---

Instructions

1. Mix peanut butter and powdered sugar, roll into small balls, and freeze for 15 minutes.

2. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.

3. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.

4. Whisk dry ingredients together and combine with wet mixture.

5. Fold in Mini Reese’s Pieces.

6. Wrap dough around frozen peanut butter centers.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

8. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Notes

Freeze stuffed dough balls for up to 2 months.

Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 5 days.

Microwave cookies for 10 seconds before serving for that fresh-baked softness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Mini Reese’s Pieces Cookies Stuffed with Peanut Butter, easy cookies, peanut butter dessert