Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces (the colorful candy-coated peanut butter pieces)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or mini Reese’s cups)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Before starting the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it's ready when your cookie dough is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make it easy to remove the cookies after baking. This also helps with even baking and ensures the cookies don’t stick to the pan.

2. Cream the butter and peanut butter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and the creamy peanut butter. Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed, beat the two together for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture to make the cookies tender and soft when baked.

3. Add the sugars and egg:

   • Gradually add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is well combined and creamy. The sugars should be completely dissolved, giving the dough a smooth texture.
   • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the dough and adds moisture, while the vanilla adds a hint of rich flavor that complements the peanut butter.

4. Combine the dry ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will help the cookies rise, while the salt balances out the sweetness of the sugars. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small increments, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the flour is incorporated and no streaks of flour remain visible.

5. Add the mix-ins:

   • Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. These ingredients are what make this recipe “Triple” Reese’s! They add texture, flavor, and extra sweetness. The Reese’s Pieces give the cookies a colorful pop, the chocolate chips add gooey chocolate, and the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups bring in that classic peanut butter and chocolate combination that everyone loves.

6. Shape the cookie dough:

   • Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. This will allow the cookies to spread out a little while baking. If you prefer slightly thicker cookies, you can gently roll the dough into balls before placing them on the baking sheet. You can also press the dough balls down slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, but be careful not to flatten them too much.

7. Bake the cookies:

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should have golden edges, and the center should still look slightly soft. Don’t worry if they seem too soft in the middle, as they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a crunchy texture, so it’s best to slightly underbake them to ensure they stay chewy and soft.

8. Cool the cookies:

   • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set and firm up without falling apart. After this, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process is important because it helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.

Additional Tips:

• For a chewier texture: If you prefer soft, chewy cookies, make sure not to overbake them. If you find that your cookies are too crispy, you can add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough to increase its moisture.

• Customize the mix-ins: Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients, such as chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra indulgence.

• Storage: These cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you'd like them to stay softer for longer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb moisture and help keep the cookies soft. You can also freeze the cookie dough to bake at a later time. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the balls of dough until firm, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

• Baking time: Keep in mind that different ovens may vary in temperature, so check the cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. The cookies should look slightly puffed up and golden around the edges when done.

Conclusion:

These Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a peanut butter lover's dream come true! With a mix of Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family treat, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing these irresistible treats with others!