Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Alright, so you know how peanut butter cookies are already amazing? Well, these ones have a little surprise tucked inside. It’s soft, sweet, and just totally perfect.

I made them one afternoon, just playing around in the kitchen. And wow—biting into that creamy middle was like finding treasure. Ever since then, I can’t stop baking them.

They’re super easy too. Just scoop, fill, and bake. You’ll want to eat like five in one sitting—no joke.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These cookies are an instant hit! Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a party, they’re guaranteed to disappear in no time. One reader raved, “These cookies are life-changing! The Reese’s in the middle adds the perfect touch.”
• Peanut Butter Perfection: If you love peanut butter, these cookies are for you. The dough is made with peanut butter, giving it that rich, nutty flavor we all crave. Combined with the surprise of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, each bite is a delicious adventure.
• Easy to Make: Thanks to using Pillsbury’s Peanut Butter Cookie Roll, this recipe takes almost no time to prepare. Plus, the addition of the mini Reese’s cups requires little more than unwrapping.
• Fun and Surprising: Who doesn’t love a surprise in their cookies? When you take a bite, you’re met with the creamy, melty goodness of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup tucked inside.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a Tuesday, these cookies are great for any event. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure we have everything we need in the kitchen:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: This tool ensures uniform-sized cookies so they bake evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing the cookie dough.
• Spoon or Small Knife: To help press the mini Reese’s cups into the cookie dough.
• Oven Mitts: For safety when handling hot baking sheets.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

• 1 (16.5oz.) Pkg. Pillsbury Peanut Butter Cookie Roll: This pre-made dough is the base of the cookies, offering that classic peanut butter flavor and chewy texture.
• 16-18 Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped): These are the “surprise” inside each cookie, providing a burst of melty peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
• Sugar for rolling: This adds a sweet crunch to the outside of each cookie, making them look and taste even more irresistible.

Variations for Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

• Use Dark Chocolate Reese’s: If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, try using the dark chocolate mini Reese’s cups instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Add a Little Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Make it a Family Affair: Get the kids involved! Let them unwrap the mini Reese’s cups and roll the dough into balls.
• Add Chopped Peanuts: If you love extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts to the dough for additional texture.
• Switch Up the Peanut Butter Cup: You can swap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with other chocolate or peanut butter candies, such as Snickers Bites or M&Ms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Unwrap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Begin by unwrapping 16-18 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. You’ll need one for each cookie, so feel free to adjust the amount depending on how many cookies you plan to make. Set them aside.

3. Shape the Cookie Dough

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the Pillsbury Peanut Butter Cookie Roll dough into 1-inch balls. If you want uniform sizes, a cookie scoop is a great tool for this. Roll each ball in sugar to coat it lightly.

4. Create a Nest for the Reese’s Cup

Press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation. This is where you’ll place the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

5. Add the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Place one unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the indentation of each dough ball. Gently press the edges of the dough around the Reese’s to encase it. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want the cookie to bake up around the peanut butter cup without flattening it out.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. The centers will still be soft, but don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their shape. Enjoy the delicious peanut butter and chocolate surprise when you bite into them!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to serve and enjoy them:

• With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than pairing a peanut butter cookie with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.
• In a Cookie Jar: Store them in an airtight container or cookie jar for a sweet treat that’s ready whenever you need a snack.
• For Parties: These cookies are the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, picnics, or potlucks. They’re easy to make in large batches and are sure to be a hit.
• With Ice Cream: Place a warm cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storing Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for snacking.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	180
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	10mg
Sodium	70mg
Total Carbohydrates	21g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	16g
Protein	3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on the size of each cookie being about 1.5 inches in diameter. Adjustments may vary depending on your specific ingredients and serving size.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are the ultimate treat for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. The soft, chewy peanut butter cookie dough paired with the gooey, melty Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup inside creates the perfect bite. These cookies are simple to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, from weeknight treats to parties or holidays. The surprise inside makes them extra special, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.