Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Treat
Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies! These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they’re a delightful revelation, celebrated for their incredibly soft, delightfully chewy texture. Infused with creamy vanilla pudding mix and generously studded with chunks of everyone’s favorite Reese’s peanut butter cups, these homemade treats are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe for the ultimate peanut butter indulgence. Whether you’re a lifelong peanut butter lover or just looking for a simple yet spectacular cookie, this recipe promises a baking experience as enjoyable as the eating itself!
There’s a special magic that happens when you combine classic peanut butter cookies with a secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix. For years, my kitchen staple was a fantastic Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie recipe, which, to be honest, I’ve baked more times than I can count. It was so perfect, I rarely ventured out to try other variations. However, inspiration struck one day as I noticed how many of my other beloved cookie recipes benefited from the addition of pudding mix, giving them an unparalleled softness and a wonderfully moist texture. Why not try this with my beloved peanut butter cookies?
The experiment was a resounding success! The vanilla pudding mix didn’t just add a subtle vanilla flavor; it transformed the cookie dough, creating a cookie that was exceptionally moist, incredibly tender, and satisfyingly chewy. But why stop there? My pantry held a treasure trove of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, and the idea of folding them into the rich peanut butter dough was too good to resist. A quick chop, a handful of mini chocolate chips, and into the dough they went. The resulting cookies were nothing short of amazing! The combination of salty-sweet peanut butter, creamy chocolate, and the unique texture from the pudding mix makes these cookies truly special. If you don’t have Reese’s Cups, feel free to use Reese’s Pieces, regular chocolate chips, or even skip the mix-ins entirely – the plain peanut butter pudding cookie is phenomenal on its own!
Baking Perfect Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies Every Time
Crafting these delectable Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key techniques will ensure your cookies are consistently perfect, boasting that coveted soft and chewy texture. Here are some essential tips from a seasoned baker to help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Achieve Perfectly Softened Butter: This is arguably the most crucial step for incredible cookies. Avoid using butter that’s either too cold and hard or overly warm and melted. Softened butter allows for proper creaming with sugars, incorporating air that contributes to a light, tender crumb. Ideally, leave your butter out on the counter for 1-2 hours. If you’re short on time, gently soften it in the microwave in very short 5-second bursts, removing it just before it starts to melt. I personally find the defrost setting on my microwave works wonders, softening the butter more evenly without the risk of liquefying it.
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For consistent and favorable baking results, always opt for regular creamy peanut butter (brands like Jif or Skippy work best). Natural peanut butters, which often have separated oils and a runnier consistency, can significantly alter the dough’s texture and lead to less predictable outcomes in your cookies. The stability of conventional peanut butter is key here.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a vital step in most cookie recipes. Combining your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, pudding mix) in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet mixture ensures that all the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of unmixed ingredients and guarantees a uniform rise and flavor in every cookie.
- Cream Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step! Taking an extra 2-3 minutes to cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars is essential. This process aerates the mixture, creating tiny air pockets that expand during baking, contributing significantly to the cookies’ light, tender, and chewy texture. This also helps dissolve the sugars, leading to a smoother dough.
- Preheat Your Oven Accurately: A properly preheated oven is fundamental for successful baking. Placing cookie dough into an oven that hasn’t reached the correct temperature can result in uneven baking, where cookies spread too much or don’t cook through properly. Always allow your oven ample time to reach and stabilize at the specified temperature before you start baking.
- Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For professional-looking cookies that bake evenly every time, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures that each cookie is the same size and shape, which is critical for consistent baking times and a beautiful presentation. Plus, it makes portioning dough quick and mess-free!
Key Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating these incredibly delicious and chewy peanut butter cookies. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Butter: I typically use salted butter for a subtle salty balance that enhances the peanut butter flavor. If you prefer unsalted, you can certainly use it, just add an extra pinch of salt to the dry ingredients. Remember, no margarine – real butter provides the best flavor and texture. Ensure it’s perfectly softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Peanut Butter: The heart of these cookies! For consistent results and that classic creamy texture, I highly recommend using a regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or a store-brand equivalent). Natural peanut butters, which often separate and are oilier, can lead to a greasier dough and a less desirable cookie texture.
- Sugars: This recipe calls for a balanced blend of 1/2 cup each of granulated sugar and brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges and overall sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor, and that wonderful chewy texture we all love. For the best outcome, make sure your brown sugar is soft and fresh, not hardened.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies! A small box (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix doesn’t just add a delicious vanilla note; it significantly improves the cookies’ texture, making them exceptionally soft, moist, and wonderfully chewy. It helps keep them fresh for longer too.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a crucial binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together to form a cohesive dough. They also add moisture and richness, contributing to the cookies’ structure and tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract brightens and rounds out all the flavors in the cookies. The quality of your vanilla extract can truly make a difference, so use the best you have!
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard choice for these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them tough. For an even more tender cookie, some bakers enjoy using cake flour, which has a lower protein content.
- Baking Soda: This acts as the leavening agent, reacting with the acidic ingredients (like brown sugar) to help the cookies rise and achieve a light, airy texture. Always ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results; old baking soda can lead to flat cookies.
- Salt: A small but mighty ingredient! Half a teaspoon of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the rich flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate, preventing the cookies from tasting one-dimensional.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: While regular chocolate chips work perfectly, mini chocolate chips are a personal favorite for these cookies. Their smaller size ensures you get a delightful burst of chocolate in almost every bite, complementing the peanut butter beautifully. You’ll need about 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on how chocolatey you like them.
- Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups: The ultimate indulgence! Chopped Reese’s miniature peanut butter cups are folded into the dough, providing irresistible pockets of creamy peanut butter and chocolate goodness. You can use regular-sized Reese’s cups, quartering them before adding. I recommend about 1 cup, but honestly, adding a little extra won’t draw any complaints!
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of the best Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light, creamy, and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Add the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl. Continue beating for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is well combined and noticeably lighter in color and texture.
3. Incorporate the instant vanilla pudding mix into the wet ingredients, beating for about 1 minute until fully integrated. This will infuse the dough with extra flavor and contribute to the cookies’ incredible softness.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and beat for another 2 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix on low speed, or by hand, just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
7. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without crushing them. Feel free to add any other desired mix-ins at this stage!
8. Use a cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) to drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat is best), leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie for spreading.
9. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake, as this will prevent them from being chewy! They will continue to set as they cool.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 small 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½-1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s miniature peanut butter cups
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, and continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and well combined. Then, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat for about 1 minute until fully incorporated.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed (or by hand with a spatula) just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
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Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. You can also fold in other desired additions like Reese’s Pieces if you wish.
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Use a 1.5 to 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, placing the cookie dough balls approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. Remember not to overbake for that perfectly soft and chewy texture! Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
Baking homemade peanut butter cookies often brings up a few common questions. Here are detailed answers to help you achieve the best possible results with your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies:
How Do You Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Soft?
The secret to maintaining the incredible softness and chewiness of these Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies lies in proper storage. Once your delicious cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This prevents air exposure, which is the primary cause of cookies drying out. For an extra boost of moisture, an old baker’s trick is to place a half-slice of plain bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them wonderfully soft and fresh for several days. Just be sure to replace the bread every day or two as it dries out.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Regular Peanut Butter?
While this recipe specifically calls for regular creamy peanut butter (such as Jif or your favorite store brand), it’s generally not recommended to substitute with natural peanut butter. The primary reason is that natural peanut butter tends to separate its oils and has a much runnier consistency compared to its processed counterparts. This difference in oil content and texture can significantly impact the cookie dough, often leading to cookies that spread too much, are greasier, or have a crumbly texture rather than the desired soft and chewy consistency. For optimal results and to ensure your Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies turn out as intended, stick with a classic creamy peanut butter.
Can I Make the Cookies in Advance or Freeze Them?
Absolutely! These Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are excellent for making ahead, whether you prefer to store baked cookies or prepare the dough for future baking. You can bake the cookies up to 2-3 days in advance and keep them fresh in an airtight container at room temperature. If you wish to store them longer, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
For ultimate freshness, I highly recommend freezing the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough into individual balls using your cookie scoop, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. This way, you can pull out just a few dough balls at a time and bake them fresh whenever a craving strikes! When baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes to the baking time, but generally, they bake up beautifully without thawing.
Explore More Peanut Butter Cookie Creations:
If you’re a true peanut butter cookie aficionado, you’ll love diving into our extensive collection of recipes. From classic favorites to exciting new twists, there’s a peanut butter cookie for every occasion and every craving. Expand your baking repertoire with these delicious ideas:
- Best Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Fudge Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Best Monster Cookies
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies
- No Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Five Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures that bring joy with every bite. The ingenious addition of vanilla pudding mix ensures an unparalleled softness and chewiness, while the generous inclusion of Reese’s peanut butter cups makes them utterly irresistible. They’re simple to make, yet yield spectacular results, making them perfect for family treats, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to bake a batch of the best homemade peanut butter cookies you’ll ever experience!