Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

Imagine this: It’s a chilly afternoon, and you’re craving something sweet, something that brings back those fond memories of childhood. You remember those delightful moments of unwrapping a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and savoring that perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Now, what if you could capture that same nostalgic flavor in a warm, freshly baked cookie? That’s what inspired me to share this recipe for Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies. These cookies are not just another dessert; they’re a trip down memory lane, with each bite offering a comforting reminder of simpler times. But what makes them stand out is their unique twist—a secret ingredient that ensures each cookie is perfectly soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

The Magic of Pudding Mix in Cookies

You might be wondering, “Why add pudding mix to cookies?” Well, the answer lies in the texture. Instant vanilla pudding mix is the unsung hero in this recipe. It works its magic by making the cookies incredibly soft and moist, giving them a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Unlike other cookies that can turn hard or crumbly after cooling, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies stay soft for days—if they last that long! The pudding mix also adds a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the oh-so-good baking process, let’s gather everything you’ll need:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 ¼ cups halved Reese’s mini peanut butter cups, divided
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces, divided

Directions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get to the fun part—baking! You might want to turn up your favorite playlist because we’re about to make some irresistibly delicious cookies.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this step is crucial to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s a perfect opportunity to let your mixer do the heavy lifting.
3. Add the eggs, honey, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until everything is well combined. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the dry vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix is our secret weapon here, adding an extra layer of softness to the cookies.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—you want to combine everything until just incorporated.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips, 1 cup of halved Reese’s peanut butter cups, and ¾ cup of Reese’s Pieces. Make sure these goodies are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form 36 dough balls. If you’re feeling artistic, press the remaining Reese’s candy pieces into the tops of the dough balls to give them that picture-perfect look.
8. Place 12 dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to turn golden.
9. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. This will allow them to firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

Notes and Tips

• Don’t overbake: These cookies might look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Trust the process!
• Customize your mix-ins: If you’re a fan of white chocolate, feel free to throw in some white chocolate chips for an extra twist.
• Storage: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container, but who are we kidding? They’ll be gone long before that!
• Make-ahead dough: If you’re planning for a special occasion, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Variations to Try

Looking to put your own spin on these cookies? Here are a few variations that will take these Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies to the next level:

• Triple Chocolate Delight: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a mix of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate chips. The blend of different chocolates creates a rich, decadent treat.
• Nutty Buddy: For those who love a little crunch, add ½ cup of chopped peanuts or almonds to the dough. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cookie base.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies: Replace ½ cup of the flour with quick oats. The oats add a heartiness to the cookies, making them a bit more substantial while still retaining that soft, chewy texture.
• Caramel Surprise: Press a caramel candy into the center of each dough ball before baking. When you bite into the cookie, you’ll get a gooey, caramel surprise!

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies aren’t just your average cookies—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will steal the show. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the rich, nutty flavor of Reese’s and the creamy pudding makes them a treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make and don’t require any special equipment—just a bowl, a mixer, and a baking sheet.

More Relevant Recipes

• Cheesecake Pudding Recipe
• Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

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