Name: Irresistible Reese's Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Sweet Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar (Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor; no substitution necessary.); ½ cup white sugar (Balances sweetness and aids in texture.); ½ cup butter (Enhances moisture and chewiness; can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); ½ cup shortening (Creates a tender cookie that maintains its shape.); 3 units eggs (Provides structure and moisture; for vegan options, use flax eggs.); 2 tsp vanilla (Infuses a delightful aroma.); 3 cups flour (The backbone of the cookie ensuring structure.); 2 tsp cornstarch (Keeps cookies soft and chewy.); 1 tsp baking soda (Acts as a leavening agent.); ½ tsp salt (Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.); 1½ cups mini chocolate chips (Adds pockets of chocolatey goodness.); 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (Rich dark chocolate flavor complements the cookie base.); 16 units Reese’s cups (The star of the show, providing a creamy surprise.)

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As I stood in my kitchen, the fragrance of melting chocolate wafting around me, I realized that some moments are meant to be savored—like the ones spent baking these irresistible Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie, only to be greeted by the delightful surprise of a rich, creamy Reese’s cup nestled right in the center. Fast to prepare, with a baking time of just 10-12 minutes, these treats are the perfect answer for those sweet cravings or unexpected guests. Plus, they’re so versatile that you can easily customize them to fit dietary needs, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Ready to indulge in a cookie that’s not just a dessert, but a delightful experience? Let’s get baking!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Decadent and Delightful: The creamy center of Reese’s cups takes your standard chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of indulgence.
Quick to Whip Up: With a baking time of only 10-12 minutes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
Customizable Flavor: Easily adapt this recipe for dairy-free or nut-free diets, allowing everyone to enjoy them.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique surprise inside.
Irresistible Warm: Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the flavors and textures are simply dreamy! For another delightful dessert, don’t miss out on our Chocolate Banana Protein to satisfy your cravings in a healthy way!

Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• Perfect ingredients for a crowd-pleaser!

For the Cookie Dough

Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor; no substitution necessary.
White Sugar – Balances sweetness and aids in texture; pairs wonderfully with brown sugar.
Butter (½ cup, room temp) – Enhances moisture and chewiness; can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Shortening (½ cup) – Creates a tender cookie that maintains its shape; use all butter or a non-dairy butter alternative.
Eggs (3 units) – Provides structure and moisture; for vegan options, flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) work well.
Vanilla (2 tsp) – Infuses a delightful aroma; vanilla bean paste can elevate the flavor further.
Flour (3 cups) – The backbone of the cookie, ensuring structure; whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative that may require slight liquid adjustments.
Cornstarch (2 tsp) – Keeps cookies soft and chewy; can be omitted if unavailable, but texture may vary.
Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent for a perfect rise; no substitutions needed.
Salt (½ tsp) – Balances sweetness and elevates flavors; essential to the overall taste.

For the Chocolate

Mini Chocolate Chips (1½ cups) – Adds pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout; opt for dark or dairy-free chips as desired.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1½ cups) – Rich dark chocolate flavor complements the cookie base; milk chocolate can be substituted for a sweeter result.
Reese’s Cups (16 units) – The star of the show, melting into the cookie to provide a creamy surprise; choose nut-free chocolate alternatives for dietary concerns.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Fats
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of shortening with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of white sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This key step adds moisture and structure to your cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once all the eggs are mixed in, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and continue mixing for another minute, allowing the vanilla to infuse its lovely aroma into the cookie base. This ensures that every bite of your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies will be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture provides the necessary structure and texture for your cookies. Whisking them together thoroughly will ensure that the leavening agents activate evenly when combined with the wet ingredients, resulting in perfectly risen cookies.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. It may take a minute or so of gentle folding to create a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies; you want a soft, pliable dough that will hold its shape yet be chewy in texture.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once your dough is ready, gently fold in 1½ cups of mini chocolate chips and 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step adds rich chocolate pockets throughout the dough, ensuring that each bite of your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies is brimming with chocolate goodness. Mix just until the chips are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, place rounded dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between them. This gives the cookies room to spread as they bake. Aim for a uniform shape for evenly baked cookies, and be sure to use a generous amount of dough for that ultimate chewy texture.

Step 8: Add the Reese’s Cups
For the show-stopping surprise, press one Reese’s cup into the center of each dough ball. Gently push down to embed it but be careful not to flatten the dough entirely. This ensures that the Reese’s cup melts beautifully into the cookie while creating a delightful creamy center that elevates your baking to a whole new level.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place your trays in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a deliciously chewy interior that perfectly complements the melted Reese’s cup.

Step 10: Cool Cookies on a Rack
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Letting them cool completely will help retain their moisture, ensuring your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies stay wonderfully soft, chewy, and indulgent.

What to Serve with Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Elevate your cookie experience by pairing these indulgent treats with delicious sides that tantalize the senses.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the cookies’ rich chocolate flavor and balances their sweetness with creaminess.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add a decadently smooth chocolate sauce over the warm cookies for an extra chocolatey boost and visual appeal.
Chilled Milk: The ultimate comfort drink, cold milk cools the palate and perfectly complements the warmth of these cookies.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chocolate, adding a delightful burst of flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce for added sweetness and a bit of gooey goodness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee enhance the chocolate and provide a warm, comforting drink that balances the sweetness.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels offers a wonderful texture contrast to the soft, chewy cookies while adding an element of fun.
Sliced Bananas: Lightly sweet bananas add a soft texture and a lightness that complements the cookies’ richness without overwhelming them.
Hot Cocoa: This cozy drink makes for a delightful pairing, enriching the overall experience with a chocolaty flavor that echoes the cookies.

Tips for the Best Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter Selection: Use room temperature butter instead of melted to prevent excess spreading. This ensures your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies maintain their shape and texture.
Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; slightly underbaking them will yield a gooey center. Aim for a golden edge with a soft middle for a perfect result.
Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your Reese’s cups to maximize flavor. Damaged or old candies won’t melt as beautifully in the center.
Batch Baking: If baking multiple trays, make sure to rotate them halfway through for even baking. This small tip can help all your cookies turn out perfectly delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh for up to a week, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls and reheat them for freshness, up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore that delightful gooeyness of the Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these cookies to your taste and dietary preferences with these delightful variations!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a guilt-free treat.
Nut-Free: Replace Reese’s cups with sunflower seed butter and select nut-free chocolate chips, making these cookies safe for all.
Whole Grain: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist—just adjust the moisture slightly.
Extra Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch against the chewy cookie.
Spiced Cookies: Enhance flavor by introducing a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, adding an intriguing warmth to each bite.
Caramel Drizzle: Elevate these cookies by drizzling warm caramel over them right after baking for an irresistible, gooey addition.

For an additional treat, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you’re looking for something different to combine with your baking adventures, don’t forget to check out our scrumptious Cinnamon Sugar Chips for a crispy finish!

Make Ahead Options

These Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For an even longer option, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with rich, melted Reese’s cups every time, making your dessert experience just as delicious as if they were made on the spot!

Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select the ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature—soft but not melted—this helps achieve the perfect texture in your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. Also, choose fresher eggs for moisture and better binding. Be mindful of the chocolate chips and Reese’s cups; opt for the freshest options available to ensure they melt beautifully.

How should I store these cookies, and how long do they last?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Always let them come back to room temperature before you enjoy them again!

Can I freeze the dough, and how should I do it?
Very! Freezing unbaked dough is a fantastic option. Simply scoop your cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake straight from the freezer, adding an additional minute or two to the baking time.

What if my cookie dough is too soft?
If you find your dough is too soft, don’t worry! You can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. You can also add a bit more flour if you’d like to adjust the consistency, but be careful not to overmix.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, make sure to choose nut-free chocolate options if substituting for Reese’s cups. Additionally, you can make these cookies dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter and opting for dairy-free chocolate chips. For vegan alternatives, replace the eggs with flax eggs using 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg!

What makes these cookies chewy and soft?
The combination of brown sugar and cornstarch is a secret to that delightful chewy texture in your Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. Brown sugar retains moisture while cornstarch creates a tender crumb. Make sure not to overbake them; pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft for that perfect gooeyness!