Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that combines ease, nostalgia, and pure indulgence, then this Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies come together in under 10 minutes of prep time, offering a soft, fudgy, and chewy bite that perfectly balances the rich chocolate cake base with the irresistible creaminess of Reese’s peanut butter cups nestled right in the center. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking for a straightforward recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth without fuss, these cookies bring joy to the kitchen and your taste buds alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable chocolatey, melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience. From the boxed chocolate cake mix that provides the perfect fudgy texture to the melted butter which adds depth and richness, each ingredient is essential and straightforward.

• Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): This is the foundation, delivering the signature moist and chocolaty base for these cookies.
• Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and boost the cookie’s tenderness.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a touch of warmth and depth.
• Sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Coats the dough balls to give a gentle crunch and sparkle on the outside.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (optional add-in): The luscious peanut butter center makes these cookies unforgettable and irresistibly fun.

How to Make Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. This combination forms the velvety base that ensures your cookies won’t be dry or cakey but perfectly tender and rich.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to fold in the chocolate cake mix. Stir until everything is fully combined, creating a thick dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in extra add-ins like chocolate chips or mini Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Chill and Roll

To handle the dough more easily and help the cookies keep their shape, chill it for 15-30 minutes. When ready, lightly oil your fingers to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into balls and coat each in sugar for a delightful crunch once baked.

Step 4: Bake and Press

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 9-10 minutes until cookies puff up and develop a slightly crinkly top. If you want to make the classic blossom style, gently press a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center while the cookies are still warm, taking care not to let it break through the bottom.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies once cooled completely. This adds a pretty drizzle and a subtle sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these cookies from homemade comfort food to visually stunning treats. Sprinkling crushed peanuts on top before the chocolate drizzle sets is a great way to add texture and amplify the peanut butter theme.

Side Dishes

Pair these warm cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. For a grown-up twist, a cup of rich coffee or dark espresso really brings out the chocolate’s depth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies stacked on a festive platter with colorful cupcake liners or arrange them around a bowl of peanut butter for dipping fun. They’re also fantastic wrapped individually as homemade gifts, complete with a note sharing how much you love this Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their soft, chewy texture beautifully for up to 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeknights or weekend snacking.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough balls and the baked cookies. Just roll the dough balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag, or freeze baked cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container. Defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

Warm any leftover or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to revive that freshly-baked softness and gooey chocolate charm.

FAQs

Can I use different peanut butter cups in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are classic here, you can try mini peanut butter cups, white chocolate peanut butter cups, or even chopped peanut butter candies for different textures and flavors.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and roll. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven, keeping them delightfully soft and thick. If you’re short on time, you can skip chilling, but the texture might differ slightly.

Can I substitute oil for butter?

Yes, you can use canola or vegetable oil instead of melted butter. However, butter adds flavor richness and a nicer texture, so it’s recommended if you want the full decadent experience.

How do I make sure the peanut butter cups don’t melt through the cookie bottom?

Press the peanut butter cups gently but firmly into the cookie just after baking and remove them if they start to melt too much. Baking until just puffy but not completely set also helps to keep cookies soft without collapsing under the candy’s weight.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Since this recipe relies on boxed chocolate cake mix, you’ll need to find a gluten-free cake mix to swap in. Many brands offer great gluten-free options, making this recipe adaptable to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about biting into a warm, soft cookie with a gooey Reese’s peanut butter cup center, and this Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe delivers that happiness every single time. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for baking memories with friends or family. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your all-time favorites.

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