Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to adore this Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie with a luscious peanut butter Reeses cup cozily nestled inside, gooey frosting on top that melts in your mouth, and a balance of flavors that feels like a warm hug. This recipe delivers all that joy in every bite, combining simple ingredients into a spectacular treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll instantly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this cookie magic are straightforward but incredibly important, each lending its unique character to the final masterpiece. From the creamy butter that creates that soft texture, to the cocoa powder giving it deep chocolate flavor, every component plays a big role in making these cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures soft, tender cookies.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps in creating that lovely slightly crisp edge.
• Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for perfect thickness.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps with spread and texture balance.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers that irresistible fudgy chocolate base.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups, spooned and leveled): Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into the frosting for a smooth, glossy finish.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and sweetness to the frosting glaze.
• Creamy peanut butter (1-2 teaspoons): Infuses the frosting with that classic peanut butter richness.
• Mini Reeses cups (21 or 42): These are the treasure you bury inside each cookie, delivering that iconic peanut butter and chocolate combo.

How to Make Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is key to giving your cookies that tender crumb and subtle chewiness. Don’t forget to scrape down your bowl to combine everything evenly.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Egg

Next, mix in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to spread those rising agents evenly. Then beat in the egg and vanilla for flavor and moisture. Finally, add the cocoa powder and fold in the flour just until combined — overmixing can make cookies tough, so handle the dough gently from here on out.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Pop your dough in the refrigerator for about an hour. This rest period firms up the dough for easier shaping and helps lock in all that wonderful flavor.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

While the dough chills, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready to bake perfectly gooey cookies.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a little nest for the Reeses cup.

Step 6: Insert the Reeses Cups

Press either whole or halved mini Reeses cups into the indentations you made. This is where the magic happens — each cookie surprises you with a sweet, peanut buttery center.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts, then lower the heat and keep it warm while you get ready to frost your cookies.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Using two spoons, scoop about one teaspoon of the warm frosting and spread it over each Reeses cup, covering the top smoothly. Work quickly before the frosting thickens, as that glaze is what seals in the gooey delight.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft. Let them cool a minute on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. The smell during this step is heavenly, and you’ll find it hard to resist one fresh out of the oven.

How to Serve Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking. This little touch highlights the chocolate and peanut butter flavors wonderfully. Another fun option is to drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a gorgeous contrast and an extra layer of sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a rich hot cocoa, perfect for cozy nights. If you’re serving them for a party, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe stacked up on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with extra peanut butter sauce, or wrapped individually in pretty parchment paper tied with twine for gift-giving. You can also turn them into an irresistible dessert platter by adding a variety of complementary nuts, candies, and fruit for your guests to nibble alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft for up to 3 days, making them great for enjoying over a few days without losing their charm or texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash these delicious treats for later, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a lined sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thawed overnight.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive their soft, gooey center. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked feeling that makes it hard to stop at just one.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized Reeses cups instead of mini ones?

You can absolutely use regular-sized Reeses cups, but keep in mind they’ll create a much larger peanut butter center. You might want to adjust the cookie dough amounts or size of each cookie to maintain the right balance.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you’re short on time, chilling for at least 30 minutes still makes a noticeable difference.

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Yes, creamy almond or cashew butter can work well for the frosting, although the flavor will change slightly. Just be sure to choose a smooth version for the best texture.

What should I do if my frosting thickens too quickly?

If the frosting hardens before you finish spooning it on, gently rewarm it on the stove over low heat, stirring to keep it smooth and spreadable.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check for any gluten content in your other ingredients like baking powder.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Buried Reeses Cookies Recipe — a wonderful blend of chocolate and peanut butter that never fails to delight. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe brings bursts of joyful flavor and comforting textures in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect gooey surprise for yourself. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

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