Some cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and a touch of nostalgia, and Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are exactly that. These decadent treats combine the rich, peanut buttery goodness of Reese’s cups with the soft, chewy texture of crinkle cookies, resulting in an indulgent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The contrast of the crispy, crinkled exterior and the gooey peanut butter-filled center is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, these cookies are perfect for any occasion!
The first time I baked these Reese’s Crinkle Cookies, I was looking for a way to combine two of my favorite flavors—chocolate and peanut butter. I already loved crinkle cookies for their irresistible texture, so I thought, “Why not add some Reese’s to the mix?” After one batch, my family devoured them in minutes. I’ll never forget the joy of watching them take that first bite—surprised by the chocolatey crinkle and then delighted by the creamy peanut butter center. It became clear: this cookie was a keeper.
With a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Plus, they come together in less than 30 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long to indulge in these mouth-watering treats.
Why This Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe Works
Selling Points:
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Reese’s cups add a fun twist to the traditional crinkle cookie.
- Quick & Easy: These cookies are ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for satisfying your cravings on the fly.
- Soft and Chewy: The center stays soft and chewy, thanks to the peanut butter cups hidden inside.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are great for any occasion.
- Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combo: The irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter makes these cookies a standout.
What You Need for Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or brownie mix)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces (or regular-sized ones, cut into quarters)
How to Make Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add the Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it completely.
- Bake: Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are crinkled and the cookies are set. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft and chewy in the center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the cake mix and other ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough. This ensures all cookies bake evenly.
- Add Extra Reese’s: For a more indulgent cookie, you can add extra pieces of Reese’s in the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey peanut butter surprise.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Cake Mixes: You can experiment with different flavored cake mixes, such as red velvet or even vanilla, to change the flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, add some chopped peanuts to the dough to give your cookies extra texture.
- Peanut Butter Dough: For even more peanut butter flavor, replace the vegetable oil with peanut butter to make a peanut butter-based dough.
- Miniature Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix if needed, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use Light Cake Mix: Opt for a lighter or reduced-fat chocolate cake mix to cut down on calories.
- Less Sugar: If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the powdered sugar coating, or even skip it.
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: Use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a healthier option.
Closing for Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. They come together quickly, are always a hit at gatherings, and bring joy with every bite. The combination of a chewy, chocolatey exterior with a surprise of peanut butter inside makes these cookies unforgettable. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, look no further than these Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies—you’ll be glad you did!
Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I use regular-sized Reese’s cups instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Just chop the regular-sized cups into quarters and follow the recipe as usual.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Can I make these cookies without powdered sugar?
Yes, the powdered sugar is mainly for the crinkled effect and added sweetness. You can skip it if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Sure! You can try different cake mix flavors like red velvet, vanilla, or even chocolate fudge for a variety of tastes.
These Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies are everything you want in a dessert—quick, fun, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family movie night, or just in the mood for a treat, these cookies will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!
Easy Reese’s Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 box of chocolate cake mix (or brownie mix)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces (or regular-sized ones, cut into quarters)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add the Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it completely.
- Bake: Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are crinkled and the cookies are set. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft and chewy in the center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.