If you’re craving the perfect bakery-style cookie with a gooey peanut butter center, you’ll fall in love with these Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies. This recipe blends rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and that signature thick New York cookie texture. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the best ingredients to step-by-step baking directions, plus tips for storage, variations, and decorating ideas to make your cookies stand out. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a family favorite. Looking for inspiration? Try our cookie recipes collection for more sweet ideas.
Ingredients for Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies
The Essential Ingredients
To bake these cookies, you’ll need simple pantry staples and, of course, plenty of Reese’s peanut butter. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 125 g butter or margarine (softened) – gives the cookies a rich flavor and chewy texture.
- 100 g light brown sugar + 50 g white sugar – balances sweetness and adds caramel depth.
- 1 egg & ½ tsp vanilla extract – provide structure and a warm aroma.
- 310 g plain flour – the foundation of the cookie dough.
- 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda – the leavening duo that ensures the cookies rise and stay thick.
- 150 g chocolate chips – you can use white chocolate or Reese’s branded chips for extra peanut butter goodness.
- 300 g peanut butter (for filling) – the heart of the recipe.
- 50 g peanut butter (for topping) – creates that glossy finish.
- Mini Reese’s or extra chocolate chips (for decoration) – optional, but highly recommended for that bakery look.
Why These Ingredients Work Together
Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that bakery-style, thick NYC cookie texture. The combination of brown and white sugar ensures chewiness with just the right crunch. Peanut butter acts as both a filling and topping, making every bite rich and indulgent. Chocolate chips balance the nutty flavor, while baking powder and soda guarantee the right lift and softness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand, so here are some smart swaps:
- Butter substitute: Use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace white sugar for a slightly healthier twist.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, swap plain flour with an all-purpose gluten-free blend.
- Chocolate chips: Mix semi-sweet, dark, or even peanut butter chips for variety.
Pro Baking Tip
For best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter blends with sugar smoothly, creating the perfect creamy base for cookie dough.
How to Make Peanut Butter Balls for Stuffed NYC Cookies
Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling
The secret behind Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies lies in the creamy peanut butter center. To create this irresistible filling, follow these steps:
- Line a plate or tray with parchment paper.
- Scoop out 8 spoonfuls of peanut butter (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Place them evenly on the tray and freeze for at least 45 minutes.
This freezing step is crucial. Without it, the peanut butter melts too quickly in the oven, leading to flat, messy cookies instead of the thick, gooey centers that NYC cookies are known for.
Why Freezing the Peanut Butter Matters
Freezing gives the peanut butter enough structure to hold its shape inside the dough during baking. Once baked, the filling becomes perfectly molten — soft enough to ooze slightly when you break open the cookie, yet thick enough to stay inside without leaking out.
Flavor Variations for the Filling
You can also play around with your peanut butter filling to suit different tastes:
- Crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Almond butter if you want a slightly lighter, nuttier flavor.
This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable while still delivering that indulgent bakery feel.
Mixing the Cookie Dough Like a Pro
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Start by placing softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar into a large bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture until it turns creamy and pale. This process incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
Adding Vanilla and Egg
Once your butter and sugar are fully creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy. The egg adds richness while vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. At this stage, avoid overmixing — doing so can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Stirring in Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. This step ensures you get delicious bursts of chocolate in every bite. For an extra Reese’s-inspired flavor, use a mix of white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
Beginner-Friendly Tip
If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their signature NYC thickness.
Stuffing and Shaping the Perfect NYC Cookies
Wrapping the Peanut Butter Filling
Once your frozen peanut butter balls are ready and your dough is mixed, it’s time for the fun part — stuffing. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Divide your cookie dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it slightly with your hands.
- Place one frozen peanut butter ball in the center.
- Gently fold and pinch the dough around the filling until fully sealed.
This technique ensures that the peanut butter stays hidden inside, creating that signature gooey core when baked.
Freezing Before Baking
Don’t skip the second freezing step. Place the stuffed dough balls back into the freezer for at least 45 minutes. This helps the cookies bake tall and thick, rather than spreading out flat in the oven. NYC cookies are famous for their chunky size, and this chilling method guarantees that bakery-style look.
Shaping Tip for Consistency
For evenly baked cookies, try using a kitchen scale to weigh each dough ball. Aiming for roughly 100–120 grams per cookie will give you that oversized NYC bakery feel.
Baking the Cookies to Perfection
Preheating and Preparation
Before you begin baking, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange four cookies per tray, leaving enough room between them so they can spread slightly.
Baking Time and Signs of Doneness
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, cookies continue to cook on the tray after leaving the oven. Overbaking will make them dry, while underbaking leaves them doughy.
Cooling for Best Texture
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps the centers firm up just enough to hold their gooey texture. Patience is key — if you try to move them too soon, they may break apart.
Baking Troubleshooting Tips
- Flat cookies? Make sure you chilled the stuffed dough balls before baking.
- Dry texture? Reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes.
- Uneven bake? Rotate the tray halfway through baking for consistent results.
Baking Like a Pro
For that authentic bakery-style finish, bake the cookies in small batches instead of overcrowding the oven. This ensures even heat circulation and helps every cookie bake perfectly golden on the outside and soft inside.
Cooling and Decorating Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies
Cooling for the Perfect Texture
After baking, patience makes all the difference. Let your cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes before moving them. This resting period allows the molten peanut butter filling to firm up slightly so it doesn’t spill out. Once moved to a wire rack, let them cool completely if you want that thick NYC bite.
Adding the Peanut Butter Topping
To achieve that glossy bakery finish, melt 50 g of peanut butter in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Drizzle or pipe it over the cooled cookies for a picture-perfect look. The extra peanut butter not only enhances flavor but also gives a visual cue that these are peanut butter–stuffed cookies.
Decorating Like a Bakery
For the final touch, sprinkle Mini Reese’s or extra chocolate chips over the peanut butter topping while it’s still warm. The decoration sticks beautifully and makes the cookies look just like those sold in New York cookie shops.
Presentation Tip
If you’re serving these cookies at a party, arrange them on a rustic wooden board or stack them high on a cake stand. They’ll not only taste amazing but also steal the spotlight at the dessert table.
Storing and Freezing Your Cookies
Short-Term Storage
These cookies taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft — the cookies absorb moisture from the bread, staying chewy for longer.
Freezing the Cookies
If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Here are two ways to freeze:
- Before baking: Freeze the stuffed, raw dough balls on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen when needed, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- After baking: Allow baked cookies to cool completely, then wrap individually in cling film and store in a freezer-safe container. Defrost at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for that just-baked feel.
Shelf Life in the Freezer
When frozen properly, these cookies last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. This makes them an excellent make-ahead treat for holidays, birthdays, or unexpected guests.
Pro Tip for Reheating
To recreate that gooey NYC cookie experience, pop a frozen or chilled cookie into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 4–5 minutes before serving. It brings the peanut butter center back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies
Can you put Reese’s pieces in peanut butter cookies?
Absolutely! Reese’s pieces work wonderfully in this recipe. You can swap some of the chocolate chips for Reese’s pieces to double down on peanut butter flavor. They also add a colorful, crunchy bite that makes the cookies even more fun.
Why do you press a fork into peanut butter cookies?
Traditional peanut butter cookies use a crisscross fork pattern to help the dense dough bake evenly. However, since NYC cookies are meant to be thick and gooey, you don’t need the fork marks. Instead, chilling the dough before baking ensures they hold their signature chunky shape.
Are Subway peanut butter cookies being discontinued?
Rumors often circulate online about Subway changing or removing cookie flavors, but peanut butter cookies remain a fan favorite. Making your own bakery-style version at home ensures you’ll never miss out, no matter what’s on the menu.
How long do you bake Reese’s cookies?
For bakery-style NYC cookies, bake them for 10–12 minutes at 200°C (180°C fan). They should look golden on the edges but still soft in the middle. Remember, cookies continue to cook as they cool, so avoid overbaking if you want that gooey center
Baking Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter NYC Cookies at home is simpler than you might think. With a few pantry staples, some patience during the chilling steps, and a handful of Reese’s treats, you can recreate bakery-quality cookies right in your kitchen. From the gooey peanut butter center to the chocolate-studded dough, every bite is indulgent and unforgettable.
If you’re craving more delicious inspiration, check out our dessert recipes guide to discover treats just as tempting. Don’t miss our tips for holiday baking ideas and explore fun twists on classic cookie recipes to keep your cookie jar full year-round.
For even more cookie science and baking tricks, visit trusted resources like BBC Good Food and Taste of Home.
