Every so often, my kids come home from school bursting with stories and giggles, and I just know a little treat will heighten their joy. That’s when I whip up these delightful Reese Dessert Cups! They’re a perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter goodness, all wrapped up in a cute little cup. Plus, they involve some fun steps that the kids love — like crushing Oreos and drizzling chocolate. It’s a win-win for both me and my little ones!
These cups are great for celebrations, after-school snacks, or just because. No matter the occasion, they always bring smiles. Trust me, the combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cookie crumbles is simply irresistible!
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How to Make Reese Dessert Cups
Now, let’s get straight to the fun part — making these Reese Dessert Cups! This recipe is so easy that even your kids can help out. We’ll have them involved in every step while you catch up on the day’s events.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs (feel free to substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies)
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
- 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Reese’s brand for that extra yumminess)
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling
- 28 Reese’s peanut butter minis (Add 2 peanut butter minis per cup — that’s 56 minis if you’re making a big batch!)
Directions
Get those cookies ready: Place the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs into a mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over them and mix until the crumbs are fully coated.
Form the base: Take about 2 teaspoons of the buttered crumbs and add them to your cups. Use a spoon or another cup to press the crumbs down firmly.
Mix the filling: Grab your mixer! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth, about 1 to 1½ minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl — we want every bit mixed in.
Add the peanut butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter and mix until you have a smooth consistency.
Incorporate the cream: Pour in the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat that mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into your cups.
Pipe the filling: Spoon the peanut butter mixture into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a ziplock bag with a corner cut off will work just fine! Squeeze that delicious filling into the cups, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
Add the finishing touches: Drizzle chocolate sauce on top in a zigzag pattern. Place one of the peanut butter minis right on top, and then cover the cups.
Chill and serve: Pop them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve! They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, or you can freeze them for a month if you make too many.
How to Serve Reese Dessert Cups
These sweet cups are versatile! They’re great served chilled, just as they are, but you can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Your kids might also enjoy sprinkles as a fun topping. Just get creative!
How to Store Reese Dessert Cups
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is a rare treat in our house), simply keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about three days. And if you’ve made a ton and want to stock up, toss them in the freezer! Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before diving in.
Tips to Make Reese Dessert Cups
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps avoid clumps and makes everything blend smoothly.
- Mixing Tips: If you’re using an electric mixer, make sure to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar well. You want it creamy and smooth before adding anything else.
- Let Kids Help: Crushing cookies, drizzling chocolate, and even piping the filling — let your little ones join in! It makes the experience that much sweeter.
Variations
Want to switch it up a bit? You can change the cookie base to any flavor your family likes! How about graham crackers for a s’mores twist? Or use chocolate chips mixed into the peanut butter filling for an added crunch!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the filling a unique texture while still tasting amazing.
How long do these last in the fridge?
They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the cream may start to separate a bit.
Can I use a different candy instead of Reese’s?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your favorite candies — just remember to balance the flavors!
These Reese Dessert Cups have become a staple in our kitchen. I hope your family loves them as much as mine does! Happy baking!
Reese Dessert Cups
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs Feel free to substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies
- ¼ cup salted butter Melted and cooled
For the filling
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter Reese’s brand is recommended for extra flavor
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For decoration
- 1 bottle chocolate sauce For drizzling
- 28 pieces Reese’s peanut butter minis Add 2 pieces per cup
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs into a mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over them and mix until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Take about 2 teaspoons of the buttered crumbs and add them to your cups. Use a spoon or another cup to press the crumbs down firmly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth, about 1 to 1½ minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Stir in the creamy peanut butter and mix until you have a smooth consistency.
- Pour in the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat that mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Spoon the peanut butter mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off. Squeeze that filling into the cups, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce on top in a zigzag pattern. Place one of the peanut butter minis right on top, and then cover the cups.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. They will stay fresh for up to three days.