Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cake Recipe
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cake combines a rich, chewy peanut butter cookie base loaded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, topped with a smooth, chocolatey cocoa buttercream frosting. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this dessert is baked in a 9-inch pan and decorated with halved Reese’s for an irresistible treat that’s both fun and indulgent.
- Author: Ria
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 53 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Cake
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (140g) peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (112g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (80g) chopped peanut butter cups (4–5 full-sized Reese’s)
- 3/4 cup (127g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (29g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 4–5 full-sized Reese’s, cut in half
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper at the bottom and spray the sides with baking spray. Set aside to prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside so that the leavening can evenly distribute.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to retain the chewy texture.
- Fold in Chocolate and Reese’s: Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough in Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cake pan. Optionally, press additional chocolate chips or chopped Reese’s on top for decoration and extra texture.
- Bake the Cookie Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set—avoid overbaking to keep it soft.
- Cool the Cookie Cake: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, invert onto a cooling rack. Place another cooling rack on top and flip it right side up for a neat presentation.
- Make the Buttercream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until combined. Then, add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Incorporate one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream and mix well.
- Finish Buttercream Consistency: Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat until the buttercream is smooth and well combined. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cream for desired piping consistency.
- Decorate the Cookie Cake: Pipe swirls of buttercream around the edges of the cookie cake. Place halved Reese’s cups between each swirl to decorate.
- Storage and Serving: Store the cake in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days but refrigerate afterward due to the buttercream. Serve at room temperature and best enjoyed within 4-5 days.
Notes
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to avoid a tough texture.
- Ensure the cookie cake is fully cooled before inverting to prevent breakage.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother buttercream.
- Adjust heavy cream in buttercream to achieve perfect piping consistency.
- Store leftover cookie cake refrigerated after 2 days because of the perishable buttercream.
- Best served at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Keywords: Reese's cookie cake, peanut butter cookie cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, cookie cake recipe, peanut butter cups dessert