Chocolate Peanut Butter Ruckus are the ultimate indulgence for lovers of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo. These soft, chewy cookies are packed with creamy peanut butter, dotted with both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, and topped with a generous layer of chopped Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups and extra chocolate chips. Every bite bursts with rich flavor and a delightful mix of textures.
You will fall in love with how simple it is to create these decadent cookies that balance sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in a soft, tender dough. Topped with the iconic peanut butter cups, they make an impressive treat for gatherings or a deliciously comforting snack.
Ingredient
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup chopped Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
How to Create Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ruckus
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this into the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold ¾ cup of semi-sweet and ¼ cup of white chocolate chips into the dough evenly.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the cookie dough in evenly sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the tops of the dough balls generously with chopped Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just set but still soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
My Best Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Ruckus

Use Room Temperature Butter and Peanut Butter
Softened ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smooth, consistent dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Mix just until dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid dense cookies.
Chill Dough if Needed
If your kitchen is warm or peanut butter is soft, chill dough for 15 minutes before baking to help cookies hold shape.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips
Good quality chips melt nicely and enhance the flavor complexity.
Press on Toppings
Gently press toppings onto dough balls so they stick and create a beautiful, enticing finish.
Delicious Variations to Try
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking enhances the sweet-salty contrast.
Swap Reese’s Cups for Other Peanut Butter Candies
Try chopped peanut butter M&Ms or peanut butter cups in different sizes.
Add a Dash of Espresso Powder
A small pinch intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Use Dark Chocolate Chips
For a richer, slightly less sweet cookie.
Mix in Toasted Pecans
For extra crunch and a nutty flavor layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
Omit or substitute with more semi-sweet chips or peanut butter chips.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but it will add texture to your dough.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Don’t overbake and cool on baking sheets before transferring to racks.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ruckus
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent mash-up of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, featuring a peanut butter base with chocolate chips, topped with chopped Reese’s cups.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Topping
1 cup chopped Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Cream butter & sugars: Beat softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
Combine dry mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add gradually to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in chips: Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet and 1/4 cup white chocolate chips.
Shape dough: Scoop dough into 1-tbsp rounds and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Top cookies: Press chopped Reese’s cups, semi-sweet, and white chocolate chips onto each dough ball.
Bake: Bake 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter and peanut butter for smooth mixing.
Don’t overmix — just combine until flour disappears for a tender texture.
If dough feels soft, chill 15 minutes before baking.
Gently press toppings into cookies before baking for a bakery-style appearance.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/20 recipe)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cookies, reese’s peanut butter cup cookies, chewy peanut butter chocolate cookies, decadent chocolate cookies, soft peanut butter dessert


