Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding Cookies

These cookies are hands down one of the best cookies I've ever baked.  Seriously.  I made them as part of a care package for the husband for his drive to TX.  The little one and I didn't move here until 3 weeks after he did, so I made sure to send him with lots of things that let him know how much we loved him and would miss him.  Of course, fresh baked sweets had to be a part of that package.  I also sent some of these in a package for him to bring to work on his first day.  I hoped it would help things start off on the right foot.  

The cookies were not only a big hit with hubs but they were gone at work within an hour. Mission Accomplished! The peanut butter paired with the crunch of the candy and added sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter chips made for an amazing cookie recipe.  My mom and I had our fair share after they came out of the oven, expressing our love after every bite.  I guarantee you will be the talk of the town if you take these cookies to your next get together.  Or... if you're already thinking about holiday cookie exchanges (like me) these would be a hit! Enjoy!

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding Cookies 

Adapted from For the Love of Food 

Ingredients:

Makes 70-80 cookies!

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup Reese's Pieces candy

1 cup peanut butter chips

*the original recipe calls for honey, I didn't have any at home so I didn't add it.  I didn't feel like anything was missing*

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and pudding; set aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5.  Add eggs, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6.  Add vanilla extract and honey and beat until combined. 
7. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, beat to combine. 
8. Add chocolate chips, Reeses pieces and peanut butter chips and mix until incorporated. 
9. Roll a tablespoon or so of dough into a 1inch ball between your palms and then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
10.  Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart (you should be able to fit 12-16 cookies on each sheet). 
11. Using your palm, gently flatten the dough balls until they are about ¾ inch thick.
12. Bake 10 minutes. 
13. Remove from oven, let cool for a couple minutes and enjoy!