Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy, Crunchy Treat
Prepare yourself for a delightful twist on a classic! These extraordinary Reese’s Pieces Cookies take the beloved peanut butter cookie to an entirely new level. Imagine the rich, comforting flavor of a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie, perfectly complemented by the vibrant colors and delightful crunch of chocolate peanut butter candies. The addition of Reese’s Pieces creates a truly unique texture and an explosion of flavor in every single bite, making these cookies an instant favorite for anyone who loves the iconic peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Why This Reese’s Pieces Cookie Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just about throwing some candy into cookie dough; it’s a carefully crafted method designed to maximize flavor and texture. These Reese’s Pieces cookies transform simple peanut butter cookies into an even more exciting and “toothsome” treat. The brilliance lies in the contrast: the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality of the peanut butter cookie base is beautifully interrupted by the soft, yet distinct crunch of the chocolate peanut butter candies. This unique textural interplay, combined with the extra burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor from the Reese’s Pieces, elevates the entire experience. It’s a recipe that guarantees a chewy center, slightly crisp edges, and a delightful surprise in every bite, making it perfect for satisfying any sweet craving or impressing guests.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Crafting these irresistible cookies begins with a selection of common pantry staples, ensuring that this delicious dessert is accessible to everyone. The full list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post. We recommend gathering all your ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process.
2021: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES
12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips!
Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing how to make smart substitutions can greatly enhance your baking success. Here’s a breakdown of the key components for these delightful Reese’s Pieces Cookies:
DOUGH BASE – The foundation of these incredible cookies is a classic peanut butter cookie dough. This provides the signature rich, nutty flavor and a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that we all adore. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or want to experiment, you have options! You could swap it out for a chocolate peanut butter cookie base for an even more intense chocolate-peanut butter experience, creating a darker, richer cookie. Alternatively, a simple chocolate chip cookie base can work wonders too, offering a more balanced flavor profile that highlights the Reese’s Pieces. Just ensure your chosen base is robust enough to hold the candies without becoming too crumbly.
ADDITIONS (Reese’s Pieces & More) – The star of the show, Reese’s Pieces, brings both fantastic flavor and a delightful textural contrast. You can use either mini or regular-sized Reese’s Pieces, depending on your preference. Mini pieces will distribute more evenly and melt slightly more into the dough, creating smaller pockets of candy goodness, while regular-sized pieces offer a bolder chew and more distinct bursts of flavor. For an extra layer of indulgence, consider doing what we did in our chocolate chip M&M cookies and incorporate chocolate chips alongside your Reese’s Pieces. We recommend a 50/50 split – try 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 3/4 cup Reese’s Pieces for a perfectly balanced chocolate-peanut butter candy delight. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully here.
How to Effortlessly Make Delicious Reese’s Pieces Cookies
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this recipe, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to access the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, located at the bottom of this page.
- First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare two baking sheets by greasing them lightly or, for easier cleanup and consistent baking, line them with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in your cookies. Set this bowl aside for now.
- Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating again until they are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, incorporating it half at a time. Mix on low speed until the flour is just combined and no streaks remain. Overmixing the flour can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until it comes together. Finally, gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces by hand with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the rich peanut butter cookie dough. This ensures every cookie gets a generous amount of candy.
- Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended for an even more decadent treat! Adding chocolate chips to this recipe is incredibly easy and truly makes for an extra delicious cookie with a greater depth of chocolate flavor. For the best balance, I would suggest a ratio of half chocolate chips and half Reese’s Pieces. This means you could use 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 3/4 cup Reese’s Pieces, totaling the same 1 ½ cups of additions as specified in the main recipe. This combination offers a fantastic blend of textures and complementary chocolate and peanut butter notes.
When stored correctly, these delightful cookies maintain their optimal freshness for 3-4 days. To ensure they stay soft and delicious, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating baked cookies, as this can often dry them out and make them hard. If you’re looking to keep them longer, freezing the baked cookies is a great option (see the tip below).
Yes, this cookie dough freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing ahead or having fresh cookies on demand! To freeze the dough, prepare it as instructed up to the point of scooping. Roll the dough into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the dough balls are solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a large, freezer-safe ziptop bag or an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. Bake them according to the original instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed, since they start from frozen.
For the best results and consistency in your cookies, we recommend using creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can result in a greasier or drier cookie, altering the intended texture. Ensure it’s not a “no-stir” variety if you prefer a classic, smooth texture in your cookies.
There are a few key tips to prevent excessive spreading. First, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Melted butter will cause cookies to spread flat. Second, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter, which melts more slowly in the oven, giving the cookies time to set. Third, make sure your oven temperature is accurate – a too-low oven can also lead to spreading. Lastly, don’t overcrowd your baking sheets, as this can create too much steam and affect even baking.
Serving Suggestions for Your Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Reese’s Pieces cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. They are the perfect little treat to enjoy any time you’re craving that classic combination of peanut butter and cookies. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor also make them an excellent choice for special occasions or as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays. Wrap a batch in festive cellophane and tie it with a bow for a present everyone will appreciate. As always, these cookies pair wonderfully with a tall, cold glass of milk, making them an ideal afternoon snack or a comforting bedtime treat. For an extra indulgent experience, try them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or crumbled over your favorite frozen dessert for a truly unforgettable sweet tooth satisfaction!
Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you loved these Reese’s Pieces Cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have an extensive collection of cookie recipes to satisfy every craving and occasion. Discover new favorites, perfect your baking skills, and bring more joy to your kitchen with these delightful options:
- S’mores Cookies
- Banana Cookies
- Monster Cookies
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Neiman Marcus Cookies
- Lofthouse Cookies
- Danish Butter Cookies
- Cherry Wink Cookies
- Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Jello Cookies
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Classic Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cup Reese’s pieces regular or mini
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Things You’ll Need
-
Insulated baking sheets
-
Electric mixer
-
Cookie scoop
Before You Begin
- These homemade Reese’s Pieces cookies will keep their delicious flavor and soft texture for 3-4 days when stored properly in an air-tight container at room temperature.
- For consistent results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a tender, chewy cookie.
- Using a good quality electric mixer will make the creaming process much easier and more effective for achieving a light and fluffy dough.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare two standard baking sheets by either lightly greasing them or, for a non-stick surface, lining them with parchment paper. This step is essential for easy cookie removal.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy, typically for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating just until they are fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing the wet ingredients.
-
Gradually add the prepared flour mixture to the wet ingredients, adding about half at a time. Mix on low speed until the flour is just combined and no dry streaks are visible. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Once the flour is incorporated, gently stir in the Reese’s Pieces by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced approximately 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are lightly golden brown and their centers still appear slightly soft. This ensures a chewy interior. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.