Introduction
If you love peanut butter and crave a cookie packed with flavor, look no further than Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the crunch of Reese’s Pieces for a delightful texture and taste explosion.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, baking tips, variations, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started!
What Makes Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies So Special?
These cookies stand out for several reasons:
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Made with creamy peanut butter, they have a deep, nutty taste.
- Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of softness and chewiness, making every bite irresistible.
- Candy Crunch: Reese’s Pieces add a pop of color, crunch, and extra peanut butter goodness.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and is great for both beginner and expert bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these key ingredients before you start baking:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces candy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Reese’s Pieces
Gently fold in Reese’s Pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and flavorful, follow these expert tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly.
- Chill the dough – Refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level it to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t overbake – They may look soft when you remove them, but they firm up as they cool.
- Mix Reese’s Pieces gently – Overmixing can break the candy shells.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies? Try these variations:
- Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies – Substitute 1 cup of flour with quick oats for a chewy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips along with Reese’s Pieces for a double chocolate treat.
What to Serve with Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience by pairing them with:
- A cold glass of milk – The classic pairing for any cookie.
- Vanilla ice cream – Make an indulgent ice cream sandwich.
- Hot coffee or hot chocolate – Perfect for a cozy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
3. How should I store baked cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended, as natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily and affect the texture.
5. How do I make these cookies softer?
To keep the cookies soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay chewy.
Conclusion
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. With their soft texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and crunchy candy coating, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will never disappoint. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade peanut butter cookie experience!
PrintReese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Treat
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and chewy Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies packed with peanut butter flavor and crunchy candy. A must-try for cookie lovers!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces candy
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars – In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients – Gradually add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Reese’s Pieces – Gently mix in Reese’s Pieces, distributing them evenly.
- Shape & Bake – Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool & Serve – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.
- Don’t overbake – Cookies should look slightly underdone when removed; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- For extra peanut butter flavor, drizzle melted peanut butter over cooled cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes