Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter, you simply must try these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies. They are the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter dough studded with peanut butter chips and those iconic colorful Reese’s Pieces that burst with chocolatey, nutty goodness. Each bite offers a delightful combination of soft, gooey texture with a bit of crunch from the pieces, making these cookies absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies bring that warm, nostalgic flavor that feels like a big, comforting hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating that perfectly balanced Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies flavor and texture. From creamy peanut butter for richness to the colorful Reese’s Pieces for fun pops of flavor, everything combines beautifully.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter adds creaminess and moisture essential for soft cookies.
• Light brown sugar: Packed for that deep, caramel sweetness and chewy texture.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, it infuses the dough with classic peanut buttery goodness.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: A splash to enhance all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the dough its body and structure.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and tender by softening the flour’s proteins.
• Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for slight rise and texture.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor depth.
• Peanut butter chips: Extra bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout.
• Reese’s Pieces: The colorful candy adds crunch, chocolate notes, and that unmistakable peanut candy flavor.

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting this up early lets you focus on creating the perfect dough next.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about three to five minutes. This step is what creates that lovely creamy base for your cookies, essential to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Eggs

Next, add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix briefly to incorporate. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. The eggs add moisture and structure, helping your cookies come together just right.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly mixed, helping the cookies bake consistently. When done, slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined—overmixing can toughen your dough, so be gentle.

Step 5: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips and Reese’s Pieces

Here comes the fun part: gently folding in the peanut butter chips and those colorful Reese’s Pieces candies. This layered goodness is what makes the cookies so special—each bite filled with a perfect balance of smooth peanut flavor and crunchy candy surprises.

Step 6: Chill the Dough and Preheat Oven

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly—this helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. While chilling, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or measuring cup, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart. Since these cookies don’t spread much, slightly flatten each cookie with your hand or the bottom of a glass for a uniform look.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges appear set and the tops take on a gorgeous golden brown color. The centers will still look a bit gooey—that’s exactly what you want, as they continue to set after coming out of the oven, leaving you with the perfect soft and fudgy center.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time lets them firm up just enough so you can enjoy that wonderful chewy texture without any crumbly mess.

How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are fabulous on their own, you can sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top right after baking for a colorful finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate can also make them look and taste even more decadent.

Side Dishes

Pair these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo that never disappoints. For adults, a creamy coffee or a rich hot chocolate with marshmallows elevates the cozy vibe and complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by turning these cookies into mini ice cream sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in the middle. Or arrange them artisticly on a platter with whole Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an impressive dessert board perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, simply freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze them either baked or as dough balls—if freezing dough, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate chips and softens the cookie for that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in the recipe?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that crunchy peanut butter will add some texture and extra bits of peanuts. This can be delicious if you enjoy a little crunch in your cookie, but it might slightly alter the smoothness of the dough.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is recommended as it helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors. Fifteen minutes is enough for this recipe, but if you want a chewier cookie, chilling up to an hour won’t hurt.

Why don’t these cookies spread much during baking?

The combination of a higher flour ratio, cornstarch, and chilling the dough results in cookies that stay thick and sturdy, which is perfect for holding those chunky Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter chips without the cookies turning flat.

Can I use other candy instead of Reese’s Pieces?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Pieces add their signature flavor and color, other peanut butter candies or even chocolate chips can work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor profile may change slightly.

What is the best way to scoop cookie dough for even cookies?

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or a measuring cup ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly. Flattening the dough balls slightly before baking also helps them bake into perfect rounds.

Final Thoughts

These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are one of those recipes that feel like a treasured secret you can’t wait to share. They’re simple to make but deliver such a rich, nostalgic peanut butter and chocolate candy experience that makes every bite a treat. If you’re ready to elevate your cookie game, grab your ingredients and start baking—your taste buds will thank you.

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