If you are ready to embark on a baking adventure that bursts with flavor and texture, look no further than this Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not just your everyday peanut butter treats—they are an exciting blend of salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, melty Reese’s candies, and a perfect touch of chocolate and crunch. The balance of sweet and salty along with the chewy and crunchy textures promises a cookie experience that will have you and your friends reaching for more. Whether you bake them for a party, a cozy night in, or just an indulgent snack, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show and make your kitchen smell like absolute heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is all about simple pantry staples combined with some sensational mix-ins that turn regular cookies into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether adding richness, sweetness, structure, or that unforgettable salty crunch.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted): Provides a creamy, rich base for the dough and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds brightness and sweetness for balance.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives moisture and depth of flavor with its molasses content.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy): The star ingredient delivering that iconic nutty flavor with creamy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds spread and leavening for a tender bite.
- 1 10-oz bag Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (quartered, about 2 cups): Loads the cookies with melty peanut butter cup goodness.
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy (half chopped): Adds colorful crunchy bursts of peanut butter flavor.
- 1 & 3/4 cup pretzels (coarsely chopped): Introduces a delightful salty crunch contrast.
- 1 cup peanut butter chips: Enhance peanut butter intensity with tiny creamy pockets.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (half chopped): Infuse bittersweet chocolate tones and texture variety.
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (optional): Optional extra crunch and nuttiness for the adventurous baker.
How to Make Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make cleanup easy and to help your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl or your stand mixer, cream the butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and a little fluffy. Then, add both the granulated and brown sugars and beat for another 2 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom frequently. This step is crucial because it creates a light and airy base for your cookie dough, ensuring a tender texture.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs
Next, fold in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating everything together well to create a luscious, smooth batter. This rich mixture is what makes these cookies so irresistibly peanut buttery.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients With Flour
Before adding to the wet ingredients, whisk together your flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Spoon and level the flour carefully for accurate measurement—this affects the cookie’s texture more than you might think. Gently beat the dry mix into the wet mix until mostly combined but still with visible streaks of flour; this helps keep the dough soft and chewy without overmixing.
Step 5: Prepare the Mix-Ins
This is where the magic happens! Quarter your mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chop half of your Reese’s Pieces and dark chocolate chips for varied bite sizes, and coarsely chop your pretzels. Set aside a handful of these mix-ins to press on top of the cookies later for a beautiful and enticing finish.
Step 6: Fold in All the Goodies
Add the peanut butter chips, quartered Reese’s Cups, chopped Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, dark chocolate chips, and optional peanuts directly to the dough. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything gently but thoroughly so the candy and pretzels are evenly distributed without breaking down the Reese’s cups too much.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a quarter-cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop to shape dough balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, watching for light golden edges while the centers stay slightly shiny. This ensures chewy, soft centers packed with crunch on the outside.
Step 8: Shape and Top Cookies
Right after taking your cookies out of the oven, use a spoon to gently push in the edges toward the center to create a thicker, chewy center and round shape. While still warm, press your reserved mix-ins onto the tops for that irresistible “wow” factor. Let them cool on wire racks and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but if you want to get creative, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. A light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate can also turn these treats into elegant gifts or party snacks.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a smooth coffee for an indulgent snack experience. The creamy beverages complement the cookie’s texture and richness perfectly, turning snack time into a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, stack these Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe creations on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter, garnished with whole pretzels and peanut butter cups. Wrapping singles in parchment tied with twine makes a wonderful gift or party favor. You can even sandwich two cookies with a smear of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for an extra decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cookies will stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them airtight helps maintain their soft centers and crunchy edges without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to bags for quick, fresh-baked cookies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To revive the soft, chewy texture and melty mix-ins, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (325 degrees) for 5 minutes. This step breathes life back into the cookies and makes them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nuttiness to this already texture-packed recipe. It’s a fun twist if you enjoy more crunch inside your cookies.
What if I don’t have all the Reese’s varieties? Can I substitute candies?
Feel free to substitute mini peanut butter cups and pieces with any peanut butter or chocolate candies you love. Just be mindful of sizes so they integrate well into the dough and provide varied textures.
Will these cookies be too salty because of the pretzels?
Not at all. The saltiness of the pretzels perfectly balances the sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavors, giving a well-rounded taste. If you prefer less salt, simply reduce the pretzels slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the candies and chips for gluten as well. The cookies will still be deliciously outrageous!
Why do I need to push the edges of the cookies toward the center right after baking?
This technique thickens the cookie center while keeping the edges set and lightly crisp. It creates that sought-after chewy texture and shapely appearance that makes these cookies so addictive.
Final Thoughts
Making this Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is like inviting joy into your kitchen. The one-of-a-kind combination of peanut butter, salty pretzels, and those iconic Reese’s candies turns simple cookie dough into a sensational treat that everyone will love. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for celebrations big and small. So grab your apron, get mixing, and prepare for a cookie experience that’s truly outrageous and utterly delicious!
Print
Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful combination of salty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors packed into chewy, rich peanut butter cookies. Loaded with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chips, and optional roasted peanuts, these cookies satisfy all cravings with a perfect chewy texture and a touch of crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Base
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I like Jif)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix-ins
- 1 (10-oz) bag Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, quartered (about 2 cups chopped)
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy (chop half for smaller pieces)
- 1 3/4 cup pretzels, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup peanut butter chips (Reese’s brand recommended)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (chop half into smaller bits)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of butter for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed.
- Add Sugars: Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar to the butter and beat for another 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl frequently; mixture should be light, fluffy, and free of butter chunks.
- Mix in Peanut Butter: Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth, scraping bowl sides and bottom.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Spoon and level 2 cups all-purpose flour. Stir 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda into the flour with a spoon before gently beating into the wet ingredients; some flour streaks are okay.
- Prepare Mix-ins: Quarter the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 2 cups). Measure 1 cup Reese’s Pieces and chop half for varied texture. Measure 1 3/4 cups pretzels and coarsely chop. Measure 1 cup dark chocolate chips and chop half for smaller bits.
- Set Aside Mix-ins: Reserve a handful of any mix-ins to press on top of cookies after baking for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Add Mix-ins to Dough: Fold in 1 cup peanut butter chips, quartered Reese’s cups, all Reese’s Pieces, chopped pretzels, dark chocolate chips, and optional 1/2 cup roasted peanuts using a rubber spatula by hand to avoid smashing the candy.
- Scoop Dough: Using a 1/4 cup measure or a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Aim for 8-12 cookies per half sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes until edges turn a very light golden and edges are set. Centers can still look shiny but not raw.
- Shape Cookies: Immediately after removing from oven, use a spoon to gently push the cookie edges toward the center within 30-60 seconds to create a round shape with a thicker, chewier center.
- Add Toppings: While cookies are still warm, press reserved mix-ins onto the tops for extra visual appeal and texture.
- Cool: Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy at least one warm with milk for the best experience.
Notes
- Using a stand mixer can make the creaming process easier and more thorough.
- Spooning and leveling flour helps ensure accurate measurement and better cookie texture.
- Chopping some of the candy pieces creates a better balance of textures throughout the cookie.
- Pressing the edges inward right after baking promotes a round shape and chewy center.
- Peanuts are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Keep an eye on cookies near the end of baking to avoid overbaking and drying out.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
