Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and a serious sweet tooth, then the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This delightful treat combines the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the irresistible crunch and chocolate-peanut butter goodness of Reese’s Pieces and Miniature Cups. Every bite melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness and saltiness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting homemade cookie, this recipe delivers pure joy with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of cookie that feels like a warm hug on a plate and keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for capturing the classic peanut butter cookie flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creaminess, sweetness, or that iconic Reese’s touch you can’t resist.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and tenderness to your cookies, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds necessary sweetness and helps with browning for a perfect golden crust.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a hint of molasses flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses every bite with deep peanut buttery goodness.
• Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together while adding a little moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors subtly, making every ingredient pop.
• Unbleached flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure to the cookies without overpowering the flavor.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the peanut butter flavor.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft but never cakey.
• Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Adds extra pockets of peanut buttery sweetness inside each bite.
• Reese’s Pieces (1/2 cup, divided): Provides vibrant color and a signature crispy chocolate-peanut flavor for topping and mixing inside the dough.
• Reese’s Miniature Cups (12, chopped): Stirred on top for that gooey, chocolatey finish that makes these cookies unforgettable.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a fork or mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the dough, helping your cookies achieve that scrumptiously soft texture.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The peanut butter blends perfectly, creating that rich base flavor we all crave.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in the unbleached flour, salt, and baking soda carefully until everything is just combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle to keep them tender.

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

Gently fold in all the peanut butter chips and about a quarter cup of Reese’s Pieces. Save the rest of the Reese’s Pieces for the cookie tops – they add that perfectly crunchy, colorful finish once baked.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a two-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows them to spread out and bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake Until Edges Brown

Bake the cookies for roughly 10 minutes, or until you see the edges start to develop a lovely golden-brown color. They might look slightly soft in the middle, but that’s exactly what you want for a chewy center.

Step 8: Add Toppings Right After Baking

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press the remaining Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Miniature Cups on top. The heat will gently melt the chocolate, creating irresistible pockets of gooeyness.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures they hold together beautifully without crumbling.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed Reese’s Pieces or drizzle melted peanut butter on top of the cooled cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance their appearance and add a subtle sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If you want a warm beverage, try them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or creamy coffee – the peanut butter and chocolate flavors complement each other beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies into a tower or arrange them in a circular pattern on a festive platter for parties or gift-giving. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of peanut butter or Nutella for an extra-special treat that wows guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that perfect chewy texture you baked them for.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for later enjoyment, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed when you need a peanut butter cookie fix.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies anytime, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives the softness and melts the peanut butter chips slightly, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture to your cookies, with little peanut bits offering an extra crunch. Just keep in mind that it might change the overall softness slightly.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces or Miniature Cups?

You can substitute with regular peanut butter cups chopped up or even chocolate chips mixed with chopped peanuts for a similar flavor profile. The cookies will still be delicious, just a bit different in texture and taste.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if it seems too soft. Also, spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the unbleached flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Your cookies will still have that inviting peanut butter flavor with a safe twist for gluten-sensitive folks.

Why do my cookies come out too dry?

This can happen if you overbake them or use too much flour. Keep an eye on the baking time and measure your ingredients carefully. Removing the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges brown will keep them soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this incredible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, it’s time to get baking and share these little bundles of happiness with those you love. The perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Reese’s candies, and soft cookie dough will have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for every cookie craving!

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