If you are ready to indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that bursts with color, flavor, and a little nostalgic peanut butter goodness, then the Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies combine creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and those iconic, crunchy Reese’s Pieces candies for a treat that is chewy, crispy, and impossibly fun to eat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something special, this recipe never fails to deliver smiles and happy taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward but absolutely essential to the magic of these cookies. Each one plays a big role in creating the perfect balance of texture, moisture, and taste that keeps these cookies so irresistible.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that offers richness and that classic peanut flavor we all love.
- 1/2 cup butter + 2 tablespoons (softened): Adds buttery softness and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness and a slight crunch on top.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
- 1 egg: Helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the dough soft and easy to scoop.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For rich pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces (divided): The crunchy, colorful candy that makes these cookies truly unique and festive.
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Having the oven ready ensures your cookies bake evenly the moment you place them inside.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step sets the foundation for your cookies’ texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy. These add moisture and depth to the dough, making the cookies tender with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Reese’s Pieces
Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces. This step ensures that the candies and chocolate are evenly distributed, giving every cookie that colorful crunch and gooey chocolate.
Step 6: Scoop and Top
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press the remaining 1/2 cup of Reese’s Pieces onto the tops of each dough ball, giving your cookies an extra pop of color and candy crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, just until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This technique helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to add a festive look. A small drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these cookies into a special occasion treat that everyone will admire.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a simple vanilla ice cream sundae for a dessert that’s bursting with peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few Reese’s Pieces Cookies with scoops of ice cream in between for an irresistible ice cream sandwich. Or arrange them on a colorful platter or cookie jar to brighten up your dessert table at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay deliciously fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This restores their soft texture and delicious melty chocolate chips, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter in this Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe?
While creamy peanut butter is ideal for that classic flavor, you can try sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you have allergies. Keep in mind, substitutions may slightly change the taste and texture.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, the dough might be too warm or you may be using too much butter. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking or check that your butter is softened, not melted.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but the texture will change. Crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant extra crunch but might make the dough a little less smooth. It’s a fun variation if you like a bit of texture in your cookies.
Is it okay to use mini Reese’s Pieces instead of regular size?
Absolutely! Mini Reese’s Pieces work great and will distribute more evenly through the dough, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite without overwhelming any single cookie.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Reese’s Pieces Cookies stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe that feels like a joyful celebration in every bite. Whether for a party, a family treat, or because you simply deserve a delicious pick-me-up, these cookies deliver comfort and happiness wrapped in peanut butter goodness and colorful candy crunch. Don’t wait to share this gem with your loved ones — they’re guaranteed to ask for seconds and keep coming back for more!
Print
Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Reese’s Pieces Cookies combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of Reese’s Pieces and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for any peanut butter lover looking for a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and bake to perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter + 2 tablespoons, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a well-aerated base for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined, ensuring even distribution for flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Reese’s Pieces: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces into the dough evenly to distribute the sweet, chocolatey, and nutty candies throughout.
- Scoop Dough and Top with Reese’s Pieces: Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Press the remaining 1/2 cup of Reese’s Pieces on top of each dough ball for extra color and candy flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the middle. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for cookies to be set but still soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
