If you are a peanut butter fan who loves a burst of chocolatey, candy-filled goodness, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie loaded with creamy peanut butter, colorful Reese’s Pieces, sweet peanut butter chips, and chunks of chopped Reese’s Cups. Each bite is a delightful harmony of texture and flavor that makes every moment utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just an excuse to indulge, these cookies bring joy and comfort in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a clear purpose, from creating the perfect chewy texture to layering in rich peanut butter flavor and that signature Reese’s candy pop of color and sweetness.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a tender, rich base and helps the cookies stay moist.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed: Enhances moisture and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers rich, classic peanut butter taste.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates flavors with a mellow vanilla aroma.
- 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s sturdy yet tender crumb.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup (90g) Reese’s Pieces: Adds vibrant color and that signature peanut butter candy crunch.
- ½ cup (90g) peanut butter chips: Brings extra pockets of melty peanut butter goodness.
- 1 cup (about 8 mini) Reese’s Cups, chopped: Brings rich chocolate and peanut butter swirls throughout every cookie.
- Optional: extra candies for topping: For a decorative, extra candy-coated finish.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a creamy base with air whipped in, which is key for soft, tender cookies that feel indulgent in every bite.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients
Mix in the creamy peanut butter, one egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This step blends those classic peanut butter flavors deeply throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie is packed with peanut buttery richness.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mixing slowly helps prevent overworking the dough, giving you soft cookies that hold their shape perfectly.
Step 5: Fold in Reese’s Goodies
Gently stir in the Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, and chopped Reese’s Cups, saving some to sprinkle on top if you want. This final ingredient fold is where the magic happens, adding vibrant color and melty, candy-studded pockets that make every bite so exciting.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and starting to turn golden, while the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven to finish setting up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the candies to slightly firm up for that delightful texture contrast.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s Cups on top while the cookies are still warm. This gives a glossy, inviting candy decoration that’s sure to catch eyes and whet appetites.
Side Dishes
These cookies are incredible on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert duo. For coffee lovers, they’re fantastic alongside a creamy latte or rich hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these peanut butter treasures into cookie sandwiches with a dab of peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies. Or gift them in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper to brighten someone’s day with a sweet homemade surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain that just-baked softness, add a slice of bread to the container—its moisture helps keep cookies tender.
Freezing
If you want to save these goodies for later, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and make for an effortless treat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring out the fresh-baked warmth from frozen or refrigerated cookies, microwave them for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives that soft, melty candy-feel that makes these cookies so beloved.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds an extra texture dimension with little peanut chunks, making your cookies even more interesting. Just expect a slightly different mouthfeel but equally delicious results.
What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces or Reese’s Cups?
You can get creative with substitutions like chocolate chips, peanut butter candies, or even chopped chocolate bars. The key is to keep the peanut butter and chocolate combo that makes these cookies special.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, making the dough a day ahead and refrigerating it helps develop flavors even further. Bring the dough back to room temperature before baking for the best results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a similar treat compatible with gluten-free diets.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is just softened and not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping. This helps control spreading and keeps those glorious candy chunks centered.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to indulge in the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a no-brainer. It combines classic flavors with candy-coated fun in a way that brightens any day or occasion. Once you bake your batch, I promise these cookies will consistently bring smiles, requests for seconds, and a little bit of sweet magic to your kitchen.
