Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There is something truly irresistible about Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies that makes every bite feel like a celebration of childhood joy and rich, nutty goodness. These cookies have a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, buttery dough, and pockets of delightful Reese’s Pieces candy that create bursts of color and flavor. Whether you are a peanut butter fanatic or a fan of the classic candy, these cookies bring the best of both worlds into one chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Get ready to fall in love with the perfect cookie recipe that’s both fun and seriously satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor profile of Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies. From the creamy peanut butter to the sweet brown sugar, these simple essentials come together to create a cookie that’s chewy, soft, and full of character.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides rich creaminess and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie.
• Light brown sugar (1½ cups): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that enhances the chewy texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star ingredient that delivers that nutty, luscious flavor.
• Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together and add moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The cookie’s foundation providing structure.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Ensures a soft and tender texture by preventing toughness.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to just the right height and gives a lightness to the bite.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
• Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Adds extra pockets of peanut butter bliss in every bite.
• Reese’s Pieces (2 cups): Bursts of crunchy, colorful candy that add fun and irresistible sweetness.

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter

Start by combining the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat everything together on medium-high speed until the mixture turns light and creamy, around 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures a fluffy base that will make the cookies tender and rich.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that warm, sweet aroma. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This keeps the dough smooth and well-incorporated, helping to achieve the perfect chewy consistency.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture and mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 4: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips and Reese’s Pieces

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and the iconic Reese’s Pieces candy. This is where the magic happens, adding texture, bursts of sweetness, and that vibrant pop of color that’s signature to these cookies.

Step 5: Chill and Preheat

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make scooping easier and to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. While chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) – this high heat will give the cookies a beautifully golden edge while keeping the centers gooey.

Step 6: Scoop, Flatten, and Bake

Using a ¼ cup scoop, form the dough into balls and place them about 3 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using your hands or the bottom of a glass since these cookies won’t spread much. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops turn a warm golden brown.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because the centers remain gooey coming out of the oven but will firm up nicely as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces candies on top of warm cookies just before serving to amplify that candy crunch and add a pop of color. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch too, making them feel extra special for sharing occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo that never disappoints. For adults, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee to complement the rich peanut butter flavor and sweet candy bursts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange these cookies on a bright, colorful plate or wooden board scattered with extra Reese’s Pieces. You could also sandwich two cookies together with peanut butter frosting or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that’s sure to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Store them in a single layer or separated with parchment paper to preserve their texture and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, use a container with a tight lid and separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To freshen up the cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that soft, gooey center and wakes up the flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand-held mixer works just fine. Just be sure to cream the butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter thoroughly to achieve that light and fluffy texture.

Do these cookies spread during baking?

No, these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies hold their shape very well. That’s why flattening the dough balls before baking is important to ensure an even, chewy cookie.

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture to the cookies thanks to the peanut bits, which can be a tasty variation. Just be mindful that it might slightly affect the dough’s consistency.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.

How do I get gooey cookie centers without underbaking?

Baking at a higher temperature for a shorter time sets the edges quickly while keeping the centers soft and gooey. Cooling the cookies on the sheets for at least 30 minutes allows the residual heat to finish the bake without drying them out.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic feeling you get from Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies fresh out of the oven. They’re soft, chewy, bursting with peanut butter goodness, and playfully dotted with colorful candy that makes every bite extra fun. Whether you bake a batch for a loved one or keep them all to yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit that brings smiles every time. I can’t wait for you to try making these and create your own sweet memories with every bite!

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