Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Whenever I’m craving a nostalgic treat with a modern twist, I turn to my favorite cookie recipe that combines creamy peanut butter and colorful Reese’s Pieces for a delightful burst of flavor and color in every bite.

My favorite cookie recipe marries the creamy, dreamy, and somewhat nutty goodness of peanut butter with the crunchy delightfulness of Reese’s Pieces. Unsalted butter gets whipped together with some nearly-always-on-hand sugars: granulated and light brown.

These cookies are made for craving; sweet, but not cloying; savory, in the sense that you know you’ve had enough peanut butter and melted chocolate to satisfy your umami desire.

Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; essential fat content.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens cookies; gives a crisp texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness; creates a chewy texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides protein; rich peanut flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Structure and volume; contains carbohydrates.
• Reese’s Pieces: Adds crunch; sweet peanut butter taste.

Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (375g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) Reese’s Pieces candy

How to Make this Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

1. Your oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use parchment paper to line two baking sheets.

2. In a big bowl, whip the room temperature butter, the white granulated sugar, and the brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Place the creamy peanut butter in the bowl and mix it until it is well combined.

4. Whisk the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.

5. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a different bowl and whisk them together.

6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

7. Carefully incorporate the Reese’s Pieces candy into the dough so that it is evenly distributed.

8. Utilizing a tablespoon or cookie scoop, rounded spoonfuls of dough are dropped onto the prepared baking sheets. The dough mounds are spaced about 2 inches apart.

9. Place the cookies in the oven that has been preheated to the proper temperature and set the timer for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely and remove them when the edges are just turning golden. The centers should still look and feel soft. If you like truly chewy cookies, this is the time to pull them. But if you like a slight crust on the top, give them another minute.

10. Take the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then enjoy!

Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Parchment paper
3. Two baking sheets
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Hand mixer or stand mixer
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Whisk
9. Separate bowl for dry ingredients
10. Spatula
11. Tablespoon or cookie scoop
12. Wire rack

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?You can use salted butter, but you need to use less salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Specifically, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
• What is the best way to soften the butter before starting?Let the butter sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or cut it into small cubes so that it will soften more quickly.
• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?Indeed, adding crunchy peanut butter will change the cookie’s texture but is still an acceptable ingredient in this recipe.
• How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?Keep the cookies in a container that doesn’t let air in at room temperature for a week at most; after that, they can go in the freezer.
• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?Indeed, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute in this recipe to allow it to be gluten-free.
• Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces with another candy?Virtually any candy-coated chocolate can take the place of Reese’s Pieces in this recipe. Simply use the same amount.
• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?Chilling is not necessary, but if your kitchen is particularly warm, chilling for 20-30 minutes can help keep it from spreading.

Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To replace the unsalted butter: Use an equal amount of margarine or vegetable shortening. Note: This will give you a different texture than if you used unsalted butter.
For the granulated sugar: Use coconut sugar or unrefined sugar for a natural sweetness alternative.
To achieve a different flavor profile, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter. Almond butter will add a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, while sunflower seed butter will impart a more earthy flavor. Both are delicious substitutes!
To make the cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with a 1:1 ratio for the all-purpose flour.
To make the Reese’s Pieces: Use an equal amount of M&M’s or chocolate chips for a different candy crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough For thicker and more flavorful cookies, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

2. Use Quality Peanut Butter Ensure that you use creamy, high-quality peanut butter for a smoother texture and richer taste. Avoid using natural peanut butter, which can be too oily and lead to inconsistent results.

3. Room Temperature Eggs Using eggs that are at room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a more uniform dough. Simply leave your eggs out for about 30 minutes before starting to bake.

4. Don’t Overmix the Dough After combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies as it develops the gluten in the flour.

5. Experiment with Mix-ins While Reese’s Pieces are already included, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor variance. This can elevate the cookie’s taste profile and create delightful surprises in each bite.