Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the fun crunch of Reese’s pieces candy. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your friends and family. With a gooey center and a golden brown exterior, they bring together the best of both worlds—texture and taste. Bake a batch today to enjoy as an afternoon snack or dessert at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for beginner bakers.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolatey Reese’s pieces creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Batch-Friendly: Easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs without losing flavor or texture.
• Kid-Approved: Children love the colorful candy pieces, making them great for family baking days.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving that ideal cookie texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing ingredients. It ensures that everything is well combined without manual labor.
• Baking Sheets: Quality baking sheets help achieve even baking, preventing burnt edges while keeping cookies soft in the center.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are loaded with peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s pieces candy…a peanut butter lover’s dream!

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
• 1½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
• ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (240 g) peanut butter chips
• 2 cups (376 g) Reese’s pieces

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Add the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter.
2. Beat on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add the vanilla extract. Mix to combine.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
2. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
3. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Candy

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and Reese’s pieces candy until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Near the end of this chilling time, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or measuring cup:
1. Scoop out dough onto prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart.
2. Using your hands or the bottom of a glass, slightly flatten each ball of dough since these cookies do not spread much during baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are set and tops are golden brown. The centers will remain gooey but will continue to bake once removed from the oven.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with some creative serving ideas. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will make your cookies even more enjoyable.

With Ice Cream

• Scoop of Vanilla – Pair your cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies and ice cream for an indulgent treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Brownies – Serve alongside mini brownies for a mix of textures and flavors.
• Fruits – Include fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices to add a refreshing contrast.

Dipped in Milk

• Classic Dairy Milk – Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the perfect dunking experience.
• Nut Milk Alternatives – Almond or oat milk can also complement the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

How to Perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfecting Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies ensures they turn out delicious every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.

• Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Watch the Baking Time – Keep an eye on them towards the end, as they will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
• Store Properly – Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements sweet treats.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate invites dipping, making an interactive dessert experience.
5. Coffee or Tea – Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a comforting pairing.
6. Nut Mix – A bowl of assorted nuts provides crunchiness that contrasts well with the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Using cold ingredients: It’s crucial to use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cookie instead of a soft, chewy one.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking your flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t rush this step, as it ensures a thicker cookie.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An incorrect temperature can result in undercooked or overcooked cookies.
• Not cooling on the baking sheet: Allowing cookies to cool on the sheet helps them set properly. If you move them too soon, they might break apart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper between layers to maintain texture.

Reheating Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for optimal softness.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies special?

These cookies are a delightful mix of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate candy, and rich peanut butter chips, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and extra crunch, enhancing the overall experience of these cookies.

How do I customize my Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies?

Feel free to mix in other types of chocolate chips or nuts according to your taste preferences. You can also adjust the sweetness by using dark chocolate or reducing the sugar slightly.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Leftover Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for maximum freshness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies with additional toppings or flavors to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every gooey bite!