Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and a little candy crunch, and that’s exactly what you get with these Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies take every bite to the next level. If you’re a fan of peanut butter treats or just love a cookie that balances sweet and salty perfectly, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes these Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies truly special is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The peanut butter base creates a rich, moist cookie, while the peanut butter chips add an extra layer of creamy peanut goodness. Then, those Reeses Pieces candies bring a delightful crunch and a pop of color, making these cookies not only delicious but visually appealing. Adding chopped mini peanut butter cups elevates the indulgence, creating pockets of smooth, melty chocolate that contrast beautifully with the cookie dough. This recipe is straightforward to prepare yet delivers bakery-quality results every time.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup Reeses Pieces candy, divided
• 12 mini Reeses peanut butter cups, unwrapped and chopped (see notes)

Hardware & Gadgets

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Eases creaming butter and sugars for a fluffy dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for baking success.
• Spatula: For scraping the bowl and folding in mix-ins gently.
• Baking sheet: A flat, rimmed tray for baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain perfect texture.

Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Cooking Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter until well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-ins

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, half of the Reeses Pieces candy, and the chopped mini peanut butter cups. Save the remaining Reeses Pieces for topping the cookies just before baking.

Step 6: Scoop and Decorate

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few of the reserved Reeses Pieces candies onto the top of each cookie for a colorful, crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This ensures a chewy texture once cooled.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly without breaking apart.

Better-for-You Options

• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for a cleaner flavor.
• Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or date sugar for a less processed sweetener.
• Try whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Replace peanut butter chips with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and protein.
• Choose dark chocolate peanut butter cups or chips with higher cocoa content for a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Dry Cookies: Avoid overbaking by checking cookies at 10 minutes and removing them when edges are just set and centers still soft.
• Flat Cookies: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to maintain the dough’s structure.
• Uneven Baking: Use parchment or a silicone mat and space cookies evenly on the baking sheet.
• Mix-ins Clumping: Fold ingredients gently to keep chips and candies evenly distributed.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

These Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This chilling step helps develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading in the oven. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Handy Q&A

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture to the cookies, which some people really enjoy. Just be sure to mix it well with the butter and sugars to maintain a consistent dough.

What can I substitute for Reeses Pieces if I can’t find them?

If Reeses Pieces aren’t available, you can substitute with other peanut butter-flavored candies or even mini peanut butter cups. Alternatively, chopped peanut M&M’s add a similar crunch and color.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container – it helps maintain moisture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine that measures like butter. Make sure your peanut butter chips and candies are dairy-free as well.

Similar Recipes

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic peanut butter and chocolate combo with melty chips.
• Sally’s Peanut Butter Cookies – Simple, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor.
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – A heartier take with wholesome oats.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – Extra indulgent with lots of chopped peanut butter cups.

Time to Try It

Now that you have the ultimate guide and recipe for these Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare yourself for a cookie experience that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat, a party dessert, or a gift for someone special, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy peanut butter lovers everywhere.

Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and colorful candy crunch in every bite. Happy baking!

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