Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookies: Your New Favorite Peanut Butter & Chocolate Candy Treat

Prepare for an explosion of flavor with these **Reese’s Pieces Cookies**! Imagine the rich, comforting taste of classic peanut butter cookies, perfectly blended with the delightful crunch and iconic chocolate-peanut butter goodness of Reese’s Pieces. This recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about crafting a truly memorable dessert experience that combines beloved flavors and textures into one irresistible bite. The vibrant orange, yellow, and brown candies not only add a beautiful pop of color but also a unique, satisfying crunch that elevates an already delicious cookie into an extraordinary treat. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Reese’s brand or simply looking for an exciting twist on a homemade cookie, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

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These **Reese’s Pieces cookies** take the beloved classic peanut butter cookie to an entirely new level of deliciousness. The magic lies in the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The rich, creamy base of a traditional peanut butter cookie provides a soft and chewy foundation, while the addition of Reese’s Pieces introduces an exciting contrast. Each candy piece, with its distinct chocolate and peanut butter flavor, adds a delicate crunch that makes every bite an adventure. It’s not just about adding candy; it’s about enhancing the overall cookie experience by infusing extra depth, chewiness, and that undeniable peanut butter-chocolate synergy that Reese’s is famous for. This recipe is simple to follow, yielding consistently perfect cookies that are bound to impress both visually and gastronomically. It’s the ultimate treat for any peanut butter lover seeking an easy yet indulgent homemade dessert.

Ingredients You Will Need

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Crafting the perfect batch of these delightful Reese’s Pieces cookies starts with a selection of common baking ingredients, readily available in most kitchens. While the full list with exact measurements is provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, a general overview of the components is helpful. You’ll need pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to form the dry base, ensuring a balanced flavor and proper rise. For the wet ingredients, you’ll combine unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar – a classic combination that delivers that signature chewy texture and rich, sweet, nutty flavor. A fresh egg binds everything together, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste profile. And, of course, the star of the show: a generous amount of Reese’s Pieces candies to fold into the dough, providing those bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor with every bite. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, and always choose a good quality peanut butter for the best results!

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

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Understanding your ingredients and their roles can make all the difference in your baking. Here’s a closer look at what goes into these delectable cookies and how you can customize them to your taste:

DOUGH BASE – The foundation of any great cookie is its dough. For this recipe, we’ve specified a classic peanut butter cookie base, which delivers an intense nutty flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. However, don’t hesitate to get creative! You could easily swap this out for a chocolate peanut butter cookie dough for an even richer, double-chocolate-peanut-butter experience. This variation deepens the chocolate notes, making it perfect for serious chocoholics. Alternatively, a versatile chocolate chip cookie dough base provides a slightly milder canvas, allowing the Reese’s Pieces to truly shine as the dominant flavor. Each base offers a unique profile, so feel free to experiment to find your personal favorite.

ADDITIONS & MIX-INS – The star of these cookies is, of course, the Reese’s Pieces. You can use either **mini or regular-sized Reese’s Pieces**, depending on your preference for candy distribution and crunch factor. The mini pieces tend to scatter more evenly throughout the dough, giving you a hint of candy in every bite, while the regular-sized pieces offer bigger bursts of flavor and crunch. But why stop there? For an extra layer of decadence, consider adding other mix-ins. Just like we did with our chocolate chip M&M cookies, you can absolutely fold in chocolate chips alongside your Reese’s Pieces. We recommend using about ¾ cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or even dark!) and ¾ cup of Reese’s Pieces for a balanced blend of flavors and textures. Beyond chocolate chips, you could also experiment with chopped peanuts for an even more intense peanut flavor and crunch, or even a handful of crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist and added texture. Remember, baking is an art, so feel free to customize and make these cookies truly your own!

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Cookies

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These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of this post.

1. **Prepare Your Workspace:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your dough is ready to bake, preventing uneven cooking. Prepare two baking sheets by greasing them lightly or, for easier cleanup and consistent baking, line them with parchment paper. Parchment paper also helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cookie’s texture and rise. Set this mixture aside.
   
3. **Cream Wet Ingredients:** Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, which is essential for creating soft, chewy cookies. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well combined, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Finally, add the peanut butter and mix gently, just until it’s combined into the sugary butter mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry & Add Candies:** Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, half at a time. Mix on low speed just until no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing the flour can lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined. Once the dough is formed, gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces. You want to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing them too much.
   
   
5. **Scoop and Bake:** Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons), drop uniform balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. This ensures even baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still look slightly soft. Remember that cookies continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

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Expert Tips for Perfect Reese’s Pieces Cookies:

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Always use room temperature butter and egg. This allows them to cream together properly with the sugars, creating a smooth, airy base for your dough, which is key for a tender cookie texture.
• **Don’t Overmix:** Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies. A light hand here ensures a soft and chewy result.
• **Use a Cookie Scoop:** A cookie scoop is your best friend for uniform cookies. Not only does it save time, but it also ensures all your cookies are the same size, promoting even baking and a beautiful presentation.
• **Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended):** If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
• **Add Extra Reese’s on Top:** For that bakery-style look and an extra burst of candy in every bite, gently press a few extra Reese’s Pieces onto the tops of the scooped dough balls before baking.
• **Cooling is Crucial:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes after baking. They are very delicate when hot and can fall apart if moved too soon. Transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely allows them to firm up and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• **Adjust Baking Time:** Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and centers that are still slightly soft – they will firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

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These Reese’s Pieces cookies are much more than just a simple dessert; they are a delightful experience waiting to be shared and savored. They make the perfect little treat to enjoy any time you’re craving that classic combination of peanut butter and cookies. The rich, sweet, and slightly salty notes make them incredibly versatile for various serving occasions. Naturally, they pair wonderfully with a tall, cold glass of milk, making for an ideal after-school snack or a comforting late-night indulgence. But don’t limit yourself! Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps with an extra drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce, for an elevated dessert experience. They also make fantastic additions to holiday platters, bake sales, or as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor ensure they’ll be a standout. For a more sophisticated pairing, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a rich hot cocoa. Whether you’re enjoying them warm straight from the oven or at room temperature, these cookies are a guaranteed hit that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

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If you love baking cookies, then you’re in for a treat! Our collection features a wide array of cookie recipes, from classic comforting flavors to exciting new combinations. After you’ve mastered these delicious Reese’s Pieces cookies, why not explore some of these other fantastic options?

• S’more Cookies: Experience the campfire classic in cookie form with gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers.
• Banana Cookies: Soft, moist, and wonderfully flavorful, these cookies are perfect for using up ripe bananas.
• Monster Cookies: A medley of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s makes these cookies a true crowd-pleaser.
• Hot Cocoa Cookies: Indulge in the cozy flavors of hot chocolate, complete with mini marshmallows, in a soft cookie.
• Neiman Marcus Cookies: Recreate the legendary, famously expensive chocolate chip cookies at home.
• Lofthouse Cookies: Soft, cakey, and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting, these are a nostalgic treat.
• Danish Butter Cookies: Delicate, crisp, and wonderfully buttery, these classic cookies melt in your mouth.
• Cherry Wink Cookies: A festive and flavorful cookie filled with cherries, nuts, and a hint of spice.
• Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies: Discover the secret to these famous hotel cookies with this spot-on copycat recipe.
• Jello Cookies: Fun, colorful, and bursting with fruity flavor, these unique cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike.

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