Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter, creamy chips, and colorful Reese’s pieces candy. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress friends and family alike. With their gooey centers and crunchy edges, they truly embody a peanut butter lover’s dream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and Reese’s pieces creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as snacks, desserts, or even gifts; they are sure to please everyone.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are popular among kids and adults alike due to their fun colors and flavors.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, gather some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Makes mixing ingredients effortless, ensuring a light and creamy dough.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for separating wet and dry ingredients, helping keep your workspace organized.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the cookies evenly.
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!
Ingredients:
– 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 Butters and Sugars
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter.
- Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
- Pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time. Ensure each egg is mixed well before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chips and Candy
- Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and Reese’s pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Near the end of chilling time, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 7: Scoop Out Dough
- Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or measuring cup, portion out dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave about 3 inches between each scoop.
- Slightly flatten each ball of dough using your hands or the bottom of a glass since these cookies do not spread much during baking.
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
- Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until edges are set and tops are golden brown. The center should remain gooey but will continue cooking once out of the oven.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that complements the rich peanut butter flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Fill it with your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious dessert twist.
Warm with Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzle warm cookies with melted chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. The velvety chocolate enhances the peanut butter taste.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Serve these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for a sweet spread at parties or gatherings.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla yogurt or ice cream for added crunch and flavor. This makes for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
Gift Them
- Pack these cookies in a decorative box as homemade gifts for friends and family. They make excellent presents for any occasion.
How to Perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
To ensure your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix more easily and leads to a better texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 15 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
- Watch baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies around the 8-minute mark. You want them golden brown on the edges but gooey in the center.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookie recipe further.
- Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.
Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
When serving Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies. Opt for seasonal fruits like berries or melons.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making it an excellent choice for dessert lovers.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend bananas with peanut butter and milk for a smoothie that echoes the flavors of your cookies while being nutritious.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve warm caramel sauce as a dip alongside your cookies, providing an exciting twist on traditional cookie enjoyment.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with these sweet treats, enhancing their flavors while offering warmth and comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step if you want thick, chewy cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure you don’t end up with dry or overly wet dough.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature affects baking time and cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Using cold eggs or butter: Cold ingredients can affect how well they blend together, so remember to bring them to room temperature before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store these cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, covering it with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure they are formulated for baking.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture. However, it may alter the smoothness of the cookie slightly.
What can I add to enhance my Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies?
Consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra flavor.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden while the center remains soft and gooey. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven for all those delicious cookies!
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies offer an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that peanut butter lovers will adore. With their gooey centers and delightful crunch from Reese’s pieces, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your batch by adding nuts or swapping out the candy mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; you’ll be glad you did!
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the colorful crunch of Reese’s pieces. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home. With their gooey centers and slightly crispy edges, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 2 cups Reese's pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add in vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in peanut butter chips and Reese's pieces.
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes before scooping onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden but center remains gooey.
- Let cool on baking sheets for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For variations, consider adding chopped nuts or using crunchy peanut butter for additional texture. Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.