Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! If you’re already weak for the magical combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this recipe will absolutely spoil you with chewy, melty bites studded with miniature Reese’s cups and tiny chocolate chips. Each bite delivers the nostalgic comfort of peanut butter cookies, but cranked up with those unmistakable pockets of creamy chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon treat, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies promise to bring joy to every occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a few pantry staples can turn into an unforgettable batch of cookies. Every ingredient here plays an important part, contributing either to the richness, the tenderness, or the irresistible candy-studded joy of these cookies.

• Creamy Peanut Butter (3/4 cup | 212 grams): The star of the show! Choose a smooth, unsweetened variety for the richest peanut taste.
• Salted Butter (1/2 cup | 4 ounces): Adds luscious mouthfeel and balances the sweetness for extra depth; room temperature is best for easy whipping.
• Packed Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup | 200 grams): Brings deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon | 3 grams): Aids with gentle lift and spread so your cookies aren’t too dense.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon | 2 grams): Lends extra tenderness for that perfect cookie texture.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons | 6 grams): Rounds out the flavor profile and adds delicious warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cup | 163 grams): Provides structure while keeping things soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Quartered Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (2 cups | 295 grams): Every bite bursts with the iconic candy! Chop into quarters for perfect dispersion.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup | 86 grams): Scattered throughout for extra chocolatey goodness and texture.
• Chocolate Chips for Drizzling (1/3 cup, optional): If you’re going over the top, a little drizzle turns these cookies into a bakery-worthy treat!

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF so it’s just right when you’re ready. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the creamy peanut butter and room-temperature salted butter on medium speed. When these two combine, you’ll end up with a smooth and light base that guarantees a cookie with both richness and structure. Don’t rush this step—give it a solid minute or two until everything’s well blended and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Sugar, Baking Soda, and Baking Powder

Next, pour in your packed dark brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. The brown sugar lends the cookies their signature caramel notes and keeps them chewy, while the leavening agents promise lift without making things cakey. Beat everything together until it’s light in color and the texture is creamy.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your large egg and generously splash in the vanilla extract. Mixing these at this stage gives the cookies softness and that lovely golden hue. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and cohesive, pausing to scrape down the bowl if needed.

Step 4: Blend in the Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, mixing on low just until the dough comes together—no more. Overworking the dough at this point can create tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour disappear.

Step 5: Add the Reese’s Cups and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part: stir in your quartered miniature Reese’s cups and mini chocolate chips. Use a spatula to fold them in gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every scoop should show off both candy and chocolate in spades.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Flatten

Grab a 1 1/2-inch cookie scoop (or measure out about 58 grams of dough per cookie) and portion the dough onto parchment or silicone-lined baking sheets. These cookies don’t spread much, so gently press each ball with the bottom of a sugar-dipped glass to flatten slightly. It gives them their classic look and helps create a lovely little crust.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes—no longer! You want the edges lightly set but the centers just barely cooked for the best texture. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for about 3 to 5 minutes (they’ll firm up!), then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Add a Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

For an extra flourish, melt 1/3 cup chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds, then in 10-second bursts, stirring each time). Use a spoon to zig-zag the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Let the drizzle firm up fully before you dive in—or before you stack and store them.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

There’s pure joy in a cookie as-is, but if you love finishing touches, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right after drizzling with chocolate. The contrast of salt with sweet and rich brings out every delicious note in these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. You can also add an extra mini Reese’s cup or a few extra chocolate chips to each cookie while they’re still warm for even more visual and flavorful flair.

Side Dishes

These chewy, gooey cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk (classic!), but if you’re aiming for a cozy dessert spread, try serving them with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a creamy peanut butter milkshake. For summer gatherings, a scoop of vanilla ice cream wedged between two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies makes an unforgettable ice cream sandwich!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a rustic wooden board, arrange in a circle on a festive platter, or line them up in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for shareable gifts. For an over-the-top dessert, crumble a few cookies and use them as a sundae topping, or stick them into cupcakes and pies for that extra peanut butter-chocolate surprise! However you serve them, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies are completely cool (and that chocolate drizzle is set), pile them into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. Tuck a little parchment between layers to prevent sticking or smudging, especially if you went big with the chocolate drizzle.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer all-stars! Simply layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a lidded airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh-baked Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies on demand. Just shape, flatten, and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer—add an extra minute to the bake time and enjoy cookies anytime.

Reheating

To relive those melty, just-baked cookie moments, pop your stored cookies in a 300ºF oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or microwave briefly (10-12 seconds). This will warm up the chocolate pockets and restore that amazing homemade aroma. For frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temp, or reheat gently as above to get them soft and chewy again.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit more crunch and peanut pieces to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Just be aware that the cookies may spread a tiny bit less and have a different texture, but they’ll be just as delicious.

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can easily make these by hand with a sturdy whisk or spatula. Beat the butter and peanut butter until very smooth, then mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly before folding in the candies. The dough is soft and workable, so it’s a great no-fuss recipe.

How can I keep the Reese’s cups from melting too much during baking?

To help the Reese’s cups keep their shape, try freezing the quartered pieces for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the dough. This little trick works wonders to prevent melting and helps maintain those beautiful pockets of candy in the finished cookies.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies recipe?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and double-check that your candies are gluten-free. The result is just as rich and satisfying as the classic version.

Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?

Go for it! This recipe doubles (or even triples) perfectly. Just mix the dough in a large bowl and rotate baking sheets if baking in batches. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are surefire hits for parties, bake sales, or holiday gift tins.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies—each batch feels like a celebration, whether it’s a quiet night in or a big family gathering. If you’re a fan of sweet, salty, chocolatey treats (and really, who isn’t?), you owe it to yourself to bake a batch soon. Happy cookie making!

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