The Ultimate Chewy Reese’s Pieces Cookies Recipe: A Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate enthusiasts: these incredibly soft and chewy Reese’s Pieces Cookies. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, loaded with rich peanut butter goodness and generous amounts of colorful Reese’s Pieces candy. This easy peanut butter cookie recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant, cheerful, and utterly irresistible experience that will become a go-to favorite for your family and friends. If you’re a true peanut butter fan, this recipe is guaranteed to make your dreams come true.

Our Reese’s Pieces Cookies masterfully combine the classic, comforting flavor of a Peanut Butter Cookie with the exciting crunch and sweet-and-salty notes of Reese’s Pieces candy. Not only do these cookies taste absolutely amazing, but their bright orange, yellow, and brown hues also make them a visually appealing and festive addition to any dessert platter. They’re perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or simply brightening up an ordinary day with a burst of color and flavor.

For those who can’t get enough of that iconic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, you might also want to explore this fantastic Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie recipe. We are big fans of creating a variety of Reese’s Desserts, and using Reese’s Pieces candy is one of our favorite ways to infuse that irresistible flavor into homemade treats.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Reese’s Pieces Cookies have earned a permanent spot in our recipe rotation. Every single bite delivers a wonderfully balanced and utterly delicious combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate, enhanced by the satisfying crunch of the Reese’s Pieces. The texture is simply divine – soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges, making them truly irresistible.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how incredibly accessible it is. It relies mostly on common pantry staples, meaning you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already. This makes it a fantastic recipe for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a quick dessert without a special trip to the grocery store. Plus, the overall cost to make a batch of these homemade cookies is significantly less than buying gourmet cookies, without sacrificing any of the quality or taste.

Beyond the ingredients, the process itself is surprisingly straightforward and super easy. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find these cookies a joy to make. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it consistently delivers perfect results with minimal fuss. It’s truly a quick and simple way to whip up an impressive dessert that everyone will adore. They’re ideal for bringing to potlucks, packing in school lunches, or simply enjoying as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. Another family favorite that’s just as delightful and easy to make are our Nutella Cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these amazing Reese’s Pieces Cookies starts with a selection of high-quality, readily available ingredients. Pay attention to the temperature and type of certain ingredients for the best results.

• Butter: Crucial for that tender, rich crumb. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature, but not melted. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter cookie texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the total salt content in the recipe.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: For a smooth, consistent peanut butter flavor throughout the cookie dough, we highly recommend using creamy peanut butter. Avoid “natural” peanut butter where the oil separates, as it can drastically change the consistency of your dough.
• Granulated Sugar: This classic white sugar contributes to the overall sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges that contrast perfectly with the chewy interior.
• Brown Sugar: A blend of granulated sugar and molasses, brown sugar adds depth of flavor and, more importantly, moisture. This moisture is key to achieving that wonderfully soft and chewy texture. You can even try our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe for an extra touch.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together, and adds moisture and richness. For optimal emulsification with the butter and sugars, ensure your egg is also at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookie. When measuring flour, always spoon it into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dense, dry cookies.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for ultimate chewiness and softness. Just a touch of cornstarch helps tenderize the dough and prevents the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a perfectly soft bite.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acids in the brown sugar and peanut butter to create carbon dioxide bubbles, giving the cookies their lift and characteristic texture. If you’re ever in a pinch, check out our guide for Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness of the sugars and candies, as well as enhancing the deep, nutty flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate.
• Reese’s Pieces Candy: The star of the show! These colorful candies not only provide bursts of peanut butter and chocolate flavor but also add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to every cookie.

You can find the exact measurements for all these ingredients in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools can make your cookie-baking experience even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in the Reese’s Pieces.
• Cookie Scoop (1.5 tablespoon size): Ensures consistently sized cookies, which leads to even baking.
• Baking Sheets: Sturdy baking sheets are crucial for even heat distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire Cooling Rack: For cooling your cookies completely and preventing them from becoming soggy.

Delicious Variations and Mix-Ins

While the classic Reese’s Pieces Cookie is perfect as is, there are many fun ways to customize this recipe and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Peanut Butter Chips: If you’re looking to amplify the peanut butter flavor even further, try substituting some or all of the Reese’s Pieces candy with peanut butter chips. This will create an even richer, more intense peanut butter experience.
• Chocolate Chips: For more chocolatey goodness, incorporate chocolate chips into the dough. You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. A combination of Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips offers a wonderful blend of both iconic flavors.
• Reese’s Cups: Take the chocolate-peanut butter experience to the next level by chopping up some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and adding them to the dough alongside the Reese’s Pieces. The gooey melted peanut butter inside the cups adds an extra layer of decadence.
• Different Cookie Bases: While our peanut butter cookie base is phenomenal, don’t hesitate to try other cookie doughs. Instead of peanut butter, consider a classic sugar cookie base, a rich chocolate peanut butter cookie dough, or even a traditional chocolate chip cookie dough for a unique twist.
• White Chocolate Chips: If you adore the creamy, sweet taste of white chocolate, substitute white chocolate chips into the dough. They provide a lovely contrast to the peanut butter and a different kind of sweetness.
• Pretzels: For an exciting salty and crunchy element, crush some pretzels and fold them into the dough. The salty crunch pairs incredibly well with the sweet peanut butter and chocolate.
• Chopped Nuts: Add a nutty texture and flavor dimension with chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just after they come out of the oven can elevate their flavor, making the sweetness and peanut butter notes pop even more.

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Cookies Step-by-Step

Making these delightful Reese’s Pieces Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes for super easy cleanup!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent cookie texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars. In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air into the butter, which contributes to the cookies’ light and chewy texture. Then, beat in the room temperature large egg and vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter. Next, add the creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until it is fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients. Turn your mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture to the wet dough. Mix just until the flour is incorporated and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Reese’s Pieces. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in about 1 cup of the Reese’s Pieces candy using a rubber spatula. Avoid using the mixer for this step, as it can crush the candies and overwork the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Form Dough Balls. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out uniform amounts of dough and roll them gently into balls. Place them onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Top with More Reese’s Pieces. For an even more visually appealing cookie and an extra burst of flavor, gently press a few additional Reese’s Pieces candies onto the top of each dough ball. This ensures those vibrant colors are visible once baked.

Step 9: Bake and Cool. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from falling apart and allows them to firm up properly.

Once fully cooled, your delicious Reese’s Pieces Cookies are ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think with a few expert tips:

• Use Softened Butter, Not Melted: This is a golden rule in cookie baking! Softened butter, at true room temperature (indent with a finger, but not mushy), blends beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for the dough. Melted butter, on the other hand, will result in flatter, greasier cookies with a different texture.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Like softened butter, using room temperature eggs is crucial. They emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more cohesive dough. If you forget to take them out, place eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes to bring them to temperature quickly.
• Fold in the Reese’s Pieces Gently: Once you’ve mixed your dough, switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces. This prevents them from breaking too much and ensures they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough, which could lead to tough cookies. It’s perfectly fine if a few pieces break – they’ll still add amazing flavor!
• Make Larger Cookies: This recipe yields approximately 24 regular-sized cookies. If you prefer larger, bakery-style cookies, simply make bigger dough balls (about 2-3 tablespoons each). This will typically yield about 12 larger cookies. Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, usually by an extra 2-4 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the edges are golden.
• Don’t Overbake: For the chewiest cookies, it’s essential not to overbake them. The cookies should look set around the edges but still slightly soft and underbaked in the very center. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
• Invest in a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop is a game-changer! It ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they will bake evenly. Plus, it makes the process much faster and less messy.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also promotes more even baking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

Storage and Freezing Options

Proper storage ensures your Reese’s Pieces Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. You also have fantastic options for freezing both baked cookies and raw dough to enjoy them later!

Storing Baked Cookies: Store these Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For an extra tip to keep your cookies wonderfully moist and soft, place a slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them from drying out.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Another excellent option is to freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack before you store them. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper if necessary to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also store the dough prior to baking. Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can slice rounds from the log and bake as normal, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough and Baked Cookies?

Freezing is a fantastic way to prepare these cookies in advance or keep a stash for whenever a craving strikes. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Freezing Cookie Dough:

1. Log Shape: Roll the prepared cookie dough into a compact log (about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter). Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. For extra protection against freezer burn, wrap it again in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply slice frozen dough into rounds and bake, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
2. Individual Cookie Balls: Scoop the cookie dough into individual balls (as if you were going to bake them). Place these dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30-60 minutes, or until solid. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This method allows you to bake just a few cookies at a time.

Baking from Frozen Dough: When baking frozen dough balls or slices, there’s no need to thaw! Just place them on a prepared baking sheet and add approximately 2-4 minutes to the original baking time. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

Freezing Baked Cookies:

1. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. You can layer them with parchment paper if needed.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

This is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime, without the full preparation hassle!

We hope you love this incredible Reese’s Pieces Cookies recipe as much as we do! It’s truly a tasty treat that brings joy with every bite. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and a star rating to let us know what you think. Happy baking!