With soft, chewy centers and golden edges, these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies bake up with rich layers of peanut butter flavor and candy-coated crunch in every bite!
These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies take a classic peanut butter treat and make it even more irresistible with colorful candy in every bite. The colorful Reese’s Pieces add a playful touch, and their crisp shells and creamy peanut butter centers make each cookie scrumptious.
There is something so comforting about peanut butter treats. For more recipes you have to check out my chewy peanut butter blondies, no-bake peanut butter pie, and peanut butter blossoms.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- The combination of creamy peanut butter and softened butter create cookies with rich nutty flavor, tender centers, and lightly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar mixed with granulated sugar balance moisture and spread, producing a chewy texture with subtle caramel notes.
- Peanut butter chips and mini candy pieces add extra peanut flavors and textures throughout each cookie.
Recipe Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter – I like using Jif or Skippy for a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, consistent texture.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips – These add rich, creamy peanut butter flavor throughout the cookie. They melt slightly as they bake and mix into a soft, chewy texture.
Brown Sugar – Packed light brown sugar gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture and subtle caramel depth. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper, slightly stronger sweetness.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Use Ground Peanuts for Extra Texture – Pulse plain, unsalted peanuts in a food processor or blender until they have the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Freezing them first helps keep them from turning into powder. Salted or roasted peanuts add extra flavor.
Substitute with Almond Butter – Almond butter has a similar consistency and mild, buttery taste, making it a great alternative to peanut butter in this recipe.
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, cream the peanut butter and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugars and mix until combined.
Step 2: With the mixing speed on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Step 3: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixing speed on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in the peanut butter chips and Reese’s Pieces. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 5: Using a standard-sized cookie scoop, form balls of dough, then roll in sugar and place onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of coarse kosher sea salt, if desired.
Step 6: Place the cookie dough balls in the oven and bake for 10–11 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, about 7–10 minutes.
Expert Tips
Choose a Creamy Peanut Butter – I use Jif but choose any you prefer. Be sure to avoid natural peanut butter, which tends to separate and can make the dough greasy or unstable.
Add Mix-Ins on Top – Once your cookie dough balls are formed and rolled in sugar add extra Reese’s pieces and peanut butter chips on top for a fun and colorful cookie that is presentation worthy.
FAQs
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture. It won’t affect the structure of the dough much, but it will create a slightly chunkier cookie with bits of peanut throughout.
The edges should look set and slightly golden, though it can be hard to tell with their darker color. Use the poke test—if the side indents, they need more time. If it stays firm, they’re done.
Storage Information
Once cooled, STORE Peanut Butter Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container.
The prepared cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To FREEZE, roll the dough into balls and place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—good for up to 3 months.
REHEAT frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm them in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) oven for a few minutes.
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Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter*
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - (1 stick) room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar - packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
- 2/3 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips
- 1/3 cup Reese's Mini Pieces Peanut Butter Candy
- 1/2 tsp coarse kosher sea salt - for sprinkling tops (optional)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, cream the peanut butter and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugars and mix until combined.
- With the mixing speed on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixing speed on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in the peanut butter chips and Reese's Pieces. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Using a standard-sized cookie scoop, form balls of dough, then roll in sugar and place onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of coarse kosher sea salt, if desired.
- Place the cookie dough balls in the oven and bake for 10–11 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, about 7–10 minutes.
Where do you buy your Reese’s mini pieces? I can never find them
I’ve seen them at Walmart, my local grocery store..I would google your location to see who has them. Hope you do find them!
These really are the best!! Love peanut butter cookies! I like that these have both the peanut butter chips, but also the reese’s pieces. They are super soft & delicious!
Nothing better than Peanut Butter and Chocolate! Such a simple recipe to follow too!
I do believe they’re the best! Seems delicious, can’t wait to try it!
I just love cookies, but not peanut butter, can i use the normal butter for the same recipe?