Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Indulgence
There are few pairings as universally beloved as peanut butter and chocolate. When you combine them with the iconic crunch and creamy sweetness of Reese’s candies, you get something truly extraordinary. Our recipe for the Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies isn’t just a promise; it’s a guarantee of a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they’re packed with a full cup of rich peanut butter, generously loaded with a delightful mix of chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter chips, and crunchy Reese’s Pieces. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of salty and sweet, making them the ultimate chocolate peanut butter indulgence you won’t soon forget.
If you find yourself craving that irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe is precisely what you need. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding baking project that yields soft, chewy cookies bursting with flavor. Get ready to elevate your cookie game and create a batch of treats that will disappear faster than you can say “Reese’s!”
Why These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Are Truly The Best
What makes these cookies stand out from the rest? It all comes down to a few key factors and a perfectly balanced recipe. We’ve taken a beloved classic and amplified its best qualities. Our base recipe, inspired by Nellie’s fantastic creation for BEST Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, has been meticulously adapted to integrate the unique texture and flavor of Reese’s Pieces, alongside a generous helping of both chocolate and peanut butter chips. The result? Cookies that are exceptionally soft, boasting an intense peanut butter flavor, complemented by pockets of melty chocolate and the satisfying crunch of Reese’s candies. This careful combination ensures every cookie is a symphony of flavors and textures, making them a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From their chewy centers to their slightly crisp edges, these Reese’s cookies offer an unparalleled gourmet experience that tastes just like your favorite candy bar in cookie form.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Reese’s Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies requires a selection of fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after texture and unforgettable flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): This is the star of the show! Using a full cup ensures a prominent, rich peanut butter flavor throughout the cookie. Opt for creamy varieties for the smoothest dough and most consistent texture. While natural peanut butter (oil separation) can be used, ensure it’s extremely well-stirred to prevent the cookies from becoming too crumbly or oily. For the best results, stick with a classic, no-stir creamy peanut butter.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup + 2 TBSP), softened: Butter adds richness, tenderness, and helps create that desirable chewy texture. Using softened butter is absolutely crucial for creaming properly with the sugars, forming an airy base for your dough that will result in lighter, more tender cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature but not melted.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Contributes to the cookie’s sweetness, helps with spreading during baking, and provides a slight crispness around the edges, balancing the chewiness from the brown sugar.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): The molasses in brown sugar provides essential moisture, depth of flavor, and is key to achieving that wonderfully soft and chewy interior that everyone loves in a classic peanut butter cookie. It also adds a subtle caramel note.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a primary binder, holding all the ingredients together and contributing significantly to the cookie’s overall structure, moisture, and richness. Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Milk (¼ cup): A touch of milk adds crucial extra moisture to the dough, preventing it from becoming too dry and ensuring a truly tender, soft crumb. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work here.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness and deepens the overall aroma of the cookies. Don’t skip it, as it adds a layer of complexity to the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The structural foundation of our cookies. Properly measured flour is essential for the right dough consistency. Too much flour can make cookies dry and dense, while too little can make them spread too much. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and achieve a lighter, softer texture without making them cakey. It reacts with the wet ingredients to create air pockets.
- Salt (½ tsp): A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate. It truly makes a noticeable difference, preventing the cookies from tasting overly sweet and bringing out the nutty richness.
- Mixed Candies (2 cups combined): This is where the magic happens and the “Reese’s” identity shines! A generous mix of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark), creamy peanut butter chips, and crunchy, colorful Reese’s Pieces candies delivers an explosion of flavor and texture in every single bite. Feel free to adjust the ratio to your preference – more chocolate, more peanut butter, or more Reese’s Pieces for ultimate fun!
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Follow these simple instructions to bake a batch of homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Precision in baking leads to perfect results!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Card
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Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup + 2 TBSP butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups combined chocolate chips/ Reese’s Pieces/ Peanut Butter Chips
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C). Prepare two large cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your cookies bake evenly without burnt bottoms.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment), cream together the softened peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-blended, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is vital for a soft, chewy cookie texture.
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Next, beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into the wet mixture.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overdeveloping the gluten can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the 2 cups of your chosen candies: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces. For an extra visual appeal and a burst of flavor in every bite, you might reserve a handful of Reese’s Pieces to press onto the tops of the cookies just before baking.
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Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into uniform balls. Place the dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets to allow for spreading. For an even more professional and appealing look, gently press additional Reese’s Pieces onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Baking Tip: Watch carefully! These cookies are best when soft and just barely cooked through. The key is to avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies out when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture. For cookies scooped with a medium 1.5 TBSP scoop, 8 minutes is usually perfect. Larger 3 TBSP cookies may need up to 10 minutes.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows them to set properly and prevents them from breaking when transferred. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies!
Notes & Tips for Success
Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough for future baking! Scoop the dough into balls as directed in the recipe. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for approximately 2 hours, or until the dough balls are solid. Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, there’s usually no need to thaw the dough completely. Simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
How to Ensure Soft and Chewy Reese’s Cookies?
The key to exceptionally soft and chewy cookies lies in several crucial factors. First, always ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugars; this creates a tender base. The combination of both granulated and brown sugar is also vital; brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture and promotes that desirable chewy texture. Most importantly, resist the urge to overbake! Pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly tender interior.
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
While creamy peanut butter is generally recommended for the smoothest dough and most consistent cookie texture, you absolutely can use crunchy peanut butter! It will add an extra layer of delightful texture and a more intense nuttiness to your cookies, which many people love. Just be aware that the dough might be slightly more challenging to mix evenly, and the cookies might have a slightly less uniform appearance due to the peanut chunks. If you love a textural contrast, crunchy peanut butter is a great choice.
What if My Cookies Are Flat or Dry?
Flat cookies can result from several common issues: using melted butter (which causes the fat to spread too quickly), too much granulated sugar relative to brown sugar, or insufficient flour. Ensure your butter is softened but still firm, and measure your flour precisely using the spoon-and-level method. Always check the expiration date of your baking powder. Dry cookies are almost always a sign of overbaking. Refer to the “Baking Tip” in the instructions to avoid this common pitfall. Also, make sure all your wet ingredients like egg and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and consistency.
Storage & Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious cookies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Here’s a detailed guide for both baked cookies and cookie dough:
How Long Do Baked Cookies Last?
Your freshly baked Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies will stay wonderfully fresh and soft for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place them in a cookie jar or an airtight plastic container. There’s no need for refrigeration, as chilling can sometimes alter the texture of the cookies, making them a bit firmer and less chewy. However, if you prefer a denser, slightly chilled cookie, feel free to store them in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of these delightful treats, whether they’ve been baked or you want to prepare the raw dough in advance. You have a couple of convenient options:
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once your cookies have completely cooled down to room temperature, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To do this, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). This “flash freezing” prevents them from sticking together once bagged. Once firm, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for a few minutes.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic time-saver for future baking, allowing you to have fresh-baked cookies on demand! Scoop the raw cookie dough into individual balls (as if you were going to bake them immediately) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for approximately 2 hours, or until the dough balls are solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. The dough will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s usually no need to thaw the dough completely. Simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, and then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time since they are starting from a frozen state.
Variations and Customizations for Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
While this recipe for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and personalize your batch. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Chocolate Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of chocolate chip! Experiment with different varieties – milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness, dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense contrast, or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist and creamy texture. A mix of several types can add wonderful complexity.
- Extra Crunch: If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding a quarter to half a cup of finely chopped peanuts (roasted and unsalted) to the dough along with the chips for an additional layer of crunch and flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully. Other chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts could also be interesting.
- Mini Reese’s Cups: For even bigger bursts of peanut butter chocolate goodness, instead of or in addition to Reese’s Pieces, chop up some mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and fold them into the dough. The melty peanut butter cup centers will create an irresistible gooey texture.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: For an extra decadent and gourmet treat, once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle them with a bit of homemade or high-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel is truly divine.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Take these cookies to the next level by making ice cream sandwiches! Fill two cooled cookies with a scoop of your favorite vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream for an epic dessert.
These truly are the most amazing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies you’ll ever bake! Crafted with a full cup of rich peanut butter and generously loaded with a delightful medley of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vibrant Reese’s Pieces, they deliver the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cookies experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to be a sensational hit with peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every single, perfect bite!