Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 19, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

Indulge your peanut butter cravings with Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, a delightful treat bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and colorful candy surprises. These cookies combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of peanut butter chips, and the playful crunch of Reese’s Pieces, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Perfect for any occasion, these cookies boast a soft, gooey center with golden-brown edges that hold their shape thanks to a chill in the dough before baking. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply craving a comforting homemade snack, these cookies never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with peanut butter goodness and the fun crunch of Reese’s Pieces.
Soft, chewy texture with gooey centers and golden edges.
Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients for a quick bake.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup softened to room temperature to ensure easy creaming with sugars for a fluffy dough.
Light Brown Sugar: 1½ cups packed, providing natural moisture and a rich caramel flavor in the cookies.
Creamy Peanut Butter: ½ cup adds a smooth, nutty depth that elevates the peanut flavor throughout.
Large Eggs: 2 at room temperature, helping to bind ingredients and add tenderness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to enhance and deepen the overall flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, the base of the dough providing structure and a tender crumb.
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, used to soften the texture and keep the cookies tender.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cookies rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the peanut butter flavor.
Peanut Butter Chips: 1 cup, packed with creamy peanut butter goodness for added richness and texture.
Reese’s Pieces: 2 cups, adding colorful, crunchy bursts of chocolate and peanut flavor in every bite.

Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step creates an aerated base for tender cookies.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and maintain a smooth batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumping.
Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer on low speed, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in Chips and Reese’s Pieces: Using a spatula, gently fold in peanut butter chips and Reese’s Pieces to evenly distribute candy and add bursts of flavor throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain the cookie’s shape and enhances texture during baking. Preheat the oven to 400°F as you near the end of the chilling time.
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a ¼ cup cookie scoop to portion dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass, as these cookies won’t spread much.
Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just set and tops turn a golden brown. The centers will look soft but will solidify as cookies cool, ensuring a chewy, gooey texture.
Cool Before Serving: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for at least 30 minutes to fully set and develop their ideal chewy texture before enjoying.

You Must Know

Chilling the dough is essential to keep cookies thick and chewy rather than flat.
Using parchment paper prevents sticking and helps even browning.
Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk or pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack. They also make a festive addition to holiday cookie trays or lunchbox treats.

Professional Tips

For best texture, do not overmix the flour once added to avoid tough cookies.
Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
Adjust baking time slightly if you prefer softer or firmer cookies.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?: Yes, but it will add texture variations from the peanut bits, which some may enjoy for extra crunch.
Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces for other candy?: Absolutely, M&M’s or chopped peanut butter cups work well as tasty alternatives with similar texture and color.
Do these cookies freeze well?: Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap cookies tightly or store in airtight containers, and thaw at room temperature.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and avoid over-creaming butter and sugar to prevent excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?: Yes, a hand-held mixer works perfectly fine, just ensure to cream the butter, sugar, and peanut butter well.
Are these cookies gluten-free?: No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. For gluten-free alternatives, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust as needed.
How do I get the perfect gooey center?: Monitor baking time closely and remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft for the gooey texture.