Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter. These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and generously loaded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups that melt into gooey pockets of flavor as they bake. They strike the perfect balance between rich, nutty peanut butter dough and sweet, creamy chocolate candy.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, a bake sale, or simply craving something comforting and indulgent, these cookies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, they are approachable for beginner bakers while still impressive enough to satisfy experienced cookie lovers.
In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to making perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, including ingredient explanations, step-by-step baking tips, storage advice, variations, and frequently asked questions to ensure consistent, bakery-quality results every time.
Why Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Popular
Peanut butter cookies on their own are already a classic. Adding Reese’s peanut butter cups elevates them to an entirely new level. The candy brings layers of texture and flavor: smooth chocolate, creamy peanut butter filling, and a slightly firmer bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie dough.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. They work just as well for casual family snacking as they do for special occasions. Because they bake quickly and don’t require chilling, they’re ideal for last-minute baking without sacrificing quality.
Ingredient Breakdown and Their Purpose
Understanding each ingredient helps you achieve the best possible texture and flavor.
Butter
Unsalted butter provides richness and structure. Softened butter creams smoothly with the sugars, incorporating air that helps the cookies bake up tender rather than dense.
Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter adds flavor, moisture, and softness. Standard commercial peanut butter is best because it contains stabilizers that help the dough hold together. Natural peanut butter can cause spreading and dryness.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar
Brown sugar contributes moisture and chewiness thanks to its molasses content, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create lightly crisp edges. The combination gives these cookies their signature soft-yet-structured texture.
Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness. It also helps the cookies puff slightly in the oven and set properly as they cool.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances both the peanut butter and chocolate flavors, adding depth and warmth.
Flour
All-purpose flour provides structure. Measuring accurately is important—too much flour can make cookies dry, while too little can cause excessive spreading.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and spread evenly, creating a soft interior with gently crisp edges.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Chopped Reese’s cups melt into pockets of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the cookie. Using a mix of small and slightly larger pieces creates better texture and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures even baking from the start. Lining baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Creaming is a crucial step. Beating the butter, peanut butter, and sugars together for 2–3 minutes incorporates air into the dough, resulting in lighter, softer cookies. The mixture should look fluffy and slightly pale.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mixing in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated ensures a smooth, cohesive dough. Scraping down the bowl helps prevent uneven mixing.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisking the flour, baking soda, and salt separately ensures even distribution. Adding the dry ingredients gradually prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Reese’s
Folding the chopped Reese’s cups in gently prevents them from breaking down too much. Reserving some pieces for the tops gives the cookies a bakery-style finish.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a consistent scoop ensures even baking. Leaving space between cookies allows them to spread properly without touching. Baking until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked is key to soft, chewy cookies.
Step 7: Cooling
Allowing the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet lets them firm up enough to move without breaking. As they cool completely, the centers set while staying soft.
Tips for Bakery-Style Results
- Use room-temperature butter and egg for smooth mixing
- Do not overmix after adding flour
- Slightly underbake for soft centers
- Press extra Reese’s pieces on top before baking for visual appeal
- Let cookies rest on the pan before transferring
Flavor Variations to Try
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Add peanut butter chips along with Reese’s cups for extra peanut butter flavor.
Double Chocolate Reese’s Cookies
Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate peanut butter cookie base.
Chunky Reese’s Cookies
Use large chunks of Reese’s for gooier pockets of melted candy.
Salted Reese’s Cookies
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Baked Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain softness.
Freezing Cookie Dough
Scoop dough into portions and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches
- A dessert platter alongside brownies and blondies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be more rustic and less smooth. Creamy peanut butter produces the softest cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter was too warm, the dough was overmixed, or natural peanut butter was used. Chilling the dough for 20 minutes can help if spreading is an issue.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but the cookies should still be soft and flavorful.
How do I keep the Reese’s from melting too much?
Chopping Reese’s while they are cold helps them hold their shape better during baking.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges. Baking longer will make them firmer and crunchier.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that combine the comfort of homemade cookies with the indulgence of a beloved candy bar. With their soft centers, rich peanut butter flavor, and melty chocolate pieces, they deliver everything you want in a dessert cookie.
Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and consistently delicious, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate and peanut butter craving.