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Creamy peanut butter meets the crunchy pop of Reese's Pieces and the decadent bite of mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in these cookies meant for peanut butter fans big and small. This recipe has been my ace-in-the-hole for family parties and potlucks because it brings together favorite candies in one chewy, golden brown cookie. Every batch disappears faster than I can bake them.
I baked these the first time for a birthday treat and the kids could not stop talking about all the peanut butter chunks. Now these cookies are a tradition whenever a peanut butter lover visits.
Ingredients
- Butter: Softened for the best rich flavor in each bite Choose European style if possible for extra creaminess
- Light brown sugar: For moisture and deep caramel notes Make sure it is soft and fresh
- Granulated sugar: For light sweetness that helps crisp the edges
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds structure Use a large egg
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers intense flavor and soft cookie centers Go for a saltier style for balance
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and brings harmony Opt for pure vanilla
- All-purpose flour: Keeps cookies tender and sturdy Sift for best results
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies their lift Use fresh leavening for best spread
- Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Give gooey pools of candy Like a PB surprise in every bite
- Mini Reese's Pieces: Add colorful crunch and extra roasted peanut flavor Pick up a fresh bag with whole candy shells
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- Beat softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until light pale and fluffy This takes about three minutes and ensures soft cookies
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Crack in the egg and mix until fully incorporated Add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract Beat on medium speed until the mixture is totally smooth and no peanut butter streaks remain
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Scrape down the bowl with a spatula to gather all the sticky bits Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and baking soda Mix at low speed just until you do not see any more dry flour Be careful not to overwork
- Fold in the Reese's Treats:
- Pour in mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and mini Reese's Pieces Using a spatula gently fold the candies in to distribute evenly without crushing them
- Scoop the Cookies:
- With a medium cookie scoop portion out evenly sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat Leave space for spreading Top each mound with a few extra Reese's Pieces for a bakery look
- Bake the Cookies:
- Slide into a preheated 375 degree oven Set a timer for 10 minutes You want the edges golden but the centers still look a little pale This keeps the cookies soft when cool
- Cool and Serve:
- Leave the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes after baking This lets them set and be easily transferred to a wire rack for final cooling
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My favorite part has always been the mini peanut butter cups because they melt into gooey pockets in every cookie Sometimes my family fights over the pieces with the most cups and it always makes us laugh
Storage Tips
To keep these cookies fresh store them in an airtight container at room temperature They last up to five days This dough also freezes very well You can portion the balls and freeze them for up to two months Just bake straight from the freezer and add two more minutes to the baking time
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in crunchy peanut butter if you want a little extra texture If Reese's Pieces are hard to find use M&M's or chopped roasted peanuts The mini peanut butter cups can be replaced with standard chocolate chips or chunks for a different twist
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect paired with a glass of cold milk or dunked in coffee For celebrations I like to stack them on a tiered stand or make ice cream sandwiches with vanilla ice cream My kids love bringing them to school for bake sales and sharing with friends
Cookie Traditions
Peanut butter cookies have long been an American favorite but this triple version pushes all limits with nostalgic candies and a boost of flavor It is inspired by classic recipes but made extra special with the mix of crisp and creamy peanut butter treats
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These cookies are decadent warm from the oven and just as tasty the next day. Try them once and they will be a permanent part of your bake sale and family celebration line up!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter blends most smoothly and creates a classic, soft cookie texture. Avoid natural varieties for best results.
- → Can I substitute different candies?
Mini peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces are ideal, but you can try other peanut butter-based candies for variation or add chocolate chips if desired.
- → How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t overly soft, and chill dough briefly if needed. Also, don’t overmix after adding flour for best results.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain softness. Freeze for longer shelf life.
- → How do I get perfectly chewy centers?
Bake until the edges are just golden and allow cookies to finish setting on the sheet before transferring. Don’t overbake.