Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a treat that will make your taste buds sing, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are just the ticket! With a generous cup of peanut butter and a delightful mix of chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, these cookies are truly the ultimate indulgence. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a bite (or two!). Trust me, once you take a bite of these chewy cookies, they’ll become your new favorite!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies — just some pantry staples and a little bit of love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm batch of cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves peanut butter and chocolate! These cookies will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: They’re perfect for any occasion, from school lunches to holiday parties.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of rich peanut butter and chocolate creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll only need simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything we need so we can get started on this delicious journey!

For the Cookies

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about baking is experimenting with flavors! Here are some fun variations to try with your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Add nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts or another nut of your choice!
• Swap the chips: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of regular chocolate for a unique twist.
• Mix in oats: For added texture and nutrition, include quick oats into the cookie dough.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft. While the oven heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large bowl, grab your electric hand mixer and cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This step is crucial because it adds air into the mixture, making your cookies light and chewy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients help bind everything together while adding moisture that keeps the cookies soft. Give it all a good mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the dough. Gradually add this flour mixture to your creamy peanut butter mixture and stir well until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Goodness

Now comes the fun part! Stir in those delicious chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or Reese’s Pieces—whichever combo tickles your fancy! Don’t forget to save some Reese’s Pieces for topping each cookie before baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about two inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets. Press additional Reese’s Pieces onto each ball for that extra touch! Bake them in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely; you want them soft and slightly underbaked for that perfect texture.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let those beautiful cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This wait time lets them firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart when you move them.

Enjoy every delicious bite of these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! I promise they won’t last long once you share them with family or friends!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies is all about a few simple techniques that can elevate your cookie game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to consistent baking and a soft texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy delights.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help maintain the shape of your cookies while baking.
• Check for doneness early: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add different types of chocolate chips or even nuts if you want some crunch. The versatility of this recipe means you can make it uniquely yours!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These delicious cookies are sure to be a hit whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an extra touch of decadence and looks beautiful.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast in flavor.

Side Dishes

• Milk: Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk is a classic choice that complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cozy touch, perfect for dessert after dinner.
• Ice Cream: Scoop some vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top of a cookie for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavors of the cookies, making for a great side during gatherings.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy making these scrumptious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. Here’s how to store them properly and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For an extra touch, layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies!

Can I use natural peanut butter in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes! Just make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny, as this can affect the texture of your dough.

What makes these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies so special?

These cookies are loaded with peanut butter flavor and feature a mix of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces for that ultimate cookie experience.

How do I know when my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are done baking?

You want them to be soft and slightly underbaked in the center. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft when you take them out.

Can I make these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies! With their rich flavors and delightful textures, they truly are a treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, I’m sure you’ll find them irresistible. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!