Reese’s Pieces Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie

Reese’s Pieces Cookies are everything peanut butter lovers dream of—soft, chewy, and studded with colorful candy-coated goodness. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make these crowd-pleasing cookies from scratch, including expert baking tips, variations to try, and how to store or freeze them for later. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or a weekday treat, these cookies deliver flavor and fun in every bite. Check out our chewy cookie recipes like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for even more sweet inspiration.

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What Makes Reese’s Pieces Cookies So Addictive

A nostalgic candy meets classic cookie

Reese’s Pieces have been a staple in candy bowls for decades, thanks to their iconic orange, yellow, and brown shells and unmistakable peanut butter flavor. When folded into a buttery, soft cookie dough, these nostalgic treats elevate the traditional peanut butter cookie into something far more exciting.

Why peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces are a match made in dessert heaven

The base of these cookies is rich with creamy peanut butter, which complements the crunchy candy shell and smooth peanut butter interior of Reese’s Pieces. It’s a peanut butter lover’s dream come true. The texture combination—crispy on the outside, gooey in the center—makes every bite satisfying.

Flavor, texture, and candy-packed joy in every bite

Each cookie is loaded with Reese’s Pieces, some folded into the dough, and others pressed on top before baking for that Insta-worthy finish. The result? Chewy, melty, and slightly crunchy cookies that feel like a warm hug. Want more peanut-buttery fun? Don’t miss our Homemade Peanut Butter Eggs for another twist on this favorite flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Core ingredients and recommended brands

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the perfect batch of Reese’s Pieces Cookies:

Ingredient	Notes & Recommendations
All-purpose flour	Spoon and level for accurate measurement
Baking soda & salt	For lift and balance
Unsalted butter	Softened at room temperature
Brown sugar & sugar	Adds depth and chewiness
Creamy peanut butter	Use Jif or Skippy—not natural
Eggs & vanilla	For richness and aroma
Reese’s Pieces	Mini or regular size; save some for the tops

Pro Tip: Using room-temperature butter and eggs ensures your dough mixes smoothly and bakes evenly.

Substitutions and add-ins (gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra chocolatey)

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and check your candy labels.
• Extra Chocolatey: Fold in peanut butter chips or mini chocolate chips for double decadence.

Looking for more candy-infused treats? Discover great ideas like Pumpkin S’mores Cookies that combine gooey chocolate with seasonal flair.

Where to find mini Reese’s Pieces if regular ones feel too chunky

Mini Reese’s Pieces can be tricky to locate in stores. Your best bet is online retailers like Amazon or bulk candy shops. If you can’t find them, the regular size works just fine. Just press a few extra on top after scooping your dough for an even distribution.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chewy Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Prep tips before mixing (softened butter, measuring flour, etc.)

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Make sure your butter is soft—not melted—and spoon your flour into the measuring cup, leveling it with a knife to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.

Mixing the dough – dry to wet ingredient method

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Add peanut butter and beat until combined.
4. Mix in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated.
5. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients just until combined.
6. Fold in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting—another cozy, fall-inspired cookie option.

Baking, cooling, and how to get perfectly golden edges

Scoop 3-tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them gently. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Press a few extra candies on top of each dough ball.

Bake for 8–9 minutes or until edges are just turning golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center—this is key to their soft texture. Let them sit on the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Don’t miss our Salted Maple Cinnamon Cold Brew for a coffee pairing that perfectly complements these cookies.

Tips & Tricks for Cookie Success Every Time

Avoiding common baking mistakes (like overbaking or hard cookies)

One of the biggest mistakes when making Reese’s Pieces Cookies is overbaking. These cookies should look slightly underbaked when you pull them from the oven. That’s the secret to their ultra-chewy texture. They’ll finish baking on the sheet as they cool. Another common issue is dry dough—usually caused by scooping flour directly from the bag. Always spoon and level your flour for the most accurate measurement.

Use a cookie scoop to keep your cookie sizes consistent. It’s a small step that leads to even baking and professional-looking results.

No chill needed — but what if you make the dough ahead?

These cookies are designed for speed. The dough doesn’t need chilling, so you can go from bowl to oven in under 20 minutes. But if you want to prep ahead, simply cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before scooping to soften slightly. This can even improve flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld.

Pro baker secrets: use a cookie scoop, add peanut butter chips

Want to make these cookies taste like a bakery treat?

• Use a large 3 tbsp scoop for uniform size
• Press extra Reese’s Pieces on top before baking for that eye-catching finish
• Mix in peanut butter chips or chocolate chunks for a richer flavor

For more ways to elevate your cookie game, check out our Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream—a must-try chewy bar with a twist.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Options

How to store them fresh for up to 5 days

Store your Reese’s Pieces Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, add a slice of white bread to the container—it prevents them from drying out. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days (if they last that long).

How to freeze raw dough or baked cookies for later

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Here’s how:

• To freeze dough: Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours), then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Label with date and baking instructions.
• To freeze baked cookies: Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment between layers.

They’ll keep for up to 3 months and taste freshly baked when warmed up.

Reheating cookies for that warm, fresh-baked feel

To enjoy a just-baked cookie texture, microwave a cookie for 10–12 seconds. The candy pieces melt slightly and the center becomes soft again—perfect with a cold glass of milk or a warm fall latte.

Looking for cozy drink pairings? Don’t miss our Apple Butter Latte—a creamy seasonal sip that’s made for cookie dunking.

Delicious Variations of Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Reese’s Pieces & chocolate chunk combo

Double up the indulgence by adding dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the dough. The richness of chocolate balances the sweet crunch of the Reese’s Pieces and makes these cookies even more irresistible.

Using crunchy peanut butter for a textured twist

If you love a little crunch, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy. It adds a subtle peanut texture and works beautifully with the candy coating. Just be sure your brand isn’t too oily or dry—Skippy Crunchy is a good option.

Halloween or party-themed versions with colored candies

Reese’s Pieces have perfect fall colors, making them a go-to for Halloween cookie trays. Add candy eyes, dip half in melted chocolate, or pair with candy corn for festive vibes. Want more creative bakes? Discover great ideas like Notebook Paper Rice Krispies Treats for themed party fun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Why You’ll Want to Make These Again and Again

There’s something undeniably comforting about Reese’s Pieces Cookies. Maybe it’s the rich peanut butter base. Maybe it’s the vibrant candy crunch in every bite. Whatever it is, these cookies are a nostalgic, flavor-packed treat that never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because—you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.

Looking for more peanut butter cookie twists? Check out our 3-Ingredient Pencil Cookies for a back-to-school inspired sweet.

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