Reeses Pieces Cookies

If you’re a lover of cookies, you’ve landed in the right place. These Reeses Pieces Cookies are a delicious twist on traditional peanut butter cookies, featuring the iconic candy that everyone adores. With a delightful crunch from the oats and an irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor profile, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will surely impress.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Reeses Pieces Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet Reeses pieces, and wholesome oats creates a cookie that is not only delicious but also has a chewy texture that’s hard to resist. These cookies are perfect for after-school snacks, potluck parties, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. They come together quickly, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers who still want to enjoy homemade goodness.

Ingredient Notes

To make these amazing Reeses Pieces Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp texture.
• 1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar adds a depth of flavor.
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter – We recommend using JIF for its smooth consistency and great flavor.
• 2 large eggs – These provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – A must for enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for your cookies.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda – This will help the cookies rise.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats – Adds texture and a hearty feel to the cookies.
• 1 bag Reeses Pieces (9.9 ounces) – The star of the show, adding color and sweetness.
• Flaky sea salt – Optional, for sprinkling on top for that sweet-and-salty finish.

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you start baking, gather your tools:

• Mixing bowls – A large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer – To easily cream the butter and sugars.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a perfect cookie.
• Baking sheets – Line these with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop – For uniform cookie sizes.
• Wire rack – To cool the cookies after baking.

The Method for Reeses Pieces Cookies

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Reeses Pieces Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, sea salt, and quick-cooking oats. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 6: Fold in Reeses Pieces

Using a spatula, gently fold in the Reeses Pieces until they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt (Optional)

If you desire a sweet-and-salty flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked—this is perfect as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

Step 10: Cool

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Seasonal Adaptations

These Reeses Pieces Cookies are versatile! Here are a few ways to make them seasonal:

• Fall: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Winter: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist.
• Summer: Mix in some coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
• Spring: Use pastel-colored M&Ms instead of Reeses Pieces for a lighter look.

Errors to Dodge

Baking is an art, and here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Using Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Always double-check your oven temperature for accurate baking.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored properly:

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.

For storage, keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them even longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter is often thinner and contains less sugar, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the desired consistency.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be the result of several factors, including using melted butter, not enough flour, or too much sugar. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure your ingredients accurately.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. You can replace some of the Reeses Pieces with chocolate chips or add them in alongside for extra chocolatey goodness.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

If you’re short on time, cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a low power setting in 5-second intervals, but be careful not to melt it.

Once you’ve mastered these Reeses Pieces Cookies, why not try your hand at some other scrumptious treats? Here are some ideas:

Final Thoughts

Baking these Reeses Pieces Cookies is not just about satisfying a sweet craving; it’s about creating joy and memories with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them all by yourself, each cookie is a little piece of happiness. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake these delightful treats! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!