Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars : A Sweet & Chewy Delight!

Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient, shareable form. These delicious bars bring together the chewy texture of cookies with the colorful candy crunch of Reese’s Pieces, creating an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. If you’re a fan of Reese’s Pieces Cookies but want something a bit more substantial and easier to serve to a crowd, these cookie bars are exactly what you need.

Nutritional Benefits

While these treats are undoubtedly indulgent, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while the eggs contribute essential vitamins and minerals. When enjoyed in moderation, these cookie bars can be part of a balanced approach to treating yourself.

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	315
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	5g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	1.5g
Sugar	24g

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)	Provides richness and moisture	Coconut oil, vegan butter
1 cup creamy peanut butter	Creates signature Reese’s flavor	Almond butter, sunflower seed butter (for allergies)
1 cup granulated sugar	Sweetens and helps with structure	Coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener
1 cup packed brown sugar	Adds moisture and caramel notes	Coconut sugar, date sugar
2 large eggs	Binds ingredients together	Flax eggs (2 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 Tbsp water)
1 tsp vanilla extract	Enhances flavor	Almond extract (use half the amount)
2½ cups all-purpose flour	Provides structure	1:1 gluten-free flour blend, whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda	Leavening agent	1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt	Balances sweetness	Sea salt or kosher salt
2 cups Reese’s Pieces	Adds color, texture, and flavor	M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)	Extra chocolate flavor	Peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips

Equipment Needed

– 9×13 inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
– Stand mixer or hand mixer
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spatula
– Wire cooling rack
– Sharp knife for cutting bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make removal easier.

2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the candy: Gently fold in 1½ cups of Reese’s Pieces (and chocolate chips if using), saving the remaining ½ cup for topping.

7. Press into pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s Pieces on top, gently pressing them into the dough.

8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. For chewier Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars, err on the side of under-baking rather than over-baking.

9. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

– For extra peanut butter flavor: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the top of the bars after baking.
– Bars too dry? You likely overbaked them. Next time, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
– Bars too soft in the middle? Allow them to cool completely before cutting. They will continue to set as they cool.
– For clean-cut bars: Refrigerate for an hour before cutting and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
– Add texture variety: Mix in some chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
– Make them extra special: Press some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the top for an added treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week in an airtight container.
– Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
– Make ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
– For gifting: Cut into squares and place in decorative boxes or tins with parchment paper between layers.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the best of both worlds – the ease of a bar cookie with the beloved flavor of Reese’s Pieces Cookies. The chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and colorful candy pieces make them visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, family gathering, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert collection.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The edges should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. The center may look slightly underdone but will firm up as it cools.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins besides Reese’s Pieces?
A: Absolutely! Try adding chopped Reese’s Cups, chocolate chips, or even pretzels for a sweet-salty combination.

Q: My bars came out too cakey. What went wrong?
A: You may have used too much flour or over-mixed the dough. Try measuring your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in two separate 9×13 pans, or use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Q: Are these suitable for someone with nut allergies?
A: No, these contain peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces which contain peanuts. For a nut-free version, you would need to use a nut-free butter substitute and alternative candy.

Follow me on Pinterest for more Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars. If you’re looking for more delicious treats, check out my recipe for Home Made Reese Cups that will satisfy your sweet and savory cravings.