Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies (Soft & Chewy Bakery Style)

Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These soft, chewy bakery-style cookies are loaded with colorful Reese’s Pieces candies that add a delightful crunch and burst of peanut butter flavor in every bite. While Reese Pieces Cookies might seem intimidating to make at home, this foolproof recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats that rival any gourmet bakery version. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and a few key techniques that ensure a soft, chewy texture every time.

Nutritional Benefits

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while the eggs contribute protein and essential vitamins. When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, these cookies can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your nutrition goals.

Nutrition	Amount per Cookie
Calories	245
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	4g
Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sugar	19g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour	Structure	1:1 gluten-free flour blend
1 tsp baking soda	Leavening	1 tsp baking powder (cookies will be puffier)
1 tsp salt	Flavor enhancer	3/4 tsp sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened	Moisture, texture	1/2 cup butter + 1/2 cup shortening for extra chewiness
3/4 cup granulated sugar	Sweetness, texture	Coconut sugar (slightly less sweet)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar	Moisture, chewiness	Dark brown sugar for deeper flavor
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter	Flavor, moisture	Crunchy peanut butter for extra texture
2 large eggs	Structure, binding	2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp water)
2 tsp vanilla extract	Flavor	1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces	Flavor, texture, visual appeal	M&Ms or chocolate chips (flavor will change)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)	Extra chocolate flavor	Peanut butter chips or chopped Reese’s cups

Equipment Needed

– Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
– Large mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
– Cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons size)
– Wire cooling rack
– Rubber spatula
– Optional: kitchen scale for precise measurements

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Measure all ingredients before beginning.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and beat until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.

6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture until just combined. The dough should be thick but not dry.

7. Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces candies (and optional chocolate chips) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

8. Chill the Dough: For the best Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies texture, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing spreading.

9. Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

10. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear slightly underdone. For perfect Reese Pieces Cookies, avoid overbaking.

11. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

– Cookies spreading too much? The dough may be too warm. Chill it longer or briefly place the shaped dough balls in the freezer before baking.

– Cookies not spreading enough? Gently flatten the dough balls slightly before baking or let the dough come to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.

– For bakery-style cookies: Press a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top of each dough ball just before baking for a professional appearance.

– Perfect texture: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.

– Even sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookies that bake evenly.

– Enhance flavor: For even more depth of flavor, let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Room Temperature: Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

– Freezer (Baked Cookies): Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

– Freezer (Cookie Dough): Scoop the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

– Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with their soft centers and slightly crisp edges. The colorful candy pieces add a fun visual appeal while providing that iconic Reese’s peanut butter flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re baking these Reese Pieces Cookies for a special occasion, a bake sale, or just a weekend treat, they’re sure to impress. The key to their bakery-style quality lies in using quality ingredients, chilling the dough properly, and not overbaking. With these tips and techniques, you’ll create cookies that are worthy of any gourmet bakery window display.

FAQ

Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?
While you can, commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) tends to work better in cookies as it has a more consistent texture and doesn’t separate. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers will look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes! Use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Watch them closely as they’ll bake faster.

Why did my Reese’s Pieces crack or melt during baking?
This can happen if your oven temperature is too high. Consider using an oven thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy and try reducing the temperature by 25°F.

Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped Homemade Reese’s Eggs for extra peanut butter cup goodness, or mix in some pretzels for a sweet and salty combination.

Do I really need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Don’t skip this step!

Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure your other ingredients (like baking soda) are certified gluten-free as well.

How can I make these cookies extra soft and chewy?
Slightly underbake them and store them with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Also, using more brown sugar than white sugar helps with chewiness.

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