There’s something about the way peanut butter and chocolate come together that just feels like home. These peanut butter cookies with Reese’s capture that feeling perfectly—soft, chewy, and generously packed with those little pockets of peanut butter cups. I remember the first time I baked this batch on a rainy afternoon; the kitchen filled with the warm scent of peanut butter and vanilla, and the faint, irresistible aroma of melting chocolate. I was halfway through packing the dough onto the tray when my phone buzzed, and honestly, I almost forgot them in the oven. Lucky for me, I caught them just in time—the edges were golden, but the centers stayed tender, exactly how I like them.
Each bite melts smoothly, the Reese’s bits offering little bursts of chocolate and peanut butter that feel like a tiny celebration. It’s not fancy, but that’s the charm. Sometimes, the best treats are the ones you don’t overthink.
Why You’ll Love It
- Soft and chewy texture that feels comforting without being overly sweet.
- Chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups add a nostalgic twist and extra flavor that keeps you coming back.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward mix—no complicated steps or special tools needed.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Perfect for those moments when you want a treat but don’t want to fuss.
If you’re worried about these cookies being too rich, they actually balance the peanut butter and chocolate really well, so the flavor doesn’t overpower. Plus, they’re just the right size for a quick snack or to share (if you want to!).
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Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies loaded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Optional: Gently press the tops of each cookie with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually bake these cookies on a standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which helps keep things clean and makes transferring cookies easier. They come out best if you let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving to a rack—this step helps them set up without falling apart. If you’re feeling playful, you could try swapping Reese’s for other peanut butter candy or even chopped peanuts for a crunchier texture, though I haven’t tested all of these swaps myself. For something less sweet, using natural peanut butter might work, but the cookies may be a little denser.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee, making them great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a relaxed evening treat.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! They freeze well in an airtight container and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Will the Reese’s candy melt completely? Not entirely. You’ll still get little chunks of chocolate and peanut butter that add texture and flavor throughout.
Can I make them gluten-free? Possibly by using a gluten-free flour blend, but I haven’t tried it yet, so results may vary.
Ready to bake? These peanut butter cookies with Reese’s are waiting in your oven.
