Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies (Soft & Chewy Bakery Style) are a delicious treat that combines the classic taste of peanut butter with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces. These Reese’s Pieces Cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and that signature peanut butter flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. The soft, chewy texture paired with the crunchy Reese’s Pieces creates an irresistible contrast that makes these cookies stand out from ordinary chocolate chip varieties.
Nutritional Benefits
While these cookies are certainly a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while the flour offers some carbohydrates for energy.
| Nutrition | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 22g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | Structure and texture | 1:1 gluten-free flour blend |
| 1 tsp baking soda | Leavening | 1 tsp baking powder (cookies will be puffier) |
| 1/2 tsp salt | Flavor enhancement | Sea salt or kosher salt |
| 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened | Fat, flavor, texture | 1/2 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil |
| 1 cup packed brown sugar | Sweetness, moisture | Coconut sugar (less sweet) |
| 1/4 cup granulated sugar | Sweetness, crisp edges | Raw sugar or maple sugar |
| 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter | Flavor, moisture | Almond butter or sunflower seed butter |
| 2 large eggs | Structure, binding | Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) |
| 2 tsp vanilla extract | Flavor | Almond extract (use 1/2 tsp) |
| 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces | Texture, flavor, visual appeal | M&Ms, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips |
Equipment Needed
– Large mixing bowl
– Electric mixer (stand or hand)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon
– Wire cooling rack
– Spatula
– Whisk (for dry ingredients)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Peanut Butter: Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
7. Add Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces Cookies, reserving some for topping if desired.
8. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons each. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
11. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– For Extra Soft Cookies: Slightly underbake the cookies. They should look a bit underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven.
– Preventing Flat Cookies: If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
– Getting Perfect Bakery-Style Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop and space cookies far apart. For an extra professional look, place a few Reese’s Pieces on top right after baking.
– Enhancing Peanut Butter Flavor: For an even stronger peanut butter taste, add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder to the dry ingredients.
– Avoiding Burnt Bottoms: Use light-colored baking sheets and line with parchment paper.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
– Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
– Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
– Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
Conclusion
These Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Cookies (Soft & Chewy Bakery Style) are the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers. The combination of peanut butter dough with the candy-coated chocolate pieces creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These Reese’s Pieces Cookies make great gifts, party desserts, or special treats for yourself when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. The soft, chewy texture and colorful appearance make them appealing to both kids and adults, and they’re sure to disappear quickly whenever you make them!
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter, but it will change the classic Reese’s flavor profile.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies.
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Your butter might have been too warm, or you may need to chill the dough before baking.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24 medium-sized cookies.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the Reese’s Pieces for extra chocolate flavor.
Q: Are Reese’s Pieces the same as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
A: No, Reese’s Pieces are candy-coated peanut butter candies, while Home Made Reese Cups are chocolate cups filled with peanut butter.
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