Reese’s peanut butter cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved flavors: rich peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate. These cookies take the classic chewy peanut butter cookie to the next level by adding pieces of Reese’s candies, whether it’s chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, or mini cups. The result is a soft, gooey, chocolatey treat that satisfies every sweet tooth and peanut butter lover alike.
This dessert has gained popularity thanks to its nostalgic flavor and versatility. Whether you bake them with a hidden mini Reese’s cup in the center, fold in colorful candy shells, or press pieces into the tops of freshly baked cookies, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. These cookies are a crowd favorite for holiday cookie trays, lunchbox surprises, bake sales, and after-school snacks.
The history of peanut butter in baking can be traced back to the early 1900s, when it was first introduced as a protein-rich alternative to other fats. You can read more about peanut butter’s development in the U.S. on Wikipedia’s page on peanut butter, which explains how it became a staple in American cuisine. Meanwhile, Reese’s candies—created in 1928—have become one of the most popular chocolate treats in the world, leading to countless dessert spin-offs.
These cookies also appear frequently in visual baking guides on Pinterest, where bakers showcase endless variations: stuffed, drizzled with chocolate, or combined with oats, pretzels, or even brownie batter. Their adaptability, rich flavor, and visual appeal make Reese’s peanut butter cookies a staple in both classic and creative baking.
What Are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies?
Reese’s peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with a classic peanut butter dough, enhanced by the addition of Reese’s brand candies—most commonly Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Reese’s Pieces. These cookies blend salty and sweet flavors with the creamy richness of peanut butter and the smooth, sweet taste of milk chocolate.
The base dough is similar to traditional peanut butter cookies, but with added mix-ins or toppings to give them a chocolatey twist. In some versions, the dough wraps around a mini peanut butter cup, creating a molten center. Others use chopped full-size cups or colorful candy-coated Reese’s Pieces folded into the dough. This versatility allows bakers to experiment with texture, sweetness, and visual appeal.
The cookie dough often includes key ingredients like:
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Creamy or chunky peanut butter (depending on preference)
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Brown sugar for moisture and a slight molasses flavor
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All-purpose flour and baking soda for structure and lift
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Butter and eggs for richness and stability
The result is a soft center with lightly crisp edges—perfect for showcasing gooey melted chocolate and rich peanut butter flavor. You’ll often see these cookies featured in roundups like Pinterest’s peanut butter cookie boards, where variations include drizzled chocolate, sea salt flakes, or even sandwich-style versions with frosting.
Reese’s cookies stand out because they merge candy and cookie into one dessert. While chocolate chip cookies offer balance and texture, Reese’s peanut butter cookies are more indulgent, emphasizing richness and nostalgia. This makes them especially appealing to kids, families, and anyone craving a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
Reese’s themselves were developed in the late 1920s by H.B. Reese, a former Hershey employee, and have since become iconic in American candy history. Learn more about the origins and legacy of this treat in this Reese’s history article, which outlines its evolution from candy to inspiration for cakes, cookies, and even milkshakes.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at a party or just something fun and easy to bake on the weekend, Reese’s peanut butter cookies deliver the perfect bite every time.
How to Make the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies at Home
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces, if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will set as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use commercial creamy peanut butter for best texture and structure.
- Chop Reese’s cups into large chunks for melty pockets of chocolate.
- Chill dough if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft.
- Don’t overbake—the cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
- Add extra candy pieces on top after baking for an eye-catching finish.