Delicious Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Quick Overview

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the colorful crunch of candy, then these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for you. This easy-to-follow recipe results in soft and chewy cookies that are bursting with flavor. Ideal for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make some scrumptious cookies!

Ingredient Breakdown

Peanut Butter

For this recipe, you will need 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. The creamy texture helps create soft cookies while adding a rich nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the candies.

Granulated Sugar

You will need ¾ cup of granulated sugar. This ingredient adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s structure by helping it hold its shape during baking.

Brown Sugar

Use ¾ cup of packed brown sugar, which adds moisture and a rich caramel-like flavor to your cookies. The molasses in brown sugar also helps achieve that chewy texture.

Eggs

Two large eggs are needed for this recipe. Eggs act as a binding agent and provide moisture, giving the cookies their tender consistency.

All-Purpose Flour

You will require 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour. This ingredient provides structure to your cookies while ensuring they remain soft and chewy rather than dry.

Baking Soda

One teaspoon of baking soda is essential for leavening your cookies. It helps them rise slightly while baking, creating a light and airy texture.

Vanilla Extract

Add one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile. The vanilla complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.

Reese’s Pieces

Finally, you will need 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces candies. These colorful candies not only add sweetness but also give a delightful crunch to each bite.

Step By Step Recipe: Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking throughout your cookies. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended—about two minutes should suffice. Add two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and one teaspoon of baking soda until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the flour before adding it to the wet mixture.

Blend Dry Into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain cookie softness. The dough should be thick but manageable at this point.

Fold in Reese’s Pieces

Gently fold in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Make sure each cookie has plenty of those colorful candies for added texture and sweetness.

Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough (about two tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.

Bake Your Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown while centers remain slightly soft. Avoid over-baking to ensure chewyness.

Cool on Wire Rack

Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for about five minutes before transferring them directly onto racks to cool completely. This step allows excess moisture to escape while maintaining their texture.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

These delicious cookies are perfect served warm alongside a glass of milk or topped with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also package them as gifts for friends or family during holidays or special occasions—the vibrant colors make them visually appealing!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them! Place cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers; they can last up to three months frozen without losing flavor or texture.

With these detailed instructions and tips on making tasty Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll surely become everyone’s favorite baker! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Mistakes to avoid

When making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. One mistake is using old or stale ingredients. Freshness matters in baking, especially for the peanut butter and eggs. Stale baking soda or powder can also affect the rise and texture of your cookies. Always check expiration dates before starting.

Another mistake is not properly measuring ingredients. Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements or standard measuring cups, ensuring you level off dry ingredients for accuracy.

Overmixing the dough is another pitfall to avoid. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones. Be gentle when folding in the Reese’s Pieces; this will keep the texture light and fluffy.

Baking at an incorrect temperature can also ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature before placing your cookie sheet inside. Too high or too low can change the outcome drastically.

Lastly, don’t skip chilling the dough if needed. Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading during baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may end up flat instead of thick and chewy.

Tips and tricks

To make perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, consider these helpful tips and tricks. First, choose high-quality peanut butter for rich flavor and creamy texture. Natural peanut butter without added sugar works well but can alter consistency slightly; creamy varieties yield better results in this recipe.

When mixing your dough, start by creaming together the peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, creating a softer cookie texture once baked. Avoid rushing through this step; take about 3-5 minutes to achieve optimal results.

Another tip is to use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter. Cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing, affecting cookie consistency. Simply take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.

Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper! This prevents sticking and aids in even baking since it allows airflow around each cookie as they bake. Additionally, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizes, leading to evenly baked cookies.

Lastly, experiment with different mix-ins! While Reese’s Pieces are delicious, you might enjoy adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture variety. Just be sure not to overload the dough; balance is key in achieving that perfect cookie bite.

Suggestions for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

For delightful variations on Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies, consider adding more flavors or textures. You might incorporate crushed graham crackers into the dough for a subtle crunch reminiscent of s’mores cookies. This addition pairs beautifully with peanut butter’s creaminess while introducing a fun twist.

You could also try drizzling melted chocolate on top after baking for an elegant touch that enhances presentation as well as taste. Dark chocolate complements peanut butter perfectly while making your cookies visually appealing—a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions.

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. These substitutes provide similar textures while accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, consider serving these cookies warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience! The combination of warm cookies melting ice cream creates a delightful treat everyone will enjoy.

FAQs

What makes Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies unique?

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies stand out due to their delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy candy pieces. The sweet and salty balance creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes! Natural peanut butter can be used in this recipe; however, it may slightly alter the consistency due to its oil separation properties compared to traditional creamy varieties. Ensure it’s well-stirred before measuring to maintain proper texture in your cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer separated by parchment paper in an airtight container; they’ll keep well for up to three months!

Can I substitute other candies for Reese’s Pieces?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces with other candies like M&M’s or chopped chocolate bars according to your preference. Just keep in mind that different candies may alter flavor profiles slightly but will still result in delicious cookies!

Why did my cookies come out flat?

Flat cookies often result from insufficient chilling time or incorrect ingredient measurements such as too little flour or too much sugar or fat content in the dough. Make sure to follow measurements closely and chill if necessary before baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can make vegan versions of these cookies by replacing eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as substitutes and using plant-based peanut butter without added sugars or oils. This way, you maintain great taste while accommodating dietary preferences.

Summary

In summary, crafting delicious Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies requires attention to detail regarding ingredient quality and measurement accuracy while avoiding common pitfalls like overmixing or skipping cooling steps. Incorporate tips such as using room-temperature eggs and parchment-lined sheets enhances both flavor and texture significantly! Experimenting with variations allows endless possibilities while storing leftovers appropriately ensures lasting enjoyment long after baking day has passed!

 

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