Reeses Pieces Cookies
There’s something magical about cookies that combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Enter the Reeses Pieces Cookies, a delightful treat that brings together creamy peanut butter and the colorful crunch of Reeses Pieces. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just because, this recipe makes a batch that’s irresistibly delicious and visually appealing. Let’s dive right into the details to create these scrumptious cookies!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
The Reeses Pieces Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never goes out of style. The texture is equally wonderful; you get a chewy, soft cookie with bursts of crunchy candy throughout. These cookies are ideal for sharing at parties, taking to potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a glass of milk. Plus, who can resist the colorful candy shells that add a playful touch to each bite?
Ingredient List
To get started on your Reeses Pieces Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (we used JIF)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 bag Reeses Pieces (9.9 ounces)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools and equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugars smoothly.
- Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies.
- Oven thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the right temperature.
Method: Reeses Pieces Cookies
Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of Reeses Pieces Cookies that will have everyone raving:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Reeses Pieces
Gently fold in the quick-cooking oats and the entire bag of Reeses Pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly undercooked. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Customize for Your Needs
These Reeses Pieces Cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways you can customize them to suit your taste:
- Add nuts: Chopped peanuts or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
- Use different candies: Substitute Reeses Pieces with M&M’s, chocolate chips, or any other favorite candy.
- Make them gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your Reeses Pieces Cookies turn out perfect every time, consider the following tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps in achieving a creamy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies continue to bake on the sheet after being removed from the oven.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Reeses Pieces Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, consider these storage tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. To freeze, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reeses Pieces Cookies FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but it will change the overall consistency of the cookies slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to scoop.
What to Make After This
Once you’ve enjoyed your Reeses Pieces Cookies, you might want to try other delightful recipes. Here are some suggestions:
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking Reeses Pieces Cookies, it’s time to serve them up! These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and they pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Be prepared for compliments and recipe requests!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of freshly baked cookies, especially when they feature the delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Happy baking!
Reeses Pieces Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and cohesive.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the quick-cooking oats and the entire bag of Reeses Pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly undercooked. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes to help with even baking.
