Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. With a full cup of peanut butter and loaded with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces, this recipe promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors. You’ll be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are quick to whip up.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for parties or movie nights, they fit perfectly into any setting.
• Soft and Chewy: Enjoy the delightful texture that comes from baking them just right.
• Customizable: You can mix in your favorite chocolate or candy pieces for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming ingredients together, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preserving their soft texture.

Ingredients

Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies made with a full cup of peanut butter! Loaded with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips & Reese’s Pieces, to get the ULTIMATE chocolate peanut butter cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup + 2 TBSP butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For Mixing In

• 2 cups combined chocolate chips/Reese’s

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start preheating your oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Ensure everything is fully combined for a rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring well until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or Reese’s Pieces—any combination you prefer!

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Press additional Reese’s Pieces onto each dough ball for extra flair.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; underbaking slightly will give you those soft cookies everyone loves! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these cookies can be paired with different accompaniments for an enhanced experience.

With Milk

• A classic pairing, serving these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances the peanut butter flavor and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor, and enjoy a creamy, crunchy dessert.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies or mini cupcakes for a festive look at any gathering.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The rich peanut butter taste complements the warmth of your beverage perfectly.

As Party Favors

• Package the cookies in cute bags as party favors. They make great treats for birthdays or special occasions, leaving guests with something sweet to remember.

How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Making perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for an incredible batch every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your baking soda, flour, and peanut butter are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix: After adding the flour mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Check doneness carefully: Bake until just lightly golden around the edges. These cookies are better when they’re soft in the center.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Here’s a list of some great pairings:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that balances the cookie’s richness.
2. Chocolate Milkshake
   Blend chocolate ice cream and milk for an indulgent shake that pairs well with the cookies’ flavors.
3. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and cuts through the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer a rich texture that contrasts nicely with soft peanut butter cookies.
5. Nutty Trail Mix
   A handful of nutty trail mix provides crunch and complements the peanut butter taste effectively.
6. Fruit Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a healthy side dish that rounds out dessert nicely.
7. Whipped Cream Dip
   Serve whipped cream dip on the side for dipping fun! It adds extra sweetness and creaminess.
8. Coffee or Hot Chocolate
   Both beverages provide warmth and richness that enhances every bite of cookie enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies can be a joy, but there are common mistakes that might ruin your batch. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Using cold butter: Softened butter blends better with peanut butter and sugars. Always let your butter sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking the cookies: To achieve a soft texture, remove cookies from the oven when they’re slightly undercooked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Skipping parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Always line your cookie sheets for best results.
• Ignoring dough chilling: Chilling the dough can enhance flavor and prevent spreading. Allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if time permits.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will keep well for up to three months.

Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, this section covers some common inquiries.

How do I make my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies fluffier?

To make fluffier cookies, ensure you cream the butter and sugars thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This incorporates air into the mixture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and flavor to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, making them even more delightful.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

You can substitute with chopped chocolate bars or any other candy pieces you prefer. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar.

How long do Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Can I customize my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruit, or swap out some of the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips to create your own version.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different types of chips or nuts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you love peanut butter, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!