Name: Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; ½ cup + 2 tablespoons softened butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups mixed chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 55 reviews

If you’re searching for a cookie that brings the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and delightful chocolate bursts, your quest ends here. The Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe combines the richness of peanut butter with the iconic crunch of Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips, creating an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress friends, this recipe will become your go-to favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a round cookie with a light golden-brown base that looks soft and slightly cracked. The cookie is filled with three types of candy pieces scattered unevenly but densely: orange and yellow smooth round candies, and darker brown shiny chocolate chips that are slightly melted. The cookie rests directly on a white marbled surface, and similar cookies are partially visible around the edges. The texture of the cookie looks soft and chewy in the middle with a slightly crisp edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role despite the simplicity of the list. From the creamy peanut butter to the melty chocolate chips, each brings a unique flavor or texture that makes this cookie truly unforgettable.

Peanut butter: Use smooth for that creamy, rich base that defines the cookie.
Softened butter: Adds moisture and tenderness for that perfect chew.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with spreading for a nice cookie shape.
Brown sugar: Offers a hint of caramel flavor and extra softness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives structure.
Milk: Adds a touch of moisture to balance the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Flour: The backbone that provides stability and form.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavors.
Mixed chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces: Brings bursts of chocolatey goodness and chewy crunch.

How to Make Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This preparation sets the foundation for even baking and easy cleanup, ensuring each cookie bakes perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it creates the fluffy base that traps air to give your cookies a light texture with every bite.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined uniformly. The egg helps with structure, while milk and vanilla infuse subtle moisture and flavor, enhancing the cookie’s richness even further.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, folding gently until the dough just comes together. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so be gentle and patient.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate or Reese’s Pieces

Gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces. These sweet morsels add delightful pops of flavor and texture, turning simple peanut butter cookies into a party for your taste buds.

Step 6: Scoop and Arrange Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each to allow for gentle spreading. If you want to get creative, add a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top for an eye-catching finish.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. This slight crisp around the edges contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a round cookie about 3 to 4 inches wide, with a light golden-brown soft texture and slightly cracked top. The cookie is full of colorful candy pieces layered evenly across the surface in yellow, orange, and brown colors, along with dark brown chocolate chips, all slightly melted into the cookie dough. The cookie is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by parts of similar cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces or mini chocolate chips on top just before serving for an added pop of color and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a festive, bakery-style touch that pairs perfectly with the peanut buttery base.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to amp up the indulgence. For a grown-up twist, a cup of strong coffee or a rich hot chocolate complements the peanut butter and chocolate pairing flawlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies stacked high on a rustic wooden board with scattered Reese’s Pieces and a little bowl of peanut butter for dipping. For parties, try sandwiching a dollop of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting between two cookies for irresistibly decadent treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them great for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer-safe bag. This makes future baking sessions quick and easy whenever the cookie craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes. The warmth brings out the melty chocolate and makes the peanut butter extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture to your cookies, making each bite even more exciting. Just keep in mind the dough might be slightly less smooth but still delicious.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces? Can I substitute them?

No worries! You can swap Reese’s Pieces for any chocolate or peanut butter candy pieces, or simply use extra chocolate chips. The key is that sweet, chocolatey element to complement the peanut butter.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How thick will these cookies be when baked?

Expect a medium thickness with a tender, slightly chewy texture in the center and lightly crisp edges. The dough spreads a bit in the oven but stays just right for that classic peanut butter cookie feel.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Definitely! Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months. Just let them cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting for a go-to peanut butter cookie that hits all the right notes, the Best Ever Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is here to steal your heart. With its balanced flavors, easy preparation, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results, this recipe is sure to become a timeless classic in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients and get baking—your new favorite cookie adventure awaits!