Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Indulgent Treat

The History of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

The story of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies begins with the iconic Reese’s brand itself. Founded by H.B. Reese in 1928, Reese’s is best known for its legendary peanut butter cups—chocolate shells filled with creamy peanut butter centers. Over time, the popularity of these candies inspired countless dessert variations, including cakes, ice creams, and cookies. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies emerged as a fan-favorite treat combining the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, melty chocolate from Reese’s cups.

Born out of home bakers’ creativity and love for the classic candy, these cookies quickly gained traction in American kitchens during the late 20th century. As peanut butter became a staple ingredient in American baking—thanks to its affordability, versatility, and beloved taste—it was only natural that it would merge with another national favorite: chocolate. The addition of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups elevated simple peanut butter cookies into something truly decadent. Today, Reese’s Peanut Butler Cookies are a staple at bake sales, holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and family dinners across the country.

What makes this cookie so special isn’t just its taste—it’s the nostalgia. For many, biting into a warm Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie brings back memories of childhood afternoons, school fundraisers, or cozy evenings watching movies with a glass of milk. It’s more than a dessert; it’s a cultural touchstone wrapped in sweetness and comfort.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes These Cookies Irresistible?

The magic of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies lies not only in their bold flavors but also in how each ingredient contributes to texture, moisture, structure, and taste. Let’s take a closer look:

Butter (unsalted): Provides richness and tenderness. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like depth due to its molasses content, while white sugar helps create crisp edges and aids in spreading.
Peanut butter (creamy): The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter ensures even distribution throughout the dough and delivers that unmistakable nutty flavor. Avoid natural or oily varieties unless thoroughly mixed, as they can make the dough too soft.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness with aromatic warmth.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cookie its foundation and structure. Sifted for consistency.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and develop a soft center.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (mini or regular, chopped): Adds bursts of chocolate-peanut butter goodness in every bite. Mini cups distribute more evenly, but chopping full-sized ones gives gooey pockets of delight.
Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top elevate complexity.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these detailed instructions to achieve bakery-quality Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies right in your kitchen. This recipe yields approximately 24 large cookies.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter (not natural)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (about 7–8) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces
Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the peanut butter and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups using a spatula. Reserve a few pieces to press on top of the cookies before baking if desired.
Use a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to portion the dough. Roll into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon. Optionally, press a few extra chunks of Reese’s cups onto the surface for visual appeal and melty bites.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast (highly recommended).
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Centers may look underbaked—but that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake. For crispier cookies, extend baking time by 1–2 minutes.

Tips for Baking the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and dense cookies.
Don’t overbake: These cookies continue cooking on the hot tray after removal from the oven. Take them out when the edges are set but centers still appear soft.
Chill the dough (optional): If you prefer thicker cookies with less spread, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking.
Uniform scooping: Use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent size and even baking.
Even chopping: Cut Reese’s cups into similarly sized pieces so they distribute evenly without sinking.
Line your pans: Prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup by using parchment paper or non-stick mats.
Cool properly: Allow cookies to rest on the tray post-bake to finish setting. Moving them too early can cause breakage.
Fresh peanut butter: Choose shelf-stable brands like Jif or Skippy for optimal texture. Natural peanut butter separates and contains oil, which affects dough consistency.

Variations and Customizations

While classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are heavenly on their own, feel free to get creative! Here are some fun twists:

Double Chocolate Reese’s Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in dark chocolate chunks along with the Reese’s pieces.
Mini Cup Version: Use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups whole instead of chopping—less mess and better distribution.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Option: Substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add ¼ tsp).
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), dairy-free chocolate, and vegan-certified Reese’s alternatives (available seasonally).
Extra Nutty: Fold in ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts or peanut brittle pieces.
Cookie Sandwiches: Once cooled, sandwich two cookies with peanut butter frosting or marshmallow cream.
Stuffed Cookies: Place a whole mini Reese’s cup in the center of each dough ball before flattening—create a molten surprise inside!
Holiday-Themed: Add red & green sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or drizzle with colored icing for festive occasions.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation due to their sugar, fat, and calorie content. However, there are ways to make mindful choices without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate):

Calories	220 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	130mg
Total Carbohydrates	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	17g
Protein	4g

Key Notes:

Peanut butter benefits: Contains healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins like B3 and E. May support heart health when consumed in balance.
Added sugars: High in sucrose and corn syrup (from both sugar and Reese’s cups). Those managing blood sugar should consume sparingly.
Allergens: Contains peanuts, tree nuts (may vary by brand), milk, soy, and wheat. Not suitable for individuals with allergies unless carefully substituted.
Portion control: Stick to one cookie per serving. Pair with a glass of milk or coffee rather than sugary drinks.
Dietary adjustments: To reduce calories, use reduced-sugar peanut butter, cut back on sugar by 25%, or replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce (though texture will be denser).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Why did my cookies flatten too much?

Over-softened butter, warm dough, or skipping the cooling step can cause excess spread. Chill the dough before baking for thicker results.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but expect a looser dough due to extra oil. Reduce added butter slightly or refrigerate the dough longer to compensate.

Are there any substitutions for Reese’s cups?

If unavailable, use homemade peanut butter truffles, chocolate chips mixed with peanut butter, or store-bought alternatives like SunButter cups for nut-free versions.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, or freeze for later use.

Do I have to flatten the cookies before baking?

Yes—it helps them cook evenly and creates the classic crinkled appearance. If left as balls, they may remain too thick in the center.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just be sure your mixer can handle the volume, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheets.

Summary

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a rich, indulgent fusion of creamy peanut butter dough and melty chocolate-peanut butter candy pieces—creating a soft, chewy cookie bursting with nostalgic flavor. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion.