Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – The Ultimate Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream

If you’re a peanut butter fanatic, prepare yourself for the most indulgent, rich, and utterly irresistible cookie experience ever created: the Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. This is not just any ordinary peanut butter cookie—it’s a decadent masterpiece that combines three layers of Reese’s magic into one soft, chewy, chocolatey, peanut butter-filled delight. From the creamy peanut butter dough to the melty Reese’s Pieces and the gooey center of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, every bite is like stepping into a peanut butter paradise. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday treat, or simply to satisfy your deepest dessert cravings, this recipe promises to become your new all-time favorite.

The History Behind the Cookie Craze

The love affair between peanut butter and chocolate dates back to the early 20th century when Harry B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and shipping supervisor for Milton S. Hershey, began experimenting with confections in his basement. In the 1920s, he founded the H.B. Reese Candy Company and introduced what would become an American classic—the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Its perfect balance of sweet milk chocolate and rich, salty-sweet peanut butter filling quickly gained popularity across the nation.

As peanut butter cookies became a staple in American kitchens—especially during World War II due to rationing of other ingredients—bakers began incorporating their favorite candies into traditional recipes. Over time, creative home cooks started adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to cookie dough, giving birth to the now-iconic Reese’s-stuffed cookie. But why stop at one layer of peanut butter bliss?

The “triple” concept emerged from passionate dessert lovers who wanted to maximize every element of the Reese’s experience. By combining peanut butter in the dough, Reese’s Pieces throughout, and whole or chopped peanut butter cups in the center, the Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie was born—a true celebration of flavor, texture, and nostalgia wrapped into one golden-brown, bakery-style treat.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes These Cookies So Special?

The magic of these cookies lies in their layered use of peanut butter components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile and satisfying texture. Let’s break them down:

Peanut Butter (Creamy): The foundation of the dough, providing deep nuttiness, moisture, and richness. Opt for natural or processed creamy peanut butter—just ensure it’s well-stirred and smooth.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect tender crumb. Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar brings moisture and caramel notes, while granulated sugar ensures proper spreading and slight crispness on the edges.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to structure and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Measured correctly (spoon and level) to avoid dense cookies.
Baking Soda & Salt: Leavening agent and flavor enhancer, respectively. Salt also contrasts beautifully with the sweet peanut butter.
Reese’s Pieces: Adds pops of bright orange color, tangy candy coating, and bursts of peanut butter-chocolate flavor in every bite.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Mini or Regular): Chopped and pressed into the center of each cookie for a molten, gooey surprise when baked. They melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy indulgence.
Extra Reese’s Cups (Optional Garnish): For visual appeal and extra decadence, place a small piece on top before baking so it melts slightly.

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

Follow this detailed guide to bake the softest, chewiest, most peanut-butter-packed cookies you’ve ever tasted. These instructions yield approximately 18–24 large cookies, depending on size.

Ingredients:

½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (not natural/oily type unless stabilized)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup Reese’s Pieces candy
6–8 regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or 12 mini), chopped into small chunks
Additional Reese’s Pieces and mini cups for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light, fluffy, and fully combined—about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and incorporated, about 1 minute. The mixture should be creamy with no separation.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning agents.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until the flour is incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Mix-Ins: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be thick, sticky, and studded with colorful candy bits.
Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons per cookie) to portion out the dough. Roll into balls and place them at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press additional Reese’s Pieces or a small chunk of peanut butter cup onto the top of each ball for a bakery-style finish.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool. Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up without drying out.
Serve or Store: Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk, or store in an airtight container for later. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Pro Tips for Perfect Triple Reese’s Cookies Every Time

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can cause the dough to seize or result in uneven mixing. Let everything sit out for 30–60 minutes before starting.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should come out soft in the center. Even if they look underdone at 10 minutes, trust the process—they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, less spread-out cookies, chill the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat and slows spreading.
Press Extra Candy on Top: Before baking, always add a few extra Reese’s Pieces or a tiny square of peanut butter cup on top. It enhances presentation and adds a burst of flavor when bitten into.
Uniform Scooping: Use a #20 or #16 cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which ensures even baking across all batches.
Rotate Pans: If baking multiple trays, rotate the pan front-to-back halfway through baking for even heat distribution, especially in ovens with hot spots.
Storage Tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

While the original Triple Reese’s recipe is divine, there are countless ways to customize it based on dietary needs, flavor preferences, or seasonal twists:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Ensure all other ingredients (especially Reese’s products) are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with vegan butter sticks (e.g., Earth Balance), and use dairy-free chocolate-covered peanut butter cups (available in many health food stores).
Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap sugars with coconut sugar or monk fruit blend, though results may vary in texture and spread. Consider using sugar-free peanut butter cups for reduced sugar content.
Add Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to elevate the sweet-salty contrast.
Double Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and include chocolate chips along with the Reese’s mix-ins for a triple threat of chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and nutty crunch.
Holiday Themes: Swap Reese’s Pieces seasonally—use red and green M&M’s at Christmas, pastel ones at Easter, or orange and black around Halloween.
Stuffed Center Variation: Create a stuffed cookie by placing a whole mini Reese’s cup in the center, then surrounding it with dough and rolling into a ball before baking.
Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a greased 8×8-inch pan and bake for 20–25 minutes for easy-to-cut bars with the same amazing flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

These cookies are undeniably indulgent and best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 20 cookies per batch):

Calories: ~280–320 kcal
Total Fat: 16–19g (Saturated Fat: 7–9g)
Carbohydrates: 32–36g (Sugars: 20–24g)
Protein: 4–5g
Sodium: ~120–150mg
Fiber: 1–2g

Key Notes:

High in Sugar and Fat: Due to multiple sources of added sugar (brown/white sugar, candy coating, chocolate), these cookies are not suitable for low-sugar or heart-healthy diets unless modified.
Allergens: Contains peanuts, tree nuts (may vary by manufacturing facility), milk, soy, and wheat. Always check labels on packaged ingredients like Reese’s products for allergen warnings.
Energy Dense: Great as an occasional treat or energy boost, but not ideal for daily consumption, especially for those managing weight or blood sugar levels.
Balanced Pairing: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit to balance the meal and increase satiety.
Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and adults alike, but monitor portion sizes due to high sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be cautious—natural peanut butter often separates and contains more oil, which can make the dough too soft and cause excessive spreading. If using, stir thoroughly, reduce added butter slightly, or chill the dough longer before baking.

Why are my cookies flat?
Possible causes: butter was too soft, dough wasn’t chilled, oven temperature too low, or expired baking soda. Try chilling the dough for 30+ minutes and verifying your leavening agents are fresh.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Portion into balls, freeze solid on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—add 1–2 minutes to baking time.

How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature: 4–5 days. In the freezer: up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave for 10 seconds to restore freshness.

Can I make these without Reese’s Pieces?
Yes, though you’ll lose the signature “triple” effect. Substitute with M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups only, or a mix of chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or layer in decorative tins. Include a note: “Peanut Butter Heaven Inside!”

Can I make them smaller?
Yes—use a teaspoon-sized scoop for mini cookies. Reduce baking time to 7–9 minutes and watch closely.

Do they spread a lot?
They spread moderately. For thicker cookies, chill the dough, avoid overcreaming, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Summary

The Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a game-changing dessert that unites creamy peanut butter dough, colorful Reese’s Pieces, and melty peanut butter cups into one unforgettable treat. Baked to soft, chewy perfection, they’re the ultimate gift for peanut butter lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.