Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
Did you know that Reese’s Pieces were originally created as a way to promote the movie “E.T.”? These colorful candies add a unique twist to traditional peanut butter cookies. If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that combines creamy peanut butter with a crunchy, sweet center, you’re in the right place. Stick around to discover how to make these delicious cookies and explore some helpful tips for customizing them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to baking cookies, this Reese’s Pieces cookie recipe stands out for several reasons.
First, the unmatched flavor from Reese’s Pieces adds an extra peanut butter kick and crunch to the classic cookie. You’ll enjoy the rich peanut butter taste, thanks to creamy peanut butter and peanut butter chips. The cookies require an oven required for baking, ensuring they come out perfectly baked every time.
The cookies have a perfect balance of gooey centers and crisp edges, giving you a delightful texture. Plus, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients, which makes prep a breeze at about 25 minutes.
You can easily customize it by using chunky peanut butter or adding milk chocolate chips for variety. These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re versatile and perfect for any occasion.
History
Reese’s Pieces have an interesting history that begins in 1978, when they were first introduced as a crunchy peanut butter candy.
The H.B. Reese Candy Company, founded in 1923 by H.B. Reese, originally made various confections, including the well-loved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
After merging with Hershey Chocolate Corporation in 1963, they developed Reese’s Pieces, initially called “PBs.”
Although plans for a peanut butter filling faced challenges, they created a peanut-flavored filling instead.
The candies gained popularity, especially after being featured in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which sparked a sales increase by around 300%.
Today, Reese’s Pieces enjoy global distribution and have become a staple in the confectionery market, with various product lines expanding their reach. In 2012, Reese’s was the best-selling candy brand in the U.S. with $2.603 billion in sales.
Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can be done using a stand mixer or a wooden spoon.
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Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. Verify the sugars are well incorporated into the peanut butter and butter.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces, verifying they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
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Scoop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Under-baking your cookies slightly will help achieve the optimal softness and thickness that many cookie lovers desire.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify that your butter is adequately softened but not melted. This will help create the perfect texture for your cookies.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or incorporating different types of chocolate chips along with the Reese’s Pieces.
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days. Enjoy your delicious homemade Reese’s Pieces cookies!
Final Thoughts
After whipping up a batch of delicious cookies, you might wonder how to make the most of your baking experience.
To guarantee your Reese’s Pieces peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly, focus on texture and flavor. Use room temperature butter and eggs for a consistent mix, and consider adding an extra egg yolk for gooeyness. Remember, no chilling time is needed, so you can bake these in under 30 minutes. Additionally, for a delightful twist, try incorporating peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor.
For richer flavor, combine white and brown sugar, and use creamy peanut butter. Don’t forget to bake until they’re lightly golden to avoid hard cookies.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces sizes for fun variations. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ
Have you ever wondered about the best ways to guarantee your baking experience goes smoothly?
First, make sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F before you start mixing.
Sift together your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—to prevent lumps. Additionally, using soft-baked cookies as a guide can help you achieve the perfect texture.
When preparing the dough, avoid over-beating once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps your cookies tender.
Use parchment paper on your baking sheets for even baking and to prevent browning on the bottoms.
After baking for 9-12 minutes, let your cookies cool on the warm sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days for best freshness.
Happy baking!
