When it comes to peanut butter treats, few things are as satisfying as a cookie bar packed with Reese’s Pieces! This recipe is an ode to all things sweet, chewy, and peanut buttery, combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the irresistible crunch of mini Reese’s Pieces. These bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual family gathering, a school event, or just an afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dessert lineup!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these peanut butter cookie bars come to life:
- 1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups mini Reese’s Pieces (set aside about 1/4 cup for topping)
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Peanut Butter: Mix in the smooth peanut butter, ensuring it’s fully combined for a rich peanut butter flavor in every bite.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, reserving about 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top later.
- Spread the Dough: Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s Pieces on top.
- Bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and results in a smoother dough.
- Parchment Paper: Not only does parchment prevent sticking, but it also makes lifting the bars out of the pan much easier!
- Testing for Doneness: Look for golden edges, and if you gently press the center, it should feel set but slightly soft.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Nut Butters: For a twist, try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you love texture, swap in crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to stir it thoroughly as natural peanut butter tends to separate. Smooth, shelf-stable peanut butter will yield a more consistent texture.
What if I don’t have mini Reese’s Pieces?
You can use chopped Reese’s cups, regular Reese’s Pieces, or even peanut butter chips as an alternative.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the Reese’s Pieces, are gluten-free.
Storage Instructions
Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel!
More Irresistible Treats to Try
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat! Give them a try, and let the peanut buttery goodness bring a little extra joy to your day.
Print
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a chewy, peanut butter lover’s dream! Packed with mini Reese’s Pieces, each bite combines creamy peanut butter flavor with a satisfying candy crunch. Perfect for a quick dessert, these cookie bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups mini Reese’s Pieces (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add peanut butter and mix until combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until no flour streaks remain.
- Fold in mini Reese’s Pieces, reserving about 1/4 cup for topping.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved Reese’s Pieces on top.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To make gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg