Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days . Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter lover with a soft spot for candy-coated crunch, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Reese’s Pieces Cookies. They’re soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and filled with the perfect pop of peanut butter flavor thanks to creamy peanut butter and those colorful Reese’s Pieces candies. Best of all? No dough chilling required. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because—it’s a one-bowl, 30-minute cookie win.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe for another seasonal treat!

JUMP TO

Why Reese’s Pieces Cookies Are the Ultimate Treat

The perfect blend of peanut butter and candy crunch

Unlike traditional peanut butter cookies, these treats get a serious upgrade with the addition of Reese’s Pieces, which add a candy shell crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, chewy texture inside. Each bite gives you creamy, sweet, and salty all at once—basically everything you want in a dessert.

No chill dough – why it matters

Many cookie recipes require a chilling step to firm up the dough, which can be time-consuming. Not here. This recipe skips the fridge entirely, allowing you to go from mixing bowl to oven in less than 15 minutes. That means more cookies in less time—without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why these cookies stand out from classic peanut butter cookies

These aren’t your grandma’s peanut butter cookies. While those might be nostalgic and crumbly, Reese’s Pieces cookies are all about soft centers and bright, playful colors. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or adding a twist to your holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Choosing the best peanut butter and candy ratio

Use a creamy peanut butter like JIF or Skippy for the best texture—natural or oily varieties will throw off the dough. You’ll also want to measure out 1 ¼ cups of Reese’s Pieces, reserving a small handful to press on top of each cookie ball just before baking. This creates that eye-catching look and ensures every cookie has candy in every bite.

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking soda	2 teaspoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Brown sugar	1 cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Creamy peanut butter	1 cup
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	1½ teaspoons
Reese’s Pieces candies	1¼ cups (divided)

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Smores Cookies Recipe for another candy-loaded cookie option!

Room temperature butter: a baking essential

Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating tiny air pockets for that chewy lift. Cold butter won’t mix properly, and melted butter makes the dough greasy. Set your butter out 30–45 minutes before baking to get it just right.

Substitutions and optional mix-ins (like peanut butter chips)

Want to mix things up? Try replacing half of the Reese’s Pieces with peanut butter chips, chopped mini peanut butter cups, or even dark chocolate chunks. You can also make this dough gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Check out our Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies if you love unique cookie textures!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

Mixing the dough for the perfect consistency

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the peanut butter, then the eggs and vanilla, making sure everything is well combined before adding the dry ingredients. Stir in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces last, folding them gently into the dough.

Shaping and topping with Reese’s Pieces

Use a medium cookie scoop or 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top of each cookie. This gives a bakery-style finish and ensures the candies don’t get lost inside.

Discover great ideas like our Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread for cozy baking days.

Baking times, temperature, and common pitfalls

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8–9 minutes until the edges are just turning golden brown. Don’t wait for the centers to look fully done—they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking is the #1 way to lose that chewy texture, so trust the process.

Learn more about our Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip Recipe for a no-bake option perfect for parties.

Don’t overbake – the secret to chewy centers

One of the easiest mistakes to make is baking your cookies a few minutes too long. They may look slightly underbaked when you first pull them from the oven—but that’s exactly what you want. The residual heat from the baking sheet continues to cook them as they cool, resulting in that soft, gooey center we all crave.

Flour measuring tips that prevent dry dough

Always spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, adding too much to your dough and making the cookies dry. This small step ensures the right balance of ingredients and keeps the cookie texture tender and moist.

How to freeze dough or store baked cookies

These cookies are freezer-friendly. After scooping the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for an hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just preheat the oven and bake as directed. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Toss in a slice of bread to help retain softness.

Check out our No-Bake Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits for more freezer-friendly desserts!

Delicious Variations You Can Try

Add-ins: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts

Want to switch things up a bit? Try mixing in:

½ cup chocolate chips for added richness
Peanut butter chips to double down on the peanut flavor
Chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch

Just remember not to overload your dough. Stick to 1½ total cups of add-ins to keep your dough balanced.

Make them festive – holiday candy swaps

Turn these cookies into a seasonal favorite by swapping the Reese’s Pieces with:

Red and green holiday M&M’s for Christmas
Pastel candies for Easter
Candy corn for Halloween

It’s the same base dough with a whole new vibe.

Don’t miss our Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for more holiday-themed baking!

Short on time or prefer bars over cookies? Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 baking pan and bake for 20–24 minutes at 350°F. Let cool completely before slicing. This method delivers the same flavor but cuts your prep time in half.

Discover great ideas like our Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for more impressive bar-style desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Can I use natural peanut butter instead?

It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and is too oily for this recipe. Stick to commercial creamy varieties like JIF or Skippy for the best results.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Nope! That’s what makes this recipe so convenient. The dough is perfectly scoopable right after mixing—no need to wait.

What’s the best way to freeze the dough?

Scoop your cookie dough into balls and place them on a tray lined with parchment. Freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time—no thawing necessary.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts – Make Your Batch of Reese’s Pieces Cookies Today

From weeknight baking to last-minute party prep, Reese’s Pieces Cookies check all the boxes: fast, easy, soft, chewy, and candy-loaded. There’s no dough chilling, the ingredients are pantry staples, and they’re a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or package them up for gifting, these cookies will disappear fast.

Looking for inspiration? Try our White Chocolate Dipped Chewy Maple Cookies for another sweet-and-savory combo!

Pair it with other fan-favorite cookies

Add these to your dessert tray alongside:

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for a color pop
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for holiday flair
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake for a fall dessert pairing

And just like that, your cookie game is unmatched.

Table of Contents