If you love the classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combo, these Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat. They’re soft and chewy with deep cocoa flavor, plenty of peanut butter richness, and chunks of Reese’s cups in every bite.
Unlike basic chocolate cookies, this recipe bakes up thick and bakery-style, with melty pockets of peanut butter candy throughout. Perfect for parties, cookie trays, bake sales, or whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Makes about 18–20 cookies
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup (170g) chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup (85g) chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes (recommended)
- Bake time: 9–11 minutes
- Total time: About 55 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in chopped Reese’s cups (and chocolate chips if using).
Step 4: Chill
Chill dough for 30 minutes (helps cookies stay thick and prevents spreading).
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
Step 6: Finish and Cool
Press a few extra Reese’s pieces on top while warm for a bakery look. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a glass of milk for the perfect combo.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
- Make cookie sandwiches with peanut butter frosting in the middle.
- Add to cookie trays for holidays and parties.
- Pack as lunchbox treats (they stay soft).
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Total Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 22 grams |
| Sugars | 15 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 150 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Peanut butter adds protein and satisfying healthy fats.
- Cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor with antioxidants.
- Reese’s cups add indulgence—so you don’t need extra frosting or toppings.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Chill the dough to keep cookies thick and chewy.
- Don’t overbake—centers should look slightly underdone when you pull them out.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture (natural PB can be oily).
- Press extra candy on top immediately after baking for a pretty finish.
- Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies extra soft.
Variations to Try
- Reese’s Pieces Version: Swap cups for Reese’s Pieces for extra crunch.
- Salted Top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt right after baking.
- Double Peanut Butter: Add peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Mini Cookies: Scoop smaller dough balls and bake 7–8 minutes.
These Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with that iconic chocolate-peanut-butter flavor. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for any occasion—from holiday cookie trays to late-night cravings.
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