Ultimate Chocolate Reese's Pieces Cookies

Delight in every bite with our exquisite Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies recipe! These irresistible cookies redefine indulgence, offering a perfect harmony of soft, chewy texture with a decadently fudgy core. Each cookie is a celebration of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, made vibrant with the addition of crunchy Reese’s Pieces candies. They are truly impossible to resist and even harder to eat just one, promising an unforgettable taste experience for any chocolate and peanut butter enthusiast.

If your heart beats for the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll be thrilled to explore more culinary creations. Dive into our extensive collection of 30 Peanut Butter & Candy Desserts, discover the lusciousness of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, or get mesmerized by these 16 Reese’s Pieces Candy Desserts that are sure to impress!

Contents

Why You’ll Love Baking These Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies. More than just a simple sweet treat, they embody comfort, joy, and irresistible flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:

A Festive Favorite for Any Occasion: Our Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies are truly versatile, making them a perfect addition to any celebration. Whether it’s the cozy warmth of fall baking, the spooky fun of Halloween, or the joyful spirit of Christmas, these cookies, crafted with rich chocolate dough and colorful Reese’s Pieces, always top the list for seasonal treats. They bring a vibrant burst of color and flavor that brightens any holiday spread or casual gathering, making them a guaranteed hit.
Effortlessly Quick and Convenient: Say goodbye to long chilling times! This recipe is designed for instant gratification, allowing you to whip up a batch of delectable cookies in no time. The dough comes together quickly and easily, meaning your sweet tooth can be satisfied without delay – perfect for those spontaneous cravings, unexpected guests, or last-minute dessert needs when you’re short on time but big on desire for something homemade and delicious.
Pure Comfort in Every Bite: Imagine a cozy night in, a special holiday gathering, or simply a moment when you deserve something extraordinary. These cookies fit every scenario perfectly. Their comforting texture and familiar flavors make them an ideal indulgence, transforming an ordinary day into something special. Each bite delivers a nostalgic blend of chocolate and peanut butter that evokes warmth and happiness.
Fun for the Whole Family & Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Making these cookies is an activity in itself, offering a wonderful opportunity for family fun. Kids will especially enjoy helping to fold in the vibrant Reese’s Pieces, adding to the magic of baking and creating lasting memories. Beyond the fun, these cookies are an absolute hit at any party, potluck, school event, or friendly get-together. The incredible combination of deep, rich chocolate and the distinct, crunchy peanut butter flavor of Reese’s Pieces is simply divine and universally loved, ensuring empty plates every time.
Bake, Share, and Enjoy: Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, their chocolate chips still gooey and fragrant, or package them up for a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies are guaranteed to spread smiles. Their captivating taste and appealing look will have everyone asking for the recipe. You’ll find yourself returning to this foolproof recipe time and again, not just because it’s easy and quick, but because the results are always too good to resist. They are the epitome of simple pleasures in baking.

Recipe Overview: Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Before we dive into the full preparation, here’s a quick look at what to expect from this fantastic recipe, designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen:

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Roughly 25-30 minutes
Yields: 11-12 cookies (using a ¼ cup scoop)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cookies, easy cookies, fall baking, fall desserts, halloween cookies, Christmas cookies, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chocolate, chewy cookies, no-chill recipe.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, approximate)

Calories: 265 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 266mg
Potassium: 135mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Vitamin A: 256 IU
Calcium: 35mg
Iron: 1mg

Gather Your Ingredients for Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies starts with a simple list of readily available ingredients. Using high-quality components ensures the best flavor and texture, resulting in cookies that are truly exceptional. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare approximately 11-12 quarter-cup cookies, each contributing to that perfect chocolate-peanut butter symphony:

½ cup salted butter, softened: Room temperature butter is crucial for creaming properly with sugar, leading to a lighter, airier cookie texture. Softened butter blends seamlessly, creating a smooth, emulsified base for your dough.
¾ cup brown sugar, lightly packed: Brown sugar adds not only a rich, deep, caramel-like sweetness but also vital moisture, contributing significantly to the cookies’ signature soft and chewy texture. Packing it lightly ensures accurate measurement.
1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together, adding moisture, and helping to create structure and richness in the cookie dough. It’s a key component for the cookie’s final texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A staple in most cookie recipes, pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Proper measurement of flour is critical for cookie consistency. Spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge prevents over-flouring, which can lead to dry, dense, and crumbly cookies.
¼ cup natural cocoa powder: For a classic, balanced chocolate flavor. You have options here: for a deeper, more intense chocolate experience and a darker cookie color, opt for dark cocoa powder. If you’re looking for an almost black, strikingly rich cookie, black cocoa powder is your choice. Ensure it’s unsweetened.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: This essential leavening agent reacts with the acidic brown sugar and cocoa powder to help the cookies rise and spread, contributing significantly to their desirable chewy texture.
¼ teaspoon baking powder: Working in conjunction with baking soda, baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring your cookies have a soft, tender crumb without becoming too flat.
½ teaspoon salt: Often underestimated, salt is vital! It balances the sweetness of the sugars and candies, enhances all the other flavors, making the chocolate and peanut butter truly sing and preventing the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies: The true star of the show! These iconic, colorful, and crunchy peanut butter candies provide delightful bursts of flavor, a pleasing textural contrast, and a vibrant visual appeal to every cookie.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Follow these simple, easy-to-understand steps to bake a batch of homemade Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor. This no-chill recipe makes baking a breeze, getting you to delicious results faster!

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to the optimal temperature of 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking surfaces. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential for preventing the cookies from sticking, promoting even baking by insulating the bottom, and making cleanup incredibly easy.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a spacious mixing bowl, place your softened salted butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes. Continue until the mixture transforms into a visibly light, fluffy, and creamy consistency. This crucial creaming process incorporates air into the butter, which contributes significantly to the cookies’ final tender and airy texture.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed, just until all these wet ingredients are fully incorporated into the dough and the mixture appears smooth. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly combined, leaving no unmixed pockets.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, your chosen cocoa powder (natural, dark, or black for your desired chocolate intensity), baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture ensures they are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform leavening and consistent flavor throughout the cookies.
Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture, a third at a time. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. It is very important not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, less tender cookies.
Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold the entire cup of Reese’s Pieces candies into the cookie dough using your spatula. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures that every bite of your baked cookie gets a delightful pop of crunchy, peanut buttery flavor and vibrant color.
Portion the Dough: Utilize a ¼ cup cookie scoop or a large spoon to portion out the cookie dough. For consistent baking and a professional appearance, roll each portion into a uniform ¼ cup ball. This ensures all your cookies bake evenly and have a similar size.
Add Extra Candies for Visual Appeal: For that classic bakery-style look and an extra touch of Reese’s goodness, gently press a few additional Reese’s Pieces candies onto the tops of each cookie dough ball before they go into the oven. This ensures plenty of vibrant candies are visible on the baked cookies, making them incredibly appealing and photo-ready.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Carefully place approximately 6 cookie dough balls onto each of your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least 2 inches (about 5 cm) of space between each cookie. This generous spacing is crucial as it allows the cookies to spread properly during baking without touching each other, ensuring they bake evenly and develop crisp edges.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. For a slightly gooey, soft-centered cookie, aim for exactly 10 minutes. If you prefer a chewier cookie with a slightly crispier edge, extend the baking time to 12 minutes. Keep in mind that cookies will continue to set and firm up slightly as they cool, so they might seem a little underdone when first removed.
Cooling Process: Once baked, carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the cookies to set properly and firm up, preventing them from breaking or falling apart when you transfer them. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack or a large tray to cool completely. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of your freshly baked Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies!

How to Store Your Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

To keep your delicious Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Following these guidelines will help maintain their wonderful texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is as good as the first:

Room Temperature Storage: Once the cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. An airtight container is crucial for preventing them from drying out. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. While they are safe to eat for this duration, chocolate cookies, like most freshly baked goods, are truly at their best in the first two to three days after baking. The rich chocolate flavor and signature chewy texture are most pronounced when fresh.
Prevent Staling: To help keep your cookies extra soft and moist, you can place a half slice of plain white bread or a tortilla in the airtight container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them tender. Remember to replace the bread every day or two to prevent it from getting moldy.
Avoiding Moisture: Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent the cookies from drying out and becoming stale. Also, make sure cookies are completely cool before storing; otherwise, condensation can form inside the container, making them soggy.

Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Enjoyment

These Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, either baked or as raw dough, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats whenever a craving strikes without having to start from scratch!

Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Cool Completely: Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial; even a little warmth can cause ice crystals to form, leading to freezer burn and a loss of quality.
- Flash Freeze: Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are firm. This step prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored in a larger batch.
- Store Airtight: Transfer the frozen, firm cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn and preserve their flavor and texture.
- Label and Freeze: Clearly label the container with the date. Frozen baked cookies can be stored for up to two months for optimal quality. Beyond that, they are still safe but may start to lose some flavor or texture.
- Thaw and Enjoy: To enjoy, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. For a warm, freshly baked feel, you can gently reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (275°F/135°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough Balls:
- Prepare Dough Balls: Prepare the cookie dough according to the recipe instructions and scoop them into ¼ cup balls, as you would for baking.
- Flash Freeze Dough: Place the unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little space between each one. Freeze until solid, usually 1-2 hours. This flash-freezing step is vital to prevent the dough balls from sticking together in the freezer bag.
- Store Airtight: Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Again, remove as much air as possible and label with the date.
- Freeze Duration: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to two months. This is perfect for having fresh cookies on demand!
- Bake from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, you have two convenient options:
  - Thaw and Bake: Let the dough balls thaw at room temperature for about an hour before baking as per the original recipe instructions (10-12 minutes at 350°F/175°C).
  - Bake Directly from Frozen: If you’re in a rush, you can bake them directly from frozen. You will need to increase the baking time by a few minutes (typically 2-4 minutes longer than the fresh dough time). It’s also a good idea to consider lowering the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to ensure the cookies bake through evenly without burning the edges. Always keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary.
- Texture Note: Cookies made with frozen dough may have a slightly different appearance or texture (sometimes a bit thicker or chewier) compared to those made with fresh dough, but they will still be absolutely delicious!

Expert Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and incredibly delicious every single time:

Ensure Butter is Properly Softened: This is a golden rule in baking! Softened butter (not melted or too cold) creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air that gives cookies their light, tender crumb. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, resulting in a denser cookie; if it’s melted, your cookies will spread too much and become greasy. Aim for butter that gives slightly when pressed, like a ripe avocado.
Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour streaks disappear and the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense, and less desirable cookies instead of the signature soft and chewy texture. A gentle hand or a spatula for the final folds is often best after the initial mixing.
Press in Extra Reese’s Pieces for Appeal: For cookies that look as good as they taste and truly pop with color, gently press a few extra Reese’s Pieces onto the tops of the cookie dough balls just before they go into the oven. This simple trick ensures plenty of vibrant candies are visible on the baked cookies, making them incredibly appealing, Instagram-ready, and signaling the deliciousness within.
Customize Your Bake Time for Desired Texture: The beauty of these cookies is their versatility in texture. If you adore a gooey, soft-centered cookie with slightly chewy edges, stick precisely to the 10-minute baking mark. For those who prefer a chewier cookie with a slightly firmer, crispier edge, extend the baking time to 12 minutes. Your oven might vary, so always observe the edges – they should be set, but the centers still look slightly soft or puffy when removed from the oven.
Master the Cooling Process: Don’t rush the cooling! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes after removing them from the oven is a crucial step. This helps them set up, firm, and finish baking from residual heat, preventing them from breaking or crumbling when you transfer them. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling, which prevents soggy bottoms.
Use a Reliable Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can vary widely from the dial setting, sometimes by as much as 50°F. An inexpensive oven thermometer placed inside your oven ensures it is truly at 350°F (175°C), which is absolutely vital for consistent baking results, preventing burnt edges or underbaked centers.
Spoon and Level Flour Accurately: For precise measurements, especially with flour, avoid scooping it directly from the bag. Instead, gently spoon the flour into your dry measuring cup until it overflows, then use the back of a straight knife or other flat edge to level it off. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to too much flour in your dough and resulting in dry, dense cookies.
High-Quality Ingredients: While not always necessary for all recipes, using good quality butter, cocoa powder, and fresh Reese’s Pieces can make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor and enjoyment of your cookies.

Creative Variations for Your Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

While the classic Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookie is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your batch with these exciting and delicious variations. Baking is an art, so feel free to experiment and make them your own!

For the Ultimate Peanut Butter Lover: Elevate the peanut butter flavor to new heights by swapping out half of the butter (¼ cup) for smooth, creamy peanut butter. This will intensify the peanut buttery goodness throughout the cookie dough and create an even richer, more profound flavor profile in your baked treats.
Triple Chocolate Indulgence: If you believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, then this variation is absolutely for you! Along with the vibrant Reese’s Pieces, generously fold in an additional ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate work wonderfully) into the cookie dough. This adds another layer of chocolatey richness and diverse textures.
Seasonal & Holiday Twist: Make these cookies festive for any time of year! Replace the Reese’s Pieces with holiday-themed M&M’s in vibrant colors – think cheerful red and green for Christmas, soft pastels for Easter, or spooky orange and black for Halloween. This simple swap instantly transforms them into a holiday-ready treat, perfect for themed parties or gift-giving.
Nutty Crunch Addition: For an extra layer of texture and an irresistible nutty flavor, consider folding in ½ cup of finely chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts into the cookie dough. The added crunch from the nuts beautifully complements the soft cookie base and the chewy candies, creating a truly dynamic eating experience.
White Chocolate Dream: For a delightful twist and a different kind of sweetness, consider adding ½ cup of creamy white chocolate chips along with (or even instead of) the Reese’s Pieces. The buttery white chocolate offers a delightful contrast to the deep, dark chocolate cookie base, creating a sophisticated flavor combination.
Espresso Kick: A secret ingredient for enhancing chocolate flavor is espresso powder. Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder (or instant coffee granules) mixed into the dry ingredients. This will deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste distinctly like coffee. It’s a subtle but powerful enhancement.
Miniature Delight: Instead of ¼ cup scoops, try making mini cookies with a tablespoon scoop. Adjust baking time down to 8-10 minutes. They’re perfect for smaller treats or when you want more cookies per batch!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking these irresistible cookies, ensuring your baking journey is smooth and successful:

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can certainly experiment with different types of cocoa powder to achieve your desired flavor and color. Natural cocoa powder (like Hershey’s or Ghirardelli) will give you a classic, slightly reddish-brown chocolate taste. If you prefer a more intense, less sweet, and significantly darker chocolate flavor (like an Oreo cookie), opt for Dutch-processed dark cocoa powder. For an almost black, strikingly rich cookie, black cocoa powder is your choice. Just be aware that the darker the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor and the darker your cookies will be. Always ensure you’re using unsweetened cocoa powder.
What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces?
No Reese’s Pieces? No problem at all! While they are the star of this particular show, you can definitely substitute them with other delightful mix-ins based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Consider using regular M&M’s for a similar candy crunch and color, peanut butter chips for an extra boost of concentrated peanut flavor, classic milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a truly chocolate-centric cookie, or even chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for larger, gooey chunks of chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Get creative with your mix-ins!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Preventing excessive spreading is a common cookie baking challenge. Here are a few reliable tips to ensure your cookies maintain their shape:
- Dough Temperature: Ensure your cookie dough isn’t too warm. If it feels very soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before scooping and baking. Cold dough spreads less quickly.
- Baking Sheet Temperature: Make sure your baking sheets are cool between batches. Placing dough on a warm baking sheet will cause the butter to melt too quickly before the cookie structure sets, leading to flat, overly spread cookies. Use two sets of sheets or cool them thoroughly.
- Accurate Ingredient Measurement: Double-check your measurements, especially of butter and flour. Too much butter or too little flour can disrupt the dough’s balance and result in excessive spreading. Always spoon and level flour.
- Leavening Agent Freshness: Ensure your leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) are fresh and active. Old leaveners can lead to cookies that don’t rise properly and spread more.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully without any issues, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up your freezer. If you’re baking for a large gathering, planning for a cookie exchange, or simply want to ensure you have plenty of delicious cookies on hand, feel free to double all the ingredients. Just make sure you have enough large mixing bowls, an adequately sized mixer, and plenty of baking sheets to bake your cookies in batches, giving each cookie plenty of space to spread evenly.
Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?
Dry and crumbly cookies are most often a sign of too much flour or overbaking. To prevent this, ensure you’re spooning and leveling your flour correctly (refer to the tips section) to avoid adding excess. Additionally, be very mindful of the baking time; ovens can vary, so it’s always better to slightly underbake (the cookies will continue to cook as they cool) than to overbake for a soft, chewy, and tender result.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While this recipe specifically calls for all-purpose flour, you can often successfully substitute it with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for blends that specifically state they can be used cup-for-cup and ideally contain xanthan gum, which helps with the structure and elasticity often provided by gluten. The texture might be slightly different – perhaps a bit more delicate – but the incredible chocolate and peanut butter flavor will still be fantastic!

These Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies are truly the ultimate treat for anyone who adores the classic combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Their soft, chewy texture, coupled with the delightful crunch of Reese’s Pieces, ensures they disappear just as quickly as they are made! They are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor and joy.

Perfect for sharing with cherished friends and family during gatherings, or for simply indulging in a blissful solo moment of sweet escape, these cookies are destined to become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re an experience of pure comfort, warmth, and joy, designed to bring smiles with every bite. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, whip up a generous batch, and savor every single delightful bite. Happy baking!

Don’t forget to share your delightful baking creations and experiences with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! We love seeing your delicious results.

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