If you love the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a dream come true! Bursting with creamy peanut butter, crunchy Reese’s Pieces, and melty milk chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (11.5 oz) package Reese’s Pieces
- 1 (11.5 oz) package milk chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Set aside.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- Cream the Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and light beige in color.
- Add the Eggs: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Mix until fully combined.
4. Add the Goodies:
- Fold in the Reese’s and Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 package Reese’s Pieces and 1 package milk chocolate chips using a large spatula. The dough will be quite stiff. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to help it firm up for easier shaping.
5. Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Gently flatten the tops of the dough balls with your hand for even baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage:
- Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate chips are still melty. Serve with a cold glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavor.
- Peanut Butter Options: For added texture, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
- Extra Chocolatey: If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding dark chocolate chips or a mix of both milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use creamy, processed peanut butter in this recipe for a smoother texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the dough oily.
3. Can I make the cookies smaller?
Absolutely! You can make smaller cookies by reducing the size of the dough scoops. Just adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
4. Can I use other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to swap the Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips for M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts for a different twist.
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 16 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
- Calories: 301 kcal per cookie
- Servings: Makes 28 large cookies
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-bake for anyone who loves the rich, creamy combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for cookie swaps, bake sales, or just indulging at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!