These cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. They have rich, chewy chocolate bases loaded with creamy Reese’s peanut butter chips and gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips, giving every bite a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will be a hit. They’re quick to make, irresistibly soft, and bursting with nostalgic flavor that brings smiles every time. Serve them warm with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
-
1 large egg
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 ¼ cups Reese’s peanut butter chips
-
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
-
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
-
Fold in the Reese’s peanut butter chips and chocolate chips evenly.
-
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced apart on the baking sheets.
-
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers still look soft.
-
Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 20 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies: A Dream Dessert for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers
Few flavor combinations are as universally beloved as chocolate and peanut butter. Whether it’s in a candy bar, a milkshake, or a baked treat, the marriage of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter delivers instant comfort and satisfaction. One of the most irresistible interpretations of this duo comes in the form of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies a soft, chewy, chocolate-based cookie loaded with melty chocolate chips and sweet peanut butter chips in every bite.
This cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s a sensory experience. Imagine biting into a thick, brownie-like cookie that’s warm from the oven. The edges are just slightly crisp, the center is gooey and soft, and every bite offers the perfect balance of cocoa richness and the sweet, nutty bursts from Reese’s chips. It’s no wonder this treat has gained a cult-like following among dessert lovers and bakers alike.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
What makes these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies truly special is their carefully calibrated balance of textures and flavors. Instead of being too cakey or crumbly, they strike the ideal middle ground: a fudgy, decadent texture like a brownie with the structure of a cookie. This consistency comes from using both butter and a touch of cornstarch, which together help to keep the cookie soft and tender while still being sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Another standout feature is the dual inclusion of chocolate chips and Reese’s peanut butter chips. Chocolate chips are a classic addition to any cookie, bringing familiar warmth and richness. But it’s the addition of peanut butter chips specifically the iconic Reese’s brand that elevate the experience. These chips bring in that signature creamy, nutty flavor that fans associate with Reese’s peanut butter cups, but in a form that melts slightly and becomes even more flavorful when baked.
To further boost the indulgence, many bakers sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking or right after they come out of the oven. This step isn’t just decorative; the salt sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness, making each bite more nuanced and satisfying.
The Appeal of a Chocolate-Based Dough
While traditional chocolate chip cookies have a golden dough base, these cookies start with a cocoa-infused dough, giving them a deep, chocolate flavor from the get-go. Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder results in a smooth, mellow chocolate taste with a darker color, making the cookies look even more decadent.
The cocoa not only adds flavor but also enhances the texture. Because cocoa powder absorbs moisture, it contributes to that tender, brownie-like mouthfeel that makes these cookies so addictively soft. Combined with other elements like brown sugar (for moisture and chew) and a short chilling period (for dough structure), the cocoa powder ensures the cookies come out perfect every time.
A Cookie for Every Occasion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, a casual weekend dessert, or simply a midweek pick-me-up, these cookies fit the bill. They can be baked as large, bakery-style cookies with a dramatic presentation or as smaller bite-sized treats for easier sharing.
You can also dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a fancy finish, sandwich ice cream between two for a homemade cookie sandwich, or crumble them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible sundae topping.
These cookies also make wonderful gifts. Wrapped in parchment and tied with string, a dozen of these goodies becomes an instant care package or holiday treat that will be remembered long after they’ve disappeared.
Tips for Cookie Perfection
For best results, use high-quality ingredients. Real butter not margarine is essential for that buttery, rich flavor. Dutch processed cocoa powder gives the best depth of chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Letting the dough chill before baking is another crucial step. Even a short 30-minute chill helps firm the dough, making it easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer cookie.
Don’t overbake! One of the secrets to a truly chewy, fudgy cookie is removing them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to bake on the hot tray after being removed from the oven, finishing to perfection.
And finally, don’t skip the finishing touch of sea salt. It’s a small step with a big payoff.
The Magic of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips are more than just another baking add-in they’re the heart of this cookie. Made with real peanut butter, they melt slightly during baking and create delicious pockets of sweetness and nutty flavor that are unmistakably “Reese’s.”
Their nostalgic flavor immediately calls to mind the famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, but in chip form, they offer a unique experience. Unlike whole peanut butter cups that sometimes get lost or melt away into a cookie, the chips hold their shape and flavor even after baking, offering a consistent and delightful peanut butter hit in every bite.
Their popularity has made them a pantry staple for bakers who love to bring the familiar comfort of Reese’s into new dessert formats, from blondies to muffins and of course, cookies like these.
The Allure of Homemade
While you can certainly find peanut butter and chocolate-flavored cookies at bakeries or grocery stores, there’s something about baking them at home that takes the experience to another level. The smell of chocolate and peanut butter wafting from your oven is nearly impossible to resist.
Homemade cookies also let you customize the experience. Want more chips? Add them. Want a gooier texture? Bake them slightly under. Prefer a crunchier cookie? Press them thinner and bake a minute longer. You’re in complete control, and that freedom means you can tailor the final result exactly to your taste.
Plus, baking at home connects you to the process measuring, mixing, scooping that brings a sense of accomplishment and care. Sharing something you made yourself adds a layer of joy and meaning that even the best store-bought treat can’t match.
Conclusion:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are more than just a crowd-pleaser they’re an ode to one of the most beloved flavor pairings in dessert history. With their chocolate-rich base, soft chewy centers, and bursts of real Reese’s peanut butter chips, these cookies offer the best of all worlds.
Whether you’re baking them for a loved one, treating yourself after a long day, or whipping up a batch to share at a party, they’ll always be met with enthusiasm. Few cookies pack as much flavor, texture, and indulgence into a single bite and fewer still are this easy to make at home.
So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and prepare yourself for the best peanut butter chocolate cookie experience you’ve ever had. One batch won’t be enough.