Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie that bursts with layers of peanut butter goodness in every mouthful. That’s exactly what you get with these Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. With crispy edges, soft chewy centers, and surprise Reese’s chunks tucked inside, these cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream come true. Trust me, you’re going to love this — they’re sweet, salty, indulgent, and downright addictive.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a nostalgic craving for childhood treats. As a kid, I hoarded Halloween Reese’s Cups like precious treasure, and every year I’d dream of combining them into something magical. Fast-forward to today, and these cookies are the grown-up version of that dream — soft, buttery, peanut-packed treats that bring joy in every bite. Whether for bake sales or cozy nights in, these cookies always disappear fast!

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Peanut butter cookies have deep roots in American baking history, first becoming popular in the 1910s. But it wasn’t until the rise of Reese’s in the 1920s that chocolate and peanut butter began their iconic partnership. Today, combining multiple Reese’s products in one recipe is the ultimate homage to that classic duo, and Triple Reese’s? That’s just next-level love.

Why You’ll Love Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something in this cookie for everyone. Here’s why they’re bound to become your favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple midnight snack — they fit every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and a few well-loved candies makes this recipe easy on the wallet.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed, just mix, scoop, and bake.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite Reese’s varieties or even add a surprise nutty crunch.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are the first to vanish at any gathering, guaranteed.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze the dough or bake ahead — they stay fresh and delicious.
Great for Leftovers: If you have any left, they pair wonderfully with coffee, milk, or even crumbled over ice cream.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting that bakery-style result is easier than you think. Here’s how:

1. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes — it helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
2. Use room-temperature butter and eggs for even mixing and a smooth dough texture.
3. Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Just until combined keeps them soft.
4. Scoop evenly using a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking.
5. Add extra Reese’s on top before baking for that perfect visual and extra peanut punch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required, just your trusty basics:

Mixing Bowls: One for dry, one for wet, and one big enough to bring it all together.
Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter, sugar, and peanut butter to fluffy perfection.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key to cookie success.
Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down the bowl and folding in those delicious chunks.
Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Ingredients in Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies in how each ingredient complements the next, creating layers of nutty richness and melty chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) — creates a rich, buttery base.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup — adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
3. Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed) — brings moisture and depth of flavor.
4. Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup — the star of the show, it adds flavor and richness.
5. Large Eggs: 2 — bind everything and add structure.
6. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons — enhances all the warm, sweet notes.
7. All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups — gives the cookies their chewy body.
8. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon — provides lift and softness.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon — balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
10. Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips: 1 cup — melts into sweet peanut pockets.
11. Mini Reese’s Cups (halved): 1 cup — adds soft, chocolatey surprises inside.
12. Reese’s Pieces: 1 cup — brings crunch, color, and peanut butter punch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something? No problem — here are some easy swaps:

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (just reduce added salt).
Creamy Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter (for added texture).
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar (for a deeper, molasses-like flavor).
Mini Reese’s Cups: Chopped full-size Reese’s or other peanut butter chocolates.
Reese’s Pieces: M&M’s or chopped peanuts for different texture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: The creamy kind ensures a smooth dough and uniform flavor, giving that unmistakable salty-sweet richness.
Reese’s Cups: These melt just enough into gooey puddles of peanut-chocolate bliss — each bite is a little celebration.

Instructions for Making Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Now let’s get to the fun part — baking! This is where the magic (and the aroma) happens:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, cream together the butter, both sugars, and peanut butter until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, halved mini Reese’s, and Reese’s Pieces. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Press a few extra Reese’s on top for visual flair. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are soft.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk, or store in an airtight container to savor over several days (if they last that long!).

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast: crisp edges, a chewy interior, and chunks of gooey Reese’s in every bite. The peanut butter offers richness, while the Reese’s Pieces add crunch and the mini cups bring melt-in-your-mouth moments. It’s the best of all dessert worlds in a single cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to elevate your cookie game even further:

• Chill the dough for extra flavor and minimal spreading.
• For bakery-style looks, press extra candy on top before baking.
• Bake one tray at a time for even heat distribution.
• Slight underbaking keeps the centers gooey and irresistible.

What to Avoid

Even seasoned bakers slip up. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overmixing the dough — this can lead to tough cookies.
• Overbaking — they’ll dry out fast.
• Skipping the chill time — your cookies will spread too much.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 270

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are a dream to prep in advance. Make the dough and chill it for up to 3 days, or freeze scooped dough balls for quick treats on demand. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for 5 days, or freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a microwave for 10 seconds for a just-baked feel.

How to Serve Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Serve warm with a cold glass of milk, crumble over vanilla ice cream, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for an over-the-top dessert. They also make adorable edible gifts — just wrap in parchment and tie with twine.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Try these ideas:

• Chop and stir into brownie batter.
• Crumble into a no-bake cheesecake crust.
• Layer in a peanut butter trifle with whipped cream and pudding.

Additional Tips

• For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle cookies with flaky sea salt before baking.
• Swap half the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a new flavor dimension.
• Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain texture.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! Here’s how to impress:

• Add chopped Reese’s to the tops right after baking for extra shine and melt.
• Stack cookies in a clear jar for gifting.
• Serve on a rustic wooden board with a variety of milk options.

Variations to Try

• Stuffed Version: Place a full mini Reese’s inside each dough ball for a molten center.
• Double Chocolate Twist: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter cookie.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts to the dough for texture.
• Oatmeal Base: Sub ½ cup flour with quick oats for a heartier cookie.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Q2: Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but the texture may change. Stick to processed for best results.

Q3: Can I make these without Reese’s Pieces?

Sure, just add more peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts.

Q4: How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temp.

Q5: What if I don’t have a mixer?

You can mix by hand — just make sure the butter is soft.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use two baking sheets and rotate halfway.

Q7: Are these good for mailing?

Yes, they ship well. Just pack them tightly in a box with parchment.

Q8: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, it’ll add extra texture.

Q9: Can I skip chilling the dough?

You can, but the cookies may spread more and be thinner.

Q10: Are these cookies overly sweet?

They’re indulgent, yes, but balanced with salty peanut butter.

Conclusion

Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you want in a dessert — rich, nostalgic, and full of texture. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking one for yourself, they’re pure joy in every bite. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Print