Prepare to experience peanut butter bliss with these indulgent Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. This recipe takes the classic peanut butter cookie to extraordinary heights by incorporating three forms of Reese’s goodness – creamy peanut butter in the dough, colorful Reese’s Pieces, and chunks of peanut butter cups folded into every bite.
The result is a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with multiple textures – a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy center studded with melty chocolate and crunchy candy pieces. The rich peanut butter aroma that fills your kitchen while baking these cookies is almost as satisfying as the cookies themselves.
Whether you’re a dedicated peanut butter enthusiast or simply appreciate a well-crafted cookie, this triple-threat recipe delivers an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday cookie platters, or anytime you need a serious peanut butter fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. They combine three layers of Reese’s goodness – peanut butter in the cookie dough, Reese’s Pieces, and chopped Reese’s cups – creating an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite. The cookies have perfectly crisp edges with soft, chewy centers that stay delicious for days.
Pure Comfort
There’s something incredibly comforting about the familiar taste of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies bring back childhood memories while elevating the classic combination to new heights. The rich aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is almost as satisfying as taking that first warm, gooey bite.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (about 15 miniature cups)
What You Need
Beyond the ingredients, gather these kitchen tools:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)
- Cooling rack
Time to Cook
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour (optional, but recommended)
- Bake time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Cooling time: 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then fully on a cooling rack
- Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Steps to Make It
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chopped peanut butter cups.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps prevent spreading).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers still look slightly underdone.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make It Perfect
For truly perfect cookies, pay attention to these details:
- Don’t skip chilling the dough – this prevents excessive spreading and creates thicker cookies.
- For extra texture, reserve some of the Reese’s Pieces and press them into the tops of the cookie dough balls just before baking.
- Pull the cookies out when they still look slightly underbaked in the center – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and stay wonderfully chewy.
- For a more pronounced peanut butter flavor, use natural peanut butter (just make sure it’s well-stirred).
Mix It Up
These cookies are delicious as is, but here are some fun variations:
- Add ⅓ cup of chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor.
- Swap the Reese’s Pieces for peanut butter chips.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
- Add ½ cup of chopped peanuts for additional crunch.
Perfect Partners
Serve these indulgent cookies with:
- A cold glass of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream for the ultimate sweet treat
Busy Day Hero
Short on time? Try these shortcuts:
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Portion the dough into balls and freeze them, then bake straight from frozen (just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time).
- In a real pinch, use pre-made peanut butter cookie dough and just fold in the Reese’s mix-ins.
Work Ahead
These cookies are perfect for planning ahead:
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- You can also freeze fully baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Save Some For Later
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Everyone’s Happy
These cookies are crowd-pleasers, but for those with dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free peanut butter cups.
- For nut allergies, unfortunately this recipe isn’t suitable due to the peanut butter base.
Good For You Too
While these are definitely treat cookies, they do offer:
- Protein from the peanut butter
- Energy from complex carbohydrates
- A bit of fiber when using natural peanut butter
- Joy and satisfaction, which are important parts of a balanced approach to eating!
Easy Clean Up
To minimize kitchen mess:
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Measure sticky peanut butter in a lightly oiled measuring cup.
- Have a designated “chopping station” for the peanut butter cups with edges to contain the mess.
- Soak utensils right away – peanut butter can be sticky once it sets.
Switch It Up
Get creative with your cookie presentation:
- Make them into cookie bars by pressing the dough into a 9×13 inch baking pan and baking for 20-25 minutes.
- Create cookie cups by pressing the dough into mini muffin tins and placing a mini Reese’s cup in the center after baking.
- Make sandwich cookies with peanut butter frosting in the middle.
Simply Perfect
What makes these Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies simply perfect is the balance of textures and flavors. The sweet and salty combination, the meltingly soft centers with crisp edges, and the three different forms of Reese’s create a cookie experience that’s hard to beat. They’re sophisticated enough for a dessert platter but nostalgic enough to make everyone smile.
FAQs
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing.
Why are my cookies dry?
Over-baking is usually the culprit. Remember that cookies continue to bake on the hot sheet after coming out of the oven.
How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions, and while they’re still warm from the oven, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie to gently swirl around each cookie to shape it.
Can I mail these cookies to someone?
Yes! They travel well. Just make sure they’re completely cool before packing them with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a treat – they’re an experience that brings together the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in three delicious ways. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re guaranteed to impress. The combination of chewy centers, crisp edges, and chunks of Reese’s candy creates a cookie that’s impossible to resist. Enjoy the process of making them and the joy they bring to everyone who tastes them!
You Might Also Like
If you’re in the mood for even more delicious desserts, don’t miss these treats:
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes – A perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in a bite-sized cheesecake.
- Frozen S’mores Cheesecake Bars – A cool and creamy twist on the classic s’mores dessert.
- Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups – Bright, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
- Mini Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries – A light and fruity cheesecake bite that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie – A refreshing minty pie with a chocolate cookie crust.