Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Indulgence Recipes

I absolutely love making Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies because they are my ultimate treat. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is irresistible, and baking them fills my home with a delightful aroma. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a hit at gatherings or simply as a sweet indulgence for myself. Plus, I find the process of rolling the dough and pressing the chocolate on top to be incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you'll want to bake them again and again!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:50:40.449Z

When I first experimented with these Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies, I wasn't sure how they'd turn out. I decided to meld classic cookie elements with my favorite candy flavors, and wow, the result was spectacular! The key is using a good quality peanut butter for that creamy texture and rich taste.

Each time I bake these cookies, I learn a little more. For instance, chilling the dough for a brief period helps in achieving the perfect thickness while maintaining a chewy center. I also love to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt atop the chocolate for a contrasting burst of flavor!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Decadent flavors that bring together chocolate and peanut butter
Soft and chewy texture with a hint of crunch
Simple ingredients that make baking a breeze

      

Perfecting Your Cookie Dough

When mixing your dough, it's crucial to combine the ingredients thoroughly to achieve that rich, creamy texture. I recommend using a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to avoid overmixing, which can cause the cookies to become tough instead of soft and chewy. Once your mixture is well-blended, it should be smooth without any lumps, indicating that the peanut butter and sugar have melded perfectly.

If you prefer a nutty depth, consider using natural peanut butter instead of commercial varieties. Natural peanut butter has less sugar and stabilizers, enhancing the flavor. Just be mindful that it might require a bit more finesse in mixing, but the taste payoff is worth it. The dough may also be slightly runnier, so adding an extra tablespoon of flour could help achieve the right consistency if needed.

Shaping and Baking Tips

When rolling the cookie dough into balls, aim for about 1-inch diameter for each ball to ensure even baking. If you prefer larger cookies, simply scale up the size, but be cautious with the baking time—larger cookies may require an additional minute or two in the oven. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want them to be just golden at the edges for that perfect chewy center.

For an added touch, try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and can enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together. If you find that your cookies have spread too much in the oven, it could be beneficial to chill the dough next time or even add a touch more flour.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your delicious cookies:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Shape the cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Add chocolate chips

Gently press chocolate chips into the top of each cookie ball.

Bake the cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can use chunky peanut butter to give your cookies extra texture, or even add chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.

Storage and Freshness

To keep your Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them quickly. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, where they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, you can simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat that’s almost fresh from the oven. To get that classic fresh-baked texture, you can also bake frozen cookies directly from the freezer, adding an additional minute to the bake time.

Creative Variations

While the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate is unbeatable, feel free to play with your ingredients. For a fun variation, you can mix in crushed pretzels or toffee bits for a salty-sweet indulgence. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavor profile even further, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness.

If you're looking to make these cookies more decadent, incorporate swirls of creamy chocolate ganache or drizzles of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. You can also substitute half of the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter to explore different nutty flavors that still pair beautifully with chocolate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but make sure it's stirred before measuring to ensure the oils are evenly combined.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you want a warm cookie.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can try using brown sugar or a sugar alternative like coconut sugar for a unique flavor.