Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars

Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars

Reese’s Pieces cookie bars are the ultimate peanut butter chocolate dessert for anyone who loves the classic candy. These soft, chewy cookie bars are packed with Reese’s Pieces candies, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips, all baked into one thick, golden bar. They have crispy edges, a tender center, and that perfect salty-sweet peanut butter flavor in every single bite. No scooping, no chilling, no rolling dough. Just mix, press, bake, and slice. These bars are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, lunchboxes, or any time a peanut butter chocolate craving strikes.

Why These Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars Work

The secret to these bars is the ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar. Using more brown sugar creates a chewier, moister bar with deeper caramel notes that complement the peanut butter. Melted butter instead of creamed butter eliminates the need for an electric mixer and creates a denser, fudgier texture similar to a blondie. Pressing the dough firmly into the pan ensures even baking and prevents crumbly bars. Pressing extra candies and chips into the top of the dough before baking creates a beautiful, candy-studded surface that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies

• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly.

Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the Reese’s Pieces candies, all of the peanut butter chips, and all of the chocolate chips. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces for topping.

Step 6: Press and Top

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Press it into an even, flat layer using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup. Press the reserved Reese’s Pieces into the top of the dough.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Do not overbake, or the bars will be dry.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into 24 bars.

Variations and Tips

Use mini Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. Substitute butterscotch or white chocolate chips. Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Use a 9×9-inch pan for thicker bars; increase baking time to 30 to 35 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. These bars freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for ten seconds. For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free flour blend. Double the recipe for a crowd. These disappear quickly at bake sales. Serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat. The combination of Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips in these soft, chewy bars will make them your new go-to dessert.