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If you’ve been searching for the perfect peanut butter cookie, look no further…this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie is the one I’ve been baking on repeat for decades. It starts with a yellow cake mix (because I’m all about keeping things simple), yet it bakes up with that soft, chewy texture that makes homemade cookies so irresistible. The handful of Reese’s Pieces candies tucked inside take them over the top. Adding just the right amount of crunch and flavor to every bite.
I originally published this post in 2020 and have since added new photos and additional information for success.
Table of Contents
This recipe has become my go-to peanut butter cookie for good reason. It comes together quickly with just a few pantry staples, but the end result tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
The chewy peanut butter base paired with the colorful candy is a winning combination that works for holidays, potlucks, after-school snacks, or anytime you want to surprise your family with a treat. I can promise you, these never last long on the cookie plate.
The best part? This recipe is tied to some of my favorite memories. Over 20 years ago, I started making these with my kids when we had stashes of leftover Halloween candy (and Reese’s Pieces were always their pick). What started as a way to use up candy quickly became a tradition, and now these cookies feel like home.
What goes into this Recipe
- Yellow Cake Mix: Using a box of yellow cake mix as the base for these cookies is a great shortcut that saves time and effort. The cake mix also ensures that you get soft and chewy cookies every time. You will also want to see this roundup of 35 Yellow Cake Mix Recipes.
- Peanut Butter: I like to use creamy peanut butter in this recipe since you already have the texture from the candy.
- Reese’s Pieces Candy: These colorful candy pieces are studded throughout the cookie dough, adding pops of chocolate and peanut butter flavor and a delightful crunch. I also love adding them to the top of this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie!
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Combine cake mix, softened butter and eggs in a large bowl with a hand mixer {or a stand mixer, or by hand} until you have a nice and thick dough. Mix in the Reese’s Pieces by hand, so that they are evenly distributed.
Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop mounds of dough onto a silicone mat {or parchment paper} lined baking sheet. Using the tines of a fork, make criss cross marks into the top of each cookie. I like to add them to peanut butter cookies so that people with allergies will know they contain peanut butter.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9-10 minutes or until the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies are just starting to turn golden brown around the edge. Then remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the cookie sheet.
Serving and eating the peanut butter cookies with Reese’s Pieces candy.
Expert Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Using a medium cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly and look more professional.
- Don’t over bake the cookies. One of the keys to soft, chewy peanut butter cookies is to not over bake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re just starting to turn golden brown around the edges, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- You can use a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Pressing the tines of a fork into the top of each cookie dough ball creates a classic crisscross pattern and helps flatten the cookies slightly, ensuring even baking. It is also a great way to let others know that they are made with peanut butter.
- Get creative with mix-ins. You can add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, or even mini Reese’s Pieces candies to the peanut butter cookie dough!
Storage and Freezing
Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freeze: The undipped cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies at room temperature before dipping in melted almond bark or chocolate, if desired.
Recipe FAQs
While yellow cake mix is what I used for these cookies, you could experiment with other flavors like white, vanilla, or even chocolate for the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cookies.
Absolutely! I used creamy peanut butter, but if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
Do you love peanut butter desserts? Try these recipes…
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix, {13.25 ounces}
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter , {melted}
- 2 large eggs
- ¾-1 cup Reese's Pieces candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Combine cake mix, peanut butter, melted butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix with a hand held mixer {or by hand} until completely incorporated. Add Reese's Pieces candies and stir in by hand.
- Using a medium sized cookie scoop {1.5 tablespoon}, scoop cookies and place onto a silicone mat or parchment lined cookie sheet. Using the tines of a fork make a crisscross pattern into the top of each cookie.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Repeat until all of the dough is baked.
- Store in an air tight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Notes
- One of the keys to soft, chewy peanut butter cookies is to not over bake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re just starting to turn golden brown around the edges, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am so glad that I came across you here in the kitchen. you have made making cookies so much easier.
thank you