If you adore the irresistible combination of peanut butter and candy, then you are in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces Recipe. These bars are chewy, buttery, and packed with bursts of colorful Reese’s Pieces that add a delightful crunch and chocolatey-peanut flavor in every bite. They are perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to potlucks, or simply indulging in a warm, nostalgic dessert that tastes like childhood happiness baked into every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds thick cookie dough in two images side by side. In the first image, there is a thick light brown dough layer, with two bright yellow egg yolks and a small pool of dark brown vanilla liquid on top, creating a face-like shape. In the second image, the dough is fully mixed into one smooth, light brown layer with a creamy texture, spreading evenly inside the white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for hitting that perfect balance of rich, creamy peanut butter with sweet, crunchy Reese’s Pieces. Each component brings its own magic to the texture, color, and flavor, making this recipe a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.

1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, giving a smooth, nutty foundation that defines the bars.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cookie bars.
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and chewy texture for ultimate indulgence.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crispness on the edges.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bars’ softness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavors and adds warmth to each bite.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides subtle lift and lightness without being cakey.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure while keeping the bars tender.
1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces (divided): The colorful candy that adds texture and bursts of peanut butter-chocolate goodness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. The parchment overhang makes lifting the bars out so much easier after baking, ensuring your bars stay intact and picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend together the creamy peanut butter, melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you get a smooth, luscious mixture. This step combines the creamy and sweet elements that will make these bars dense yet tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir just until everything comes together to avoid overbeating, which can toughen the bars. These ingredients bring richness and depth to the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt onto the mixture, then stir to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, folding gently to just incorporate it without overmixing. This technique keeps your bars soft and chewy instead of tough.

Step 5: Fold in Reese’s Pieces

Gently mix in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces to the dough. This step ensures every bite has those delightful candy surprises hidden throughout, ready to melt slightly while baking.

Step 6: Transfer and Top with More Reese’s Pieces

Spread your dough evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Reese’s Pieces across the top. Press them lightly into the dough so they stick and create a beautiful, colorful topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven’s middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set and golden, while the center might look a touch soft—that’s just right, as it firms up while cooling.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely before lifting them out with the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 20 generous bars and get ready to share some smiles!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

The image shows several square blondie bars with a light golden brown color and a soft, dense texture. Each bar is topped with colorful candy-coated chocolates in orange, yellow, and brown, some of which are partly melted into the batter. One blondie is placed on top of another with a bite taken out of it, revealing the chewy inside and candies embedded in the middle. The bars are arranged on a white marbled surface with a white bowl of similar candies visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these peanut butter cookie bars are stunning as-is, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch or a drizzle of melted chocolate to double down on the chocolate-peanut flavor. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts could also add a nice crunch and nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries can also brighten the plate and balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the bars on a colorful platter with extra Reese’s Pieces scattered around for visual appeal. You could also layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an impressive twist on dessert bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your peanut butter cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for midweek treats or last-minute guests.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars over a longer period, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for a convenient snack.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, microwave individual pieces for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the chocolate in the Reese’s Pieces in the bars wonderfully melty.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a bit more peanut flavor to the bars, though the final texture might be slightly less smooth but still delicious.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces? Can I substitute them?

You can swap Reese’s Pieces with mini peanut butter cups, peanut M&M’s, or any peanut butter chocolate candies you love. Just keep the quantity the same for balanced sweetness and flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and golden brown. The center may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as it cools, so resist the urge to overbake and dry out the bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour. This should give you the same chewy texture without gluten.

Can I halve the recipe if I want fewer bars?

Definitely. Just make sure to use a smaller baking pan (around 8×8 inches) and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking frequently for doneness.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces Recipe have quickly become one of my all-time favorite sweets to bake and share. The way the peanut butter marries perfectly with those colorful candy bursts makes every bite feel like a mini celebration. I encourage you to try making these bars soon—they’re easy, irresistible, and bound to bring a smile to your family and friends. Happy baking and even happier snacking!