Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars

by

Absolutely! Let’s turn your Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars into a full, indulgent recipe write-up with everything you requested—story, history, methods, and more. Here’s a detailed version:

Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars

Soft, Chewy, and Peanut-Butter Packed – A Candy Lover’s Dream

Introduction

If cookies and candy had a lovechild, it would be these Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, buttery, and studded with bursts of peanut butter candy, each bite is a playful dance of sweetness and nostalgia. Perfect for a weekend treat, after-school snack, or anytime you want a little candy-colored joy, these bars combine the comforting warmth of a classic cookie with the irresistible fun of Reese’s Pieces.

Ingredients

Cookie Base:

  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins:

  • 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (or slightly more for extra candy goodness)
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for chocolate-peanut butter perfection)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Creaming the Butter & Sugars:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Dry Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.

4. Candy & Chips:

  • Fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips gently, ensuring even distribution without smashing the candy.

5. Transfer & Smooth:

  • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to make an even layer.

6. Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
  • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before lifting them out with the parchment paper.

7. Slice & Serve:

  • Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. For extra fun, sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top while still warm.

Methods & Tips

  • Soft & Chewy Texture: Don’t overbake! The bars will continue to set as they cool.
  • Candy Distribution: Gently fold the Reese’s Pieces to avoid color bleeding.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Mix-ins: Chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips enhance the nutty flavor.

History & Formation

Reese’s Pieces first hit shelves in 1978, gaining fame from the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Their peanut-butter-filled candy shells quickly became a snack-time icon. Combining them with cookie dough is a modern twist born from the trend of candy-studded bars—an evolution of the classic chocolate chip cookie. The chewy cookie bar form allows the candy to shine while maintaining a soft, satisfying bite.

Conclusion

Reese’s Pieces Cookie Bars are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of childhood nostalgia and dessert innovation. Each bite is buttery, sweet, and peanut-buttery, with candy pops that make the eyes light up before the taste buds do. Perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy evenings at home, they remind us why candy and cookies are timeless companions.

Lovers’ Notes

  • Candy Lovers: These bars are a dream—every bite delivers that Reese’s Pieces crunch and peanut butter flavor.
  • Cookie Purists: The buttery base ensures a soft, chewy texture that even chocolate chip enthusiasts will adore.
  • Bakers’ Delight: They’re easy to assemble, forgiving, and visually fun, making them perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone who loves a colorful treat.

Method Reiteration for Lovers

  1. Cream butter and sugars.
  2. Add vanilla.
  3. Fold in flour, baking soda, salt.
  4. Mix in candy & optional chocolate chips.
  5. Spread in pan, bake, and cool.
  6. Slice, serve, and enjoy every colorful, chewy bite.

If you want, I can also make a “Giant Candy-Packed Pan Version with Extra Gooeyness” version that turns this into a dessert bar that’s almost like a fudge brownie hybrid—perfect for showing off at parties.

Do you want me to make that version too?

Leave a Comment