Irresistible Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Ever been stuck staring at your pantry at 8pm, craving something sweet but dreading the pile of bowls and measuring cups? Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars totally swoop in to rescue days like that. They are gooey, peanut buttery, and—let’s be honest—more fun than regular cookies (no scooping, no separate batches). If you’ve ever been tempted by treats like sugar cookie cheesecake bars, you’ll see why these have a cult following. Promise: You don’t need to be a kitchen whiz or own a five-star restaurant to nail these bars.

Why Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Are a Favorite

Alright, hear me out. Peanut butter cookie bars tick all the boxes for what dessert should be, at least in my book (and probably yours if you’re here). They’re flavor-packed, soft as a pillow in the middle, and the top gets all golden and slightly crispy. Total nostalgia trip.

What really sells me: the mix of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and Reece’s Pieces. It’s the candy aisle met your grandma’s cookie recipe—only way less fuss. They come together in one bowl, which saves your sink (shout out to anyone who hates dishes as much as me). Plus, you can slice them any size you want, so grabbing just a little edge piece is a legit option. Not to mention, they keep well, pack perfectly, and—let’s be real—are the main attraction at potlucks.

I remember taking these to a backyard BBQ. People legit came back for seconds before finishing round one. Call it magic, call it science, all I know is these things make folks happy.

“These cookie bars are now a staple at every family get-together. My kids fight over the corners!” – Jamie, Kansas City

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

If you have a basic pantry, you’re probably almost there already. Here’s what you’ll need to make these bars glorious and gooey:

• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (I just grab whatever’s on sale)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (salted works too—don’t stress)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed tight like a snowball
• 1/2 cup regular old white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (go wild with a splash extra if you love vanilla)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (unless your PB is saltier than your last breakup)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet. Or mix it up!)
• 1 cup Reece’s Pieces candies

If you want things extra gooey, don’t skimp on the chocolate chips. That’s non-negotiable in my kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s cut the fancy “culinary” talk. Here’s how you pull this off with minimal effort (and maximum flavor):

First, preheat your oven to 350°F—seriously, don’t skip this or you’ll regret it mid-mixing. Grab an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and line it with parchment if you don’t feel like scrubbing later.

In a big bowl, stir together the peanut butter and melted butter. Add both sugars and keep stirring until it looks like it wants to be peanut butter fudge. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla. Whisk again. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rough edges taste just as good (sometimes better).

Now mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Just until it comes together—don’t whack the batter around too much or your bars get tough. Fold in the chocolate chips and the Reece’s Pieces.

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan. Flatten it out with a spatula or, if you’re brave, damp hands. Toss a few extra candies on top for drama. Bake 25-30 minutes until they’re just set and a little golden on the edges. Cool for at least an hour if you have restraint (I don’t, typically).

There you go—slice, serve, devour.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cookie Bars

I’ve made my fair share of flops before figuring this out. Learn from my mistakes!

• Don’t overbake. Seriously, if you see a little jiggle in the middle, pull them out. They finish setting up while cooling.

• If the batter seems too thick, a tablespoon of milk saves the day. Trust me.

• Want cleaner cuts? Chill the bars before slicing. Otherwise, expect glorious goo.

• Swap in parchment paper so cleanup’s basically nonexistent.

If you’re feeling extra, right before baking, press in a few more candies or chocolate chips on top for the “wow” effect. No one ever complained about too many mix-ins.

Variations and Add-Ins for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Let’s be honest, this recipe is prime for tinkering. Maybe you want more chocolate (who doesn’t), fewer nuts, or a crazy flavor twist? Here are a few places I stray:

Spread a layer of marshmallow fluff on the cooled bars. Or, sprinkle chopped pretzels on top before baking for salty crunch. Swap Reece’s Pieces for chocolate-peanut butter M&Ms just to mix things up—my neighbor swears it makes the bars taste “like Halloween year-round.” And if you want to double down on peanut flavor, peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips give a fun texture.

Point is, don’t feel hemmed in by the classic. Make it your own, or check out these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for even more inspiration.

Common Questions

Can I freeze these bars?
Yep! Just wrap in foil, pop in a zip bag, and they’ll keep for a month—if you can leave them alone that long.

I only have crunchy peanut butter. Will that work?
For sure. Extra crunch is a win in my book. Just make sure to stir it up first.

Can I make these gluten free?
You bet. Use your favorite gluten-free blend. Bars may bake up just a bit denser, but still delicious.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Go for it, but stir it well and expect the dough to be a little looser. I sometimes add a spoonful more flour.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not at all. It goes straight in the oven. Who has time for chilling anyway?

Ready to Bake? Grab That Mixing Bowl!

So, there you have it. All the secrets for these Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are officially out in the wild. They check off easy, crowd-pleasing, and just the right amount of sweet. Try them once and you’ll see why they’re my go-to. Drill even deeper into the peanut butter obsession with this ingredient breakdown or browse this perfect option for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces if you’re still deciding. Set that oven to preheat—life’s too short for boring desserts.

Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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• Author: hamidkom
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These gooey, peanut buttery cookie bars packed with chocolate chips and Reece’s Pieces are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Reece’s Pieces candies

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and melted butter.
3. Add both sugars and mix until well combined.
4. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla, whisking until smooth.
5. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and Reece’s Pieces.
7. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan, flatten with a spatula, and top with extra candies if desired.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden on the edges. Let cool for at least an hour before slicing.

Notes

Don’t overbake; a slight jiggle in the middle is okay. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American