How to Make Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookie bars with the vibrant, candy-coated crunch of Reese’s Pieces, you’re in the right place. This recipe for Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is simple, fun, and absolutely bursting with flavor and color, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars bring joy in every bite with their gooey texture and sweet, nostalgic candy hints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: A straightforward recipe with minimal steps perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Colorful and Fun: The Reese’s Pieces add a bright, cheerful pop to every bar.
• Perfect Texture: Chewy, soft cookie base combined with little bursts of crisp candy.
• Family Favorite: A sweet treat that kids and adults alike adore.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key, and luckily this recipe keeps it simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich brown sugar adding moisture and depth, to the colorful Reese’s Pieces that give these bars their signature look and crunch.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the soft and chewy cookie bars.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise perfectly without making them cakey.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the texture tender.
• Brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-like sweetness and moist texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and lightness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bars hold shape.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla boosts the cookie flavor wonderfully.
• Chocolate chips: Melty, semi-sweet chips complement the candy’s sweetness.
• Reese’s Pieces candies: The star ingredient for color, crunch, and peanut butter sweetness.

Variations for Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you have dietary preferences or just want to mix up the flavor profile, these simple swaps and additions let you customize your cookie bars easily.

• Peanut butter swap: Use peanut butter chips instead of traditional chocolate chips for a richer peanut flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and tasty alternative.
• Nut-free version: Skip the Reese’s Pieces and add M&Ms or other nut-free candies instead.
• Extra crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Vegan twist: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to make these bars vegan-friendly.

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make removing the bars easy and keep their shape intact.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is key for the perfect texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing well here ensures even moisture and flavor throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tougher bars.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Reese’s Pieces

Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces candies, being gentle so you don’t crush the colorful candies but ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly soft. The center will firm up as the bars cool.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This step is essential for clean slices that hold together well.

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Room temperature ingredients: Soften butter and bring eggs to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bars tender.
• Use parchment paper: This makes it much easier to lift the bars out intact after baking.
• Watch the baking time: Overbaking can dry out the bars so check a few minutes early.
• Press in extra candies on top: For a colorful, candy-coated surface, press a few more Reese’s Pieces onto the dough before baking.

How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a beautiful finishing touch that tastes as good as it looks.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on a colorful platter or cut them into bite-sized pieces on a dessert board alongside fresh berries and nuts for a festive snack spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Freezing

Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until soft and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Peanut butter chips give a delicious twist, enhancing the peanut butter flavor from the Reese’s Pieces.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if you have time, it can help the bars set up better during baking.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and adjust as needed for texture.

How do I keep the Reese’s Pieces from melting too much?

Fold them in gently and avoid overmixing; also, adding some candies on top before baking helps keep their shape intact.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

Wait until completely cooled, then use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean, even slices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—their colorful crunch combined with soft, chocolaty happiness makes them hard to resist. If you love simple recipes that deliver big on flavor and fun, this one’s definitely worth trying. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch that will quickly become your new favorite treat!

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