Few things delight the senses like the rich, nostalgic taste of peanut butter and chocolate combined. When it comes to cookie perfection, the Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies reign supreme. These decadent cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with not one, not two, but three types of Reese’s peanut butter treats: chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and colorful Reese’s Pieces. Every bite bursts with nutty, chocolaty goodness that takes you straight to dessert heaven.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the best Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies right at home—from the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for storage, variations, and the science behind what makes these cookies so irresistible. By the end, you’ll have a 2000+ word master guide on how to perfect this show-stopping cookie recipe and why it deserves a spot in your baking rotation.
What Makes Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies So Special?
What sets these cookies apart is the incredible flavor depth and texture that comes from using three types of Reese’s products:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Their creamy filling and chocolaty shell melt into the dough, creating pockets of deliciousness.
- Reese’s Pieces – These add a playful crunch and a pop of color to each bite.
- Peanut Butter Chips – They boost the peanut flavor and melt just enough to keep the interior soft and fudgy.
When combined with a buttery peanut butter cookie base, these cookies become nothing short of spectacular.
Ingredients and Why They Matter
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and how each contributes to the cookie’s structure and flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives these cookies a rich base and moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, adding nutty flavor and soft texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: The sugar combo balances sweetness and gives the cookies that perfect chewy inside.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping all ingredients stick together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure for the cookie.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Provides leavening so the cookies puff up.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups: Provides melty pockets of chocolate-peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips: Amplifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces candies: Adds texture and a crunch.
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Reese’s Mix-ins
Use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or cooled!
Nutritional Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Calories: ~150 kcal per cookie (may vary based on mix-in brands and portion size)
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls:
- Baked cookies: Place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or warm oven.
- Dough balls: Place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with 2 extra minutes.
Variations
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts or pretzel bits for more texture.
- Double Chocolate: Use chocolate peanut butter chips for an even richer cookie.
- Stuffed Version: Insert a mini peanut butter cup in the center of each dough ball.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Tips for Cookie Success
- Use room temperature ingredients so everything mixes smoothly.
- Slightly underbake for a gooey center.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Press extra Reese’s Pieces on top before baking for a picture-perfect finish.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just someone who craves the occasional sweet indulgence, these cookies hit the mark every time. They are great for holidays, bake sales, or weekend baking therapy. And with endless ways to customize them, you’ll never get tired of baking them again and again.
So, go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make the most addictive peanut butter cookies you’ve ever had. Happy baking!