Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate fusion of two classic treats: buttery chocolate chip cookies and the peanut buttery crunch of Reese’s Pieces.
These cookie bars are thick, chewy, and loaded with sweet chocolate morsels and bursts of colorful candy-coated peanut butter candies in every bite. Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or simply satisfying a craving, these bars offer both nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor.
What sets them apart is their balanced texture—soft in the center with just the right amount of golden crispness at the edges. The Reese’s Pieces not only add vibrant color but also a subtle peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolate chips beautifully. Made in a single pan with pantry staples, they’re a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to whip up in under an hour.
Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter or just looking for a fun twist on a traditional cookie bar, these bars deliver comfort and indulgence in every square.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or pack them up for on-the-go snacking. Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are bound to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Description
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are chewy, buttery dessert bars loaded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy peanut butter candies.
These bars combine the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible taste of Reese’s Pieces, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
Baked in a single pan, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or casual weeknight treats.
With a golden-brown crust and gooey center, they’re a peanut butter lover’s dream.
Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy at room temperature for a satisfying, nostalgic snack.
If you're looking for a chewy, gooey, and colorful dessert that's easy to make and impossible to resist, Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are just what you need.
These cookie bars combine the nostalgic flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible crunch and peanut buttery sweetness of Reese’s Pieces candies.
They’re baked in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and portioning super simple — perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This step ensures your bars lift cleanly out of the pan for neat slicing. -
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside — this mix helps give your bars structure and a soft, chewy bite.
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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
Step 4: Combine and Add Mix-ins
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix, as this could make the bars dense. Fold in the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the Reese’s Pieces (reserving 1/4 cup for topping). If you’re using chopped peanuts, mix those in as well. -
Step 5: Spread and Top
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Press the remaining 1/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces over the top for a bright, fun finish. -
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The center may look slightly underdone when you take it out — this is perfect! It will continue cooking as it cools. -
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 390kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
eese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
These soft-baked bars are loaded with mini chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, creating a chewy, sweet, and nutty treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookie bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Baking Tips
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures better creaming with the sugars and results in a smoother, more uniform dough. - Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. - Line Your Pan
Line your baking pan (typically 9x13-inch) with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan cleanly for cutting. - Watch the Bake Time
Bake until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake — the bars will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly bars. - Cool Before Cutting
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. If you cut them while warm, they may fall apart.
Serving Variations
- Brown Butter Upgrade
Swap regular butter for browned butter to add a rich, nutty depth of flavor. - Chocolate Lovers’ Twist
Add a swirl of melted chocolate or drizzle on top. You can also mix in chunks of milk, dark, or white chocolate. - Nutty Crunch
Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch and texture. - Seasonal Fun
Use seasonal Reese’s Pieces (like Halloween, Easter, or holiday-colored varieties) for a festive touch. You can even substitute with M&M's or holiday-themed sprinkles. - Mini or Jumbo Format
Use a muffin tin to make individual cookie bar cups for portion control or bake in a larger pan for extra-thick bars. - Ice Cream Sandwiches
Slice the bars into squares and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between two for a decadent treat. - Frosted Bars
Top with a peanut butter frosting or cream cheese glaze to elevate the richness even further.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. - Refrigeration
If your kitchen is warm or humid, you can refrigerate the bars to keep them fresh longer (up to 7–8 days). Let them sit at room temp before serving for the best texture. - Freezing
These bars freeze very well:- Cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Bonus Tip:
If you're baking for a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a half-sheet pan. These bars slice beautifully and travel well, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or lunchboxes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake: The key to soft, chewy cookie bars is slightly underbaking them. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Room temperature eggs: These help emulsify the batter and create a better texture. If you’re in a hurry, soak the eggs in warm water for 5 minutes.
- Melted butter: Using melted butter enhances chewiness and richness, but make sure it's not too hot when mixing in the eggs or you might scramble them.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Peanut butter swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter before baking and swirl with a knife for an extra peanut butter punch.
- Oats and coconut: Stir in 1/2 cup of quick oats or shredded coconut for added texture.
- Holiday twist: Swap in seasonal M&M’s or themed Reese’s Pieces for holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day.
- Double chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate cookie bars.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Crumble leftovers into yogurt or use them as a sundae topping.
- Wrap up in parchment and ribbon for an easy bake sale treat or party favor.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and totally crowd-pleasing, this recipe is a great go-to for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re baking with kids, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookie bars deliver bold flavor in every chewy, buttery bite.
Let the candy-coated joy begin!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Reese’s Pieces cookie bars different from regular chocolate chip bars?
Reese’s Pieces cookie bars stand out because they combine the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookie dough with the rich, peanut buttery crunch of Reese’s Pieces.
These candies add both vibrant color and texture, making the bars extra chewy with bursts of peanut butter in every bite—something regular chocolate chip bars don’t offer.
Can I use peanut butter chips or M&M’s instead of Reese’s Pieces?
Yes! While Reese’s Pieces are the signature candy for this recipe, you can substitute with peanut butter chips, M&M’s, or even chopped Reese’s cups for a similar effect.
Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 to 1.5 cups to maintain the cookie bar structure.
How do I ensure the bars stay soft and chewy after baking?
The key is to slightly underbake the bars—remove them when the edges are golden and the center looks just barely set.
They’ll continue to cook slightly in the pan as they cool. Also, using brown sugar and a touch of cornstarch or an extra egg yolk in the dough can help retain moisture for a chewier texture.
How should I store these cookie bars and how long do they last?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers with parchment between each bar—they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly for a warm, gooey treat.
