Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter lover with a sweet tooth and a craving for something salty and crunchy, you are absolutely going to adore these Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. Imagine the perfect chewy peanut butter cookie dough bursting with chunks of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the playful crunch of pretzels, colorful Reese’s Pieces, melty peanut butter chips, and rich dark chocolate chips—all coming together for a flavor explosion that’s truly one of a kind. These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re an experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients do wonders when combined thoughtfully, and that’s exactly what makes this recipe shine. Each ingredient not only adds texture, color, and flavor but also creates the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and nutty vibes that make these cookies absolutely irresistible.

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted): Creamy butter gives the dough richness and helps create that irresistibly soft texture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps cookies crisp up on the edges.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and deep molasses notes for chewiness and warmth.
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy): The star flavor that makes these cookies shine with authentic peanut butter goodness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the dough.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly rounded taste.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the backbone of the cookie with just the right amount of crumb.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift to keep the cookies chewy but not flat.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps create a tender crumb and ensures a perfect rise.
• 1 (10-ounce) bag Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, quartered: These pockets of peanut butter and chocolate make every bite joyful.
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy, half chopped: Colorful and crunchy treats that add playful texture.
• 1 3/4 cups pretzels, coarsely chopped: Crunch meets saltiness for delightful contrast with sweet elements.
• 1 cup peanut butter chips: Intensify the peanut butter flavor with melty goodness.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips, half chopped: Adds a slightly bitter chocolate depth that keeps the sweetness in check.
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (optional): Optional, but they provide an extra nutty crunch that complements the pretzels perfectly.

How to Make Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep those cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This little prep step sets you up for success and ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter for two minutes until smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then continue beating for another two minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and lump-free. This creaming process is key to getting that perfect cookie texture that’s crisp at the edges and tender in the middle.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla

Mix in the creamy peanut butter, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently, so everything incorporates evenly and your dough stays smooth and uniform.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, spoon and level the all-purpose flour. Stir in the kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda until fully combined. Gently beat the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, leaving a few streaks of flour unincorporated. Stopping here keeps the dough soft and ready to hold all those amazing mix-ins.

Step 5: Prepare and Add Mix-Ins

Quarter the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chop half of the Reese’s Pieces and dark chocolate chips, and coarsely chop the pretzels. Set aside a handful of any mix-ins you want to press on top later. Add the rest of the Reese’s cups, Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chips, and peanuts (if using) to the dough. Mix carefully by hand with a rubber spatula to avoid crushing the Reese’s cups. This is where the cookie’s character really shines.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a quarter cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls on your baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color and set, while the centers remain slightly shiny—this tells you that perfect chewy texture is locked in.

Step 7: Shape and Finish Warm

Right after removing the cookies from the oven, press the edges inward toward the center with a spoon to create thick, round, chewy centers. This quick shaping trick makes a huge difference — be sure to work while the cookies are warm! Press any reserved mix-ins on top for an extra pop of flavor and irresistible appearance.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, or if you’re like me, grab one warm cookie right away—with a cold glass of milk—and savor every bite of these Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

How to Serve Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are already loaded with mix-ins, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can elevate the flavor, enhancing the salt and sweet dynamic. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate adds a professional touch perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a creamy peanut butter smoothie to highlight the rich flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning them into a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden platter layered with pretzel sticks and extra Reese’s Pieces surrounding them. You can also create a cookie sandwich filled with peanut butter frosting or chocolate ganache for an outrageous twist that builds on the indulgence of these Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep their chewy texture intact, consider placing a slice of bread inside the container; it will help absorb excess moisture and keep cookies soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully as well—store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months.

Reheating

Bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the soft and chewy texture and revives the melty mix-ins, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular peanut butter with natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can swap in natural peanut butter, but keep in mind it has more oil and a thinner consistency, which might affect the dough’s texture slightly. Refrigerate the natural peanut butter before measuring to firm it up, and consider reducing any added butter by a tablespoon if the dough feels too soft.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be aware it might slightly change the texture and how the dough holds together.

Can I omit the pretzels or peanuts?

Absolutely! While the pretzels add a wonderful salty crunch, and the peanuts add extra nuttiness, you can omit either or both if you prefer or have allergies. Just keep in mind this shifts the texture and flavor balance.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, try reducing the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup or substituting half the peanut butter chips for more dark chocolate chips, which have less sugar and add bittersweet depth.

Can I use full-size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of mini ones?

You certainly can! Just chop the full-size Reese’s into small pieces roughly the size of mini cups for even distribution. Be mindful that larger chunks may melt differently and could make smaller cookies a bit messier to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about these Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies that makes every bite a celebration of flavors and textures. From the first taste of that peanut buttery, chocolaty goodness to the satisfying crunch of pretzels, these cookies are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead—bake them for your next gathering or treat yourself to a little homemade joy. Trust me, these cookies will bring smiles, milk-drinking moments, and plenty of happy dance-worthy indulgence to your kitchen.

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