Well, we think we figured out the sweetest way to kick off the new year…with cookies, duh!
As the holiday season winds down and the new year begins, many of us reflect on the moments that brought us joy. For us, one of those moments ends up being the holiday cookie swap events – and we always say “game on!” It’s also one of the hardest for us for the obvious reason. Which one of our fan-favorite recipes do we choose?! 😳 They are all so good! With that said, this year’s cookie swap turned into a celebration of creativity and community. The annual gathering of friends and coworkers inspired a recipe that wasn’t exactly “new” but one we realized we had never shared on the blog. I know, we are so sorry! 😞 Hear us out…we have sooo many that some instant hits fall through the “blog cracks” and just live in our heads and our stomachs. 😋 It happens.
So, we are thrilled to share with you this simple and classic hit, the Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookie.
These cookies are not only packed with peanut butter flavor but also symbolize the sweetness of coming together and the excitement of fresh beginnings.
Like we said, it was the cookie swap that sparked it all! It all started because of this year’s annual holiday cookie swap—a beloved tradition where each guest brings a batch of their favorite cookie to exchange. Participants excitedly scan the table filled with holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread, thumb print classics, snowballs, and classic chocolate chip. That’s when we were about to start cranking out our always requested classic Best Damn Chocolate Chip Cookie dough that we realized a few things. One, Best Damn is always going to be a favorite, and two, what if we brought them another cult follower favorite? Then it became even more clear. Most people during the holidays are craving something bold, nostalgic, and indulgent. That’s when the idea struck us to bring out a cookie that would embody all those qualities.
Peanut butter has always been a crowd-pleaser, and Reese’s Pieces add a playful, colorful twist. Resurrecting from the archives a recipe that combined the two seemed like the perfect way to deliver a cookie that stands out while paying homage to the simplicity of our favorite childhood flavors.
The Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookie is also perfect for the new year! Why? January often feels like a reset button. We set goals, embrace new routines, and look for little ways to add joy to our days. These cookies are the perfect treat to kick off the new year with a smile. Their rich, peanut buttery base is comforting and satisfying, while the crunchy, candy-coated Reese’s Pieces bring a touch of fun and whimsy—reminding us not to take life too seriously as we set out to achieve our goals.
Need not wait any longer…here’s how you can recreate this holiday-inspired, new year-approved cookie:
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter* (we used Jif creamy)
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar + 1/2 cup (100 grams) for rolling
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/3 cups (170 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (mini or regular sized)
- 1 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
*we recommend a Jif or Skippy creamy peanut butter, not natural; natural will work but your dough will spread more when you bake
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl as needed in between additions.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add the Fun: Fold in the Reese’s Pieces (we used mini, but regular size candies does the trick, too!) + peanut butter chips (optional, but highly recommended), reserving a few to press on top of the cookies for decoration.
- Scoop and Shape: Scoop out generous 2 Tbsp balls of dough and roll into balls, then roll in your granulated sugar. Next, place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
- Cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to five days.
What a sweet tradition we are excited to finally share so all of you can carry it forward! Whether you’re sharing these cookies at a New Year’s party, a cozy weekend brunch, or just enjoying them with loved ones, they’re sure to bring smiles and spark conversation. They remind us that the best recipes often come from moments of togetherness and the desire to create something special.
So, as we embrace the opportunities this new year brings, let’s also make time for indulgent treats like these Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookies. After all, a little sweetness is the perfect way to kick off any new chapter!
Happy New Year, and happy baking! 🧑🍳🍪
