Description
Reese’s pieces chocolate chip cookie bars blend irresistible peanut butter sweetness with classic chocolate chip comfort. Gooey chocolate and crunchy candy pieces create a nostalgic dessert that sparks childhood memories while satisfying current cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup reese’s pieces
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Topping/Garnish:
- 1/2 cup additional reese’s pieces (for topping)
- 1/4 cup additional chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle additional Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips across the surface, creating an enticing and decorative topping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for approximately 1 hour, enabling the bars to set and become easier to cut.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Prevent overmixing by stopping stirring as soon as dry ingredients blend with wet ingredients to maintain a soft, tender cookie bar texture.
- Ensure even baking by spreading dough uniformly and using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface in the baking pan.
- Customize flavor by experimenting with different chocolate chip and candy combinations, like swapping Reese’s Pieces with peanut butter chips or M&Ms.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg