Name: Reeses Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486486H16M21S
Total time: PT-486486H16M21S
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
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 Reeses Pieces candies; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 1 tbsp corn syrup

Decadent reeses pieces chocolate chip cookie bars offer a playful twist on classic dessert favorites.

Sweet memories of childhood snacking dance through this delightful treat.

Chocolate lovers will find pure bliss in each gooey, peanut butter-studded bite.

Crispy edges complement the soft, chewy center that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Crumbling peanut butter candies throughout the dough ensures surprising bursts of flavor in every square.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible bars that promise pure indulgence.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring celiac-friendly treat without compromising taste.
Vegan Candy Bar Squares: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, select dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace Reeses Pieces with vegan candy alternatives.
Low-Sugar Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
Nutty Chocolate Bar Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans into dough, incorporating extra crunch and nutty complexity to enhance overall texture and taste experience.

Sip Chocolate Milk Delight: Cool, creamy chocolate milk perfectly complements the rich, sweet cookie bars, balancing the intense flavors with its smooth texture.
Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cookie bars, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and blending sweet creamy notes.
Match with Cold Brew Coffee: Strong, smooth cold brew coffee cuts through the sweetness, offering a robust counterpoint to the decadent chocolate and peanut butter dessert.
Enjoy with Caramel Latte: Warm caramel latte enhances the cookie bars' butterscotch undertones, adding depth and creating a luxurious dessert experience with complementary caramel hints.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore soft texture.
Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a preheated 325°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Are these cookie bars difficult to make?

These bars are super easy! Even beginner bakers can whip them up quickly with basic mixing skills and standard kitchen tools.

Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes! You can swap chocolate chips for other candy pieces and use different nut butters like almond butter instead of peanut butter.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick with just a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center. This ensures a soft, chewy texture without being raw or overdone.

Do I need any special equipment to make these cookie bars?

No special equipment needed! Just a standard mixing bowl, baking pan, spatula, and basic measuring tools will work perfectly for this recipe.

Craft a Sweet Sensation: Indulge in a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy candies for a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
Bake with Minimal Effort: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires simple mixing and basic baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick treat.
Perfect for Sharing: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that's ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or movie nights, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Customize Your Craving: Experiment with different candy mix-ins or adjust the peanut butter drizzle to make this recipe uniquely yours, offering endless possibilities for personal creativity.

For the Base:

Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness to the dough.
Granulated Sugar: Creates a classic sweetness and helps with the cookie bars' structure.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building component for the cookie bars.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.

For the Mix-Ins and Drizzle:

Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of rich chocolate throughout the cookie bars.
Reeses Pieces: Add colorful candy crunch and peanut butter flavor.
Peanut Butter, Corn Syrup: Create a smooth, sweet drizzle that adds extra richness and visual appeal to the dessert.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang slightly over sides for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugars

Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until creamy and light, creating a fluffy foundation for cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Mix in eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender dough texture.

Step 6: Create Peanut Butter Drizzle

Warm peanut butter and corn syrup together, creating a silky sauce for extra flavor complexity.

Step 7: Introduce Chocolate and Candy

Carefully fold into the dough:

Chocolate chips
Reeses Pieces

Distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 8: Spread Dough in Pan

Transfer dough to prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even baking.

Step 9: Add Peanut Butter Swirl

Drizzle warm peanut butter mixture across dough, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near center shows minimal crumbs.

Step 11: Cool and Release

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper edges.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy candy pieces.

Prevent Dry Bars: Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain moisture and ensure a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast chocolate chips and Reeses Pieces briefly before adding to the dough to intensify their nutty, caramelized notes.
Master Perfect Baking: Check doneness early and remove bars when edges are golden and center is slightly underbaked for a gooey, rich consistency.
Control Sweetness Balance: Reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons if using Reeses Pieces to prevent overwhelming sweetness and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Customize Texture: Let bars cool completely before cutting to allow them to set properly, creating clean, crisp edges and optimal mouthfeel.

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Single-serving recipe development
Global flavor fusion
Minimalist cooking techniques
Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training

Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.