Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best of two classic treats: chocolate chip cookies and Reese’s Pieces candies. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and peanut butter crunch. With a simple mix of pantry staples and a touch of candy magic, these cookie bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these bars deliver indulgent comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces candies, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down into an even layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, for an extra crunch and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Incorporate 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the dough for an even richer peanut butter flavor that complements the Reese’s Pieces.
• Double Chocolate: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to make these bars a double chocolate treat.
• Mini Bars: Use a smaller baking pan, such as an 8×8-inch pan, to make thicker, bite-sized bars. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as the thicker bars may need a few extra minutes to bake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm, gooey cookie bar, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While salted butter can be used, it may affect the overall saltiness of the bars. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of candy instead of Reese’s Pieces? Yes! You can substitute Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups, or any other candy of your choice for a fun twist.
3. How do I know when the bars are done? The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for mixing the dough. Just be sure not to overmix it, as this can result in a denser texture.
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for proper measurement conversions if necessary.
6. Can I make these bars dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or margarine, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
7. What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking pan? You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars or a larger pan (like a 10×15 inch) for thinner bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
8. How can I make these bars more festive? To make them more festive, especially around holidays, add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking, or use holiday-themed candies like red and green M&M’s for a Christmas twist.
9. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, such as a 10×15-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
10. How should I cut the bars? After the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. You can cut them smaller for bite-sized treats or larger for more substantial portions.

Conclusion

Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy and delightful treat that combines the best flavors of chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter candy. With a soft and chewy texture, these bars are packed with chocolate chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for lunch, or just enjoying a sweet snack at home, these cookie bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously indulgent.

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