Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and when you throw in the chewy goodness of oats, you have a cookie that will make your taste buds sing. These Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a delightful experience that combines textures and flavors in every bite. The creamy richness of peanut butter, the crunch of oats, and the colorful pop of Reeses Pieces come together to create a cookie that is hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

If you love cookies that pack a punch in flavor and texture, this recipe is a must-have in your baking rotation. The Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies bring together three beloved ingredients: peanut butter, oats, and chocolate. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also make use of everyday pantry staples. These cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or simply as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. Plus, they stay soft and chewy for days, making them ideal for meal prep.

What to Buy

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1-1/2 cup Reeses Pieces

Make sure to gather everything before you begin, as having all ingredients on hand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Recommended Tools

To make your baking experience easier, here are some recommended tools:

• Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help you mix your ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing the dough thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Ensure it’s lined with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
• Cooling rack: This allows your cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.

Directions: Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important as it evenly distributes the baking soda and salt, leading to a well-risen cookie.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to cream them together until smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until fluffy and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring the egg is well blended for a rich texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Reeses Pieces

Gently fold in the rolled oats and Reeses Pieces into the cookie dough. This is where the fun happens! Make sure the candies are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Variations for Dietary Needs

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and ensure your peanut butter is also dairy-free.
• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). Use plant-based butter and ensure the chocolate candies are vegan-friendly.
• Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.

Troubles You Can Avoid

Baking is all about precision and technique. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to cookies that are too dry or too wet. Invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons.
• Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Not letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes can cause them to fall apart when transferring.
• Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture. Always preheat your oven.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

You can easily store your cookies for later enjoyment:

To refrigerate, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to freeze them, layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and gooey.

Handy Q&A

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies, making them even more delightful.

What can I use instead of Reeses Pieces?

If you don’t have Reeses Pieces, feel free to substitute them with chocolate chips, M&M’s, or any other favorite candy.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can result from too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe is easily doubled. Just be sure to mix everything in a large enough bowl to accommodate the increased volume.

Don’t Miss These

If you love baking, don’t forget to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Before You Go

Making Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those around you. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests, these cookies are a delightful way to spread happiness. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag your favorite food bloggers for inspiration. Happy baking!