Reeces Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Reeces Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Decadent peanut butter reeces pieces chocolate chip cookie bars promise a sweet escape from ordinary desserts.

Nutty undertones mingle with rich chocolate, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

Childhood memories flood back with each gooey bite.

Soft, chewy textures invite you to indulge without hesitation.

Crisp edges provide a delightful contrast to the melted center.

Crumbles of candy add unexpected bursts of excitement to this classic treat.

Baking these bars will make you the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that satisfies every sweet craving.

  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Packed with colorful Reese's Pieces, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles to children's faces, making them an ideal treat for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
  • Quick Comfort Dessert: Needing only one pan and baking in under 30 minutes, these bars offer a fast solution for satisfying sweet cravings without complicated preparation or extensive cleanup.
  • Party-Ready Treat: The eye-catching combination of chocolate chips and Reese's Pieces makes these bars a standout dessert for potlucks, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers, sure to impress guests with minimal effort.
Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: Soft and versatile base for cookie bars.
  • Butter: Rich and creamy foundation for delicious texture.
  • Sugar: Sweet component that adds golden caramelization.
  • Eggs: Binding agent for smooth cookie consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm flavor enhancer.
Chocolate Additions:
  • Chocolate Chips: Classic sweet morsels scattered throughout.
  • Reese's Pieces: Colorful peanut butter candy topping for extra crunch.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent for proper rise.
  • Salt: Flavor balancer that highlights other ingredients.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.

Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy batter.

Step 3: Spread Dough in Pan

Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula or your hands to spread the batter evenly across the entire surface, creating a uniform layer.

Step 4: Decorate with Reese’s Pieces

Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces candies generously across the top of the cookie dough.

Press the candies gently into the surface so they slightly sink into the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the edges to turn golden brown and the center to look set but still slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy the delightful blend of chocolate chip cookie and Reese’s Pieces!

  • Select high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting texture in your cookie bars.
  • Gently press Reese's Pieces across the surface to ensure each bite has a perfect candy-to-cookie ratio.
  • Watch the edges closely around 20 minutes to prevent over-browning while maintaining a soft, chewy center.
  • Swap ingredients like gluten-free flour or dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Allow bars to cool entirely in the pan to help them set and make clean, precise cuts easier.
  • Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore soft, gooey texture.
  • Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short time frame. Cover with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of whole milk that perfectly complements the sweet chocolate and peanut butter flavors of the Reese's Pieces bars.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert that melts in your mouth and balances the rich textures.
  • Match with Caramel Latte: Enjoy a warm caramel latte alongside these bars, where the coffee's boldness cuts through the sweetness and creates a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Serve with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top to elevate the dessert's richness and provide a light, airy contrast to the dense cookie base.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat.
  • Peanut-Free Option: Swap Reeces Pieces with sunflower seed candies or M&Ms for those with nut allergies, maintaining the colorful and crunchy texture.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar and dark chocolate chips with lower sugar content to create a more diabetic-friendly dessert bar.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

  • Are Reese's Pieces necessary for this recipe?

No, they’re optional. You can skip them or replace with other candies like M&Ms if desired.

  • Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the baked bars for up to a month.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Reeces Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Reeces Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Reese’s Pieces chocolate chip cookie bars blend classic comfort with playful candy crunch. Sweet squares deliver rich chocolate and peanut butter notes that chocolate enthusiasts crave, promising pure indulgence in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 stick (113 grams) melted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 cups (340 grams) chocolate chips
  • 1 small box Reeces Pieces

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by coating it with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients first, ensuring they are well blended and free of lumps.
  3. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until a smooth, consistent cookie dough forms.
  4. Transfer the prepared dough into the greased baking pan, using a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
  5. Carefully scatter Reece’s Pieces across the top of the dough, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they adhere during baking.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a golden brown color.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  8. Slice into desired serving sizes and enjoy the sweet, decadent treat that combines chocolate chip cookie goodness with colorful Reece’s Pieces candies.

Notes

  • Make sure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing and even incorporation of ingredients.
  • Gently press Reece’s Pieces on top of the batter to ensure they stick but don’t sink completely into the dough.
  • For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Cool completely in the pan before cutting to help bars hold their shape and prevent crumbling when slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star