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Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe with you because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The rich peanut butter melds perfectly with the chewy, buttery blondie base, while the Reese’s Pieces add bursts of sweet, chocolatey crunch. It’s honestly one of my go-to treats for casual weekends or when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up, yet it looks and tastes like you put so much love into it. Whether it’s for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or just a little self-care moment, these blondies hit the spot every time. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it over and over!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavor: The creamy peanut butter and sweet Reese’s Pieces create a delicious combo that’s comforting and satisfying.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: These blondies come together quickly with common pantry ingredients but look like you spent hours baking.
  • Texture Contrast: Soft, chewy blondies meet crunchy, chocolatey candy for a dynamic bite that keeps you coming back.
  • Great for Sharing or Gifting: Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for slicing into squares and packing for potlucks or gifting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe plays a role in creating that irresistible combination of rich flavor and perfect texture. I always recommend using creamy peanut butter for the best moistness, and don’t skip the Reese’s Pieces – they really bring the blondies to life.

  • Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter gives a rich, buttery flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Packed for moisture and that deep caramel-like taste which complements peanut butter perfectly.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Use processed creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for moist, tender blondies without crumbliness.
  • Eggs & Extra Egg Yolk: Eggs bind everything together and the extra yolk adds richness and a chewy bite.
  • Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure – spoon and level the flour to avoid dry blondies.
  • Baking Powder & Salt: Help with rising just enough and balance out sweetness.
  • Reese’s Pieces: The star candy that adds texture, color, and that classic peanut butter-chocolate combo punch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is how versatile it is – you can easily make these your own depending on your mood or what you have on hand. I sometimes swap Reese’s Pieces for peanut butter chips or add a handful of chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.

  • Variation: I once swapped plain peanut butter for crunchy and loved the added texture, but for the smoothest bars, creamy is best.
  • Dietary Modification: For gluten-free, try almond flour blends and watch the bake time closely.
  • Seasonal Twist: Adding mini peanut butter cups during the holidays can turn these blondies into a festive treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place your rack in the center position. Then, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a big overhang on the sides – this trick makes lifting the blondies out super easy and clean. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra step.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Next, add in your creamy peanut butter and give it a good stir. Then, add the eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract – whisk everything until it’s completely combined. This step creates the rich and creamy base that makes these blondies so irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, add the flour, baking powder, and salt to your wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together gently – the batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want. Finally, fold in the Reese’s Pieces, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for decoration. This way, you’ll get that fun candy crunch throughout and a pretty finish.

Step 4: Bake and Test

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Around 28 minutes, start testing the blondies with a toothpick in the center – you want it to come out with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, keep checking every couple of minutes. Be careful not to overbake because these blondies taste best when they’re fudgy, not dry.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let your blondies cool completely in the pan resting on a wire rack. The parchment overhang makes it easy to lift them out in one piece. Then cut into squares – I like large pieces for sharing but smaller bites work well too!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Processed Peanut Butter: I learned the hard way that natural peanut butter dries these blondies out, so stick with creamy store-bought varieties like Jif or Skippy.
  • Don’t Skip the Parchment Overhang: This simple trick makes removing the blondies a breeze without crumbling or mess.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye from 28 minutes so you catch the perfect chewiness; overbaking makes them drier than needed.
  • Extra Reese’s Pieces on Top: Not just pretty—they give a sweet little crunch right at the surface, making every bite delightful.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of seven square-shaped blondies, each about an inch thick, with a soft, crumbly texture. The blondies are light golden brown with visible cracks on the surface, studded with colorful candy-coated chocolates in orange, yellow, and brown scattered on top and partially embedded inside. The plate is placed on a textured green cloth, all set against a white marbled background with crumbs lightly scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top right before baking for that little pop of color and fun crunch. Sometimes, I like a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, especially if serving at a party. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a smear of peanut butter frosting can totally turn these into a fancy treat, too.

Side Dishes

These blondies are sweet and rich, so I often pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For a fun brunch twist, serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to add a fresh note to the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve arranged these blondies on a pretty platter with colorful Reese’s Pieces scattered around and little paper flags stuck on toothpicks for a festive look. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on tiered dessert stands — they disappear fast when presented like that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold up really well for about a week — perfect for sneaking a treat during the week without baking again.

Freezing

These blondies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I cut them into squares, wrap each piece in plastic, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months, and thawing overnight in the fridge works great for soft, fresh-tasting blondies.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a blondie in the microwave for about 10 seconds — just enough to soften the peanut butter and release those wonderful aromas without drying it out. They’re a little slice of heaven when warm, especially paired with a scoop of ice cream.

FAQs

  1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

    While natural peanut butter is great for eating and cooking, it tends to dry out baked goods like blondies, making them crumbly. For the best texture, stick to creamy processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy as recommended in the recipe.

  2. How do I know when the Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces are done?

    Start checking around 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. You’re looking for a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the toothpick comes out dry, they might be overbaked and could taste dry.

  3. Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces with other mix-ins?

    Absolutely! While Reese’s Pieces give a unique peanut butter-chocolate crunch, you can try peanut butter chips, chocolate chunks, or even chopped nuts as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly.

  4. How should I store my baked blondies?

    Store them wrapped tightly at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing individually wrapped pieces works well for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is truly one of my favorites to make and share because it brings together familiar flavors in the most comforting way. I love how it’s foolproof yet feels special, making it perfect for any occasion, big or small. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do — they’re a little batch of happiness you can whip up anytime you want to treat yourself or loved ones.

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Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 18 large blondies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously rich and chewy peanut butter blondies loaded with Reese’s Pieces candy, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert. These blondies combine creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and a tender crumb, baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Blondie Batter

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (170g)
  • 2 cups light or dark brown sugar, packed (400g)
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (190g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 extra egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (250g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Mix-ins

  • 1 and 1/4 cups Reese’s Pieces (about 260g)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the oven rack in the center. Line a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the blondies. Set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the creamy peanut butter and whisk again. Incorporate the eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold these gently into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring the batter becomes thick and uniform without over-mixing.
  4. Incorporate Reese’s Pieces: Fold in the Reese’s Pieces candies carefully, reserving some to sprinkle on top for a decorative touch if desired. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake the Blondies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check every 2 minutes until the toothpick shows just a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking to keep the blondies chewy.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies from the pan, then cut into 18 large squares for serving.
  7. Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover blondies covered at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Freezing: Baked and cooled blondies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
  • Peanut Butter Tip: Use creamy processed peanut butter like Skippy or Jif instead of natural peanut butter to prevent dryness and crumbly texture in baked blondies.
  • Pan Type: Maintain a 9×13-inch size pan, metal or glass both work well.
  • Over-baking Warning: To keep your blondies moist and tender, avoid letting the toothpick test come out completely clean; a few moist crumbs indicate perfect doneness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 blondie
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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