Late one rainy afternoon, with the windows fogging from the cool drizzle outside, I decided I needed a bit of cheer in the kitchen. My grandson Ethan had left behind a half-empty bag of Reese’s Pieces after our movie night the evening before. I spotted it sitting on the counter beside a jar of peanut butter, and that little pairing sparked an idea. I could already imagine his delighted grin when he’d bite into something gooey, rich, and sprinkled with those colorful candies.
I’ve always believed that baking can turn a quiet day into something memorable. There’s a certain rhythm to whisking sugar into melted butter, folding in flour, then waiting as the warm, nutty aroma fills the house. I remember standing by the oven, the smell of peanut butter reminding me of after-school snacks I used to make for my children decades ago. Now it’s my grandchildren who scamper in, noses twitching, asking how much longer they have to wait.
That afternoon felt like a perfect chance to bake something simple yet indulgent—something that bridges generations. My husband wandered in to “check the weather,” but I knew he just wanted the first slice once the pan had cooled.
By the time the timer chimed, the rain had slowed to a mist, and the brownies had set into a soft, chewy slab of peanut-buttery goodness dotted with bright orange and yellow candy shells. It was a cozy, heartwarming bake that turned an ordinary day into one worth remembering.
Short Description
These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies are chewy, rich, and brimming with peanut butter flavor, topped with crunchy candy shells for a sweet and colorful finish.
Key Ingredients
- ⅔ cup melted butter
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
Tools Needed
- 11 x 13-inch metal or glass baking pan
- Parchment paper (with overhang for easy lifting)
- Two large mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can lift the brownies out easily after cooling.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies chewy rather than cakey.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces across the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is firm but the center stays slightly moist.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve.
Troubleshooting tip: If the edges start to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and Chewy: Perfect balance of sweet peanut butter and fudgy brownie texture with a candy crunch.
Family-Friendly Treat: Bright pops of Reese’s Pieces make these especially fun for kids.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or specialty ingredients—everything’s likely already in your pantry.
Colorful and Festive: Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or celebrations thanks to the vibrant candy topping.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies keep well for days, making them a great prep-ahead dessert.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly brownies. Solution: Remove when the top is set but the center is still slightly soft.
Overmixing the Batter: Can make the brownies tough. Solution: Fold gently just until the flour disappears.
Uneven Baking: Often happens if the batter isn’t spread evenly. Solution: Smooth the surface with a spatula before baking.
Candy Sinking: If candies sink to the bottom, lightly press them into the top after pouring the batter instead of mixing them in.
Cutting Too Soon: Warm brownies crumble easily. Solution: Let them cool fully before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Pair with cold milk for a classic after-school snack.
Cut into smaller bite-sized bars for potlucks or party platters.
Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a richer finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften slightly before eating.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well to prevent excess oil from affecting the batter’s consistency.
2. Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces with chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips work well.
3. Do I need to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended for easy removal and cleaner slices.
4. What if I don’t have a large 11 x 13 pan?
Use a 9 x 13 pan instead, but increase baking time by 5 minutes, checking often.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Tips & Tricks
Slightly underbake for extra fudgy brownies.
Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
Chill the brownies before slicing for sharp, neat edges.
Reserve a handful of candies to press on top after baking for a picture-perfect look.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Drizzle Brownies: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
Nutty Crunch Brownies: Fold in ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
Caramel Swirl Brownies: Add ⅓ cup caramel sauce to the batter before baking and gently swirl with a knife.
Double Candy Brownies: Combine Reese’s Pieces with mini chocolate chips for a more indulgent topping.
Holiday Twist: Swap Reese’s Pieces for seasonal candy-coated chocolates to fit festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
The rain tapping on the windows became a soothing soundtrack to my stirring and mixing. I loved watching the candy shells dotting the top as they softened slightly in the oven, turning the plain golden batter into something cheerful.
Sharing them with my family that evening, I noticed how even the quietest grandchild perked up at the sight of the bright squares on the plate. Baking for them has always been my way of showing care, and this recipe captures that perfectly—simple, colorful, and full of warmth.
For anyone looking to make an ordinary afternoon special, this dessert does the trick. It’s the kind of recipe that invites smiles before anyone even takes a bite, and that’s what I love most about it.
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup melted butter
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, both sugars, and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and salt.
- Whisk flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan, top with Reese’s Pieces, and bake for 30–35 minutes until set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool for 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
