Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistible! A decadent peanut butter cookie dough packed with chopped pretzels, Reese’s cups, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chips, and optional peanuts makes these the peanut butter cookies of your dreams. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and salty pretzels creates a unique and delicious taste.
• Fun Texture: Enjoy the delightful crunch of pretzels mixed with the gooeyness of melted chocolate and peanut butter.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly even by novice bakers.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies yield about 40 servings, making them perfect for gatherings or gifts.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the mix-ins to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make these incredible cookies, you will need a few essential tools that simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: A stand mixer helps achieve a light and fluffy mixture easily, but a bowl works just fine if you prefer mixing by hand.
• Baking sheets: Proper baking sheets ensure even cooking and help prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is essential for folding in ingredients gently without breaking apart delicate pieces like Reese’s cups.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 cup butter (2 sticks, I used salted)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1 cup peanut butter (I like Jif)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 10-oz bag Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (quartered (about 2 cups chopped))
– 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy (chop half of it)
– 1 & 3/4 cup pretzels (measure the pretzels, then coarsely chop)
– 1 cup peanut butter chips (I used the Reese’s brand)
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (chop half of it into smaller bits)
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (optional)

How to Make Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare several baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Beat 1 cup butter for about 2 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides occasionally.
2. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar. Beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in 1 cup creamy peanut butter until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Beat well while scraping down the sides and bottom as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour

Before mixing in completely, use a small spoon to stir in:
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda

Gently mix until there are still flour streaks visible.

Step 5: Prepare Mix-ins

Prepare your mix-ins:
* Quarter the mini Reese’s cups until you have about two cups.
* Chop half of the Reese’s Pieces candy into smaller pieces if desired.
* Coarsely chop the pretzels after measuring out one and three-fourths cups.
* Chop half of the dark chocolate chips if they are large.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add:
– 1 cup peanut butter chips
– All prepared mix-ins (Reese’s cups, chopped Reese’s Pieces, chopped pretzels, chopped dark chocolate, and optional roasted peanuts).

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything into the dough without crushing the mix-ins too much.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a quarter-cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop:
– Shape dough balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet with about two inches between each ball.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 9–11 minutes. They should be light golden around the edges while remaining shiny in the center.

Step 9: Final Touches

Immediately after removing from oven:
– Use a spoon to push any uneven edges toward their centers for round cookies within 30–60 seconds after baking.

While still warm:
– Press any reserved mix-ins into each cookie top.

Step 10: Cool Down

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with milk for an exceptional treat!

How to Serve Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.

A Warm Dessert Platter

• Serve warm cookies on a platter alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for an inviting dessert spread.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the peanut butter flavor.

Cookie Gift Jars

• Layer cookies in a mason jar with decorative ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Cookie Sundae

• Crumble cookies over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a delightful sundae.

How to Perfect Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfecting these cookies involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until combined after adding flour to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can alter texture.
• Chill the Dough – For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely – Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; underbaking slightly will keep them chewy.
• Store Properly – Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these options to complement your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate dip allows you to enjoy cookie pieces in a rich, gooey chocolate experience.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the chewy cookie texture.
4. Homemade Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it enhances the richness of each cookie bite when served on top.
5. Nutella Dip – This sweet hazelnut spread makes an indulgent dip that pairs beautifully with peanut butter flavors.
6. Chia Seed Pudding – A healthy option that offers a creamy texture without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.
7. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel over warm cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
8. Coffee Float – Brewed coffee topped with whipped cream provides a delightful beverage pairing that’s refreshing yet rich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter will lead to dense cookies. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a lighter texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dry cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can toughen the cookies. Stop mixing when you still see a few streaks of flour.
• Skipping chilling time: While not mandatory, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Pull the cookies out when edges are set but centers are still shiny for a chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and flavor to your cookies.

How do I customize my Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Feel free to swap out mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate chips based on your preference!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.

Are these cookies suitable for parties?

Absolutely! The unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Final Thoughts

Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are truly a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in every bite. With their soft and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins for an even more personalized touch!