Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and simply irresistible! Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet treat at home, these cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of chopped pretzels and Reese’s treats makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: Each bite is packed with rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, making it a satisfying treat.
• Unique Texture: The crunchy pretzels add an unexpected crunch that perfectly complements the chewy cookie.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Versatile Sweetness: You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer mix-ins according to your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a bake sale or family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easier and quicker, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking for the best results.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking; using parchment helps with easy removal of cookies.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in mix-ins without smashing delicate ingredients.

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Ingredients

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!

• 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 then coarsely chop)
• 1 cup peanut butter chips (I used the Reese’s brand)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (chop half 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 your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare several baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or using a silicone mat.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Beat the butter for about two minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides occasionally.
2. Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat for another two minutes until light and fluffy with no chunks of butter remaining.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter and Eggs

Add:
1. The peanut butter, mixing well until fully combined.
2. Then add the two eggs and the vanilla, beating well while scraping down the sides.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Spoon and level off two cups of flour.
2. Stir in one teaspoon each of kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—there should still be flour streaks visible.

Step 5: Prepare Mix-ins

Prepare your mix-ins by:
1. Quartering the mini Reese’s cups.
2. Measuring out one cup of Reese’s Pieces candy (chopping half).
3. Chopping one and three-quarter cups of pretzels coarsely.
4. If desired, chopping half of one cup of dark chocolate chips into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Incorporate Mix-ins

Add all prepared mix-ins into the dough along with one cup of peanut butter chips:
Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently to avoid breaking up any candy pieces.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a quarter-cup measuring scoop:
Shape dough balls and place them on prepared baking sheets with about two inches apart. Aim for about eight to twelve per sheet.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about nine to eleven minutes until edges are light golden brown but centers may still look shiny.

Step 9: Shape After Baking

Immediately after removing from oven:
Use a spoon to gently push in any uneven edges towards the center for rounder shapes.

Step 10: Cool Down

Press any reserved mix-ins into warm cookies before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy at least one warm!

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. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Cold Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with cold milk enhances the rich peanut butter flavor and provides a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

Cookie Platter for Parties

• Arrange these cookies on a platter with other treats. They will stand out and be the star of any dessert table.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm right after baking for an ooey-gooey experience. The melty chocolate and peanut butter chips will make every bite irresistible.

Gift Them to Friends

• Package these cookies in a decorative box or tin as a sweet gift. They are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because!

With Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a balanced snack that adds color and freshness to your plate.

How to Perfect Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

To ensure your Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: After mixing, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading during baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents your cookies from becoming too dense.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter and chocolate chips. Good ingredients lead to better flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when the edges are set but the center looks slightly underbaked for maximum chewiness.
• Press Mix-Ins After Baking: For added texture, press some extra mix-ins into the tops of warm cookies right after baking.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy longer.

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

When enjoying Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, complementing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Milkshake: Blend up a creamy chocolate milkshake that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of peanut butter.
3. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a delicious treat that offers both creaminess and crunch.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: These provide a chewy texture that complements the crunchy pretzels in your cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve caramel sauce on the side for dipping; this adds an extra layer of indulgence.
6. Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: Light cupcakes topped with creamy frosting make for an appealing dessert duo alongside your cookies.
7. Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or espresso brings out the flavors in your cookies while providing a comforting beverage option.
8. Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake bites offer a rich, creamy contrast that will delight anyone who tries them alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugars, resulting in dense cookies. Always use softened butter for light and fluffy dough.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, making the cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies might spread too much while baking. Chilling helps them maintain their shape.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an incorrect temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 10-15 second intervals until warm; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can use crunchy peanut butter! It will add extra texture, but make sure it’s well-mixed with the sugars before adding other ingredients.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 40 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Can I customize the mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch up or add different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits based on your preferences.

How long do Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies last?

They can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in every bite. Their soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible! Don’t hesitate to get creative by customizing mix-ins or toppings. Enjoy these cookies warm or store them for later—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!