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Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 43 reviews

If you’re like me and adore anything peanut butter, you’re going to flip for this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe. It’s the perfect combo of rich, nutty peanut butter goodness and those fun, colorful Reese’s Pieces that add a pop of sweetness and crunch. These blondies have this unbelievable chewy texture with just the right amount of gooeyness, making them a go-to treat whether it’s for a casual snack or impressing friends at your next gathering.

I love making this recipe when I want something quick but feel special, especially when I’m craving that nostalgic candy bar flavor without the fuss. Plus, the peanut butter and brown sugar create this deep caramel-like flavor that’s seriously addictive. Trust me, once you try these Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces, they might just become your new favorite dessert to whip up!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Balance: The combination of brown sugar and peanut butter creates a chewy yet tender blondie that’s simply irresistible.
  • Flavor Contrast: Reese’s Pieces add just the right touch of crunch and sweetness, brightening the deep peanut butter flavor.
  • Easy To Make: Few ingredients and straightforward steps make this a friendly bake for any skill level.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: These blondies are perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or a cozy night in.
A stack of square blondie bars is placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each blondie bar has a golden brown crumbly texture with visible chunks of peanut butter and colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces in red, orange, yellow, and purple embedded throughout. The bars show a soft, slightly thick inner texture with the candy pieces slightly melted into the batter. Some candy pieces rest loose on the plate near the bars. The bars are layered unevenly, with some bars leaning against each other, showing their interiors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part to deliver that ultimate peanut butter blondie experience. Choosing the right kind of peanut butter and sugar can make a big difference, so I’ll share my go-to tips to make your batch shine.

  • Unsalted butter: Melting it helps blend smoothly with the sugar, giving rich moistness without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Brown sugar: Packed tightly for that caramel flavor and chewy texture that keeps the blondies from drying out.
  • Creamy peanut butter: I recommend processed styles like Jif or Skippy since natural peanut butters can dry out baked goods.
  • Eggs + extra yolk: Eggs bind everything together, while the extra yolk adds richness and a fudgier feel.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the peanut butter’s nutty warmth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure but doesn’t make the blondies dense when measured correctly (spooned & leveled!).
  • Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the blondies from being too flat.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut taste without being salty.
  • Reese’s Pieces: These little bursts of color and candy-coated crunch are the stars of the show, making every bite exciting.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it a bit sweeter, nuttier, or even gluten-free, you can customize without losing that classic charm.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap Reese’s Pieces for chopped peanut butter cups or even mini chocolate chips when I want a chocolate twist.
  • Dairy-free option: Try using vegan butter and a flax egg to make these blondies allergy-friendly without sacrificing texture.
  • Texture boost: Adding chopped roasted peanuts on top before baking amps up the crunch if you like things a little more textured.
  • Less sweet: Reduce the brown sugar slightly and add a pinch more salt for a sophisticated balance that’s not overly sugary.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides so you can lift the blondies out easily after baking. This simple step saved me so much time slicing and serving neatly – highly recommend!

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until fully combined and glossy. Then add the creamy peanut butter, eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until smooth and well incorporated — no lumps here!

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Reese’s Pieces

Combine your flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then add them to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until just combined. The batter will be thick—that’s how you know it’s right! Finally, fold in the Reese’s Pieces, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for that extra candy-candy paparazzi effect.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Moist

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Start checking at 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; you’re looking for moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking is a trap I’ve fallen into before and it dries them out fast, so keep an eye on those last few minutes!

Step 5: Cool and Slice with Care

Once baked, let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack — patience is key here! Then, using the parchment paper sling, lift them out and slice into squares. It makes serving a breeze and keeps the edges intact, which is my favorite part.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Butter Temperature: Let the melted butter cool to warm before mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs.
  • Use a Rubber Spatula for Folding: This helps keep the batter thick without overmixing, which keeps blondies tender.
  • Test Doneness Early: Start checking at 28 minutes to avoid drying out; moist crumbs mean perfect gooeyness.
  • Lift from Pan Using Parchment: Makes slicing and serving so much easier while keeping the edges neat and intact.

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 love sprinkling a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top right before baking to amp up that colorful, playful vibe. For an extra indulgence, a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or even a dusting of sea salt takes the flavor to another level. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes it a show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries for a balanced snack. A cold glass of milk or a creamy iced coffee complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly. I’ve also served these at parties alongside popcorn and pretzels—the sweet and salty combo is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I’ve arranged these blondies in a checkerboard pattern alternating with chocolate brownies for a fun visual surprise. You could also cut them into bite-size squares and place on decorative wooden skewers to make peanut butter blondie pops—a real crowd-pleaser at kids’ events or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, and they stay soft and delicious. If you want to keep the edges from firming up, placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture—a little trick I learned along the way.

Freezing

These blondies freeze wonderfully! After cooling, I cut them into squares and wrap each in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving—the texture remains just as satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming the blondies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften without melting the candy pieces. Alternatively, pop a wrapped blondie in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for a warmed treat that almost tastes fresh-baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe?

    While natural peanut butter works fine for many recipes, it tends to dry out baked goods like blondies, resulting in a crumbly texture. For the best chewy, moist blondies, I recommend creamy processed peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy.

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

    Insert a toothpick in the center around 28-30 minutes; you want to see a few moist crumbs clinging to it but no wet batter. This means they’re perfectly gooey. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye once you hit 28 minutes.

  3. Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces with another candy?

    Absolutely! Feel free to swap Reese’s Pieces for chopped peanut butter cups, mini chocolate chips, or even toffee bits depending on your preference. Just keep in mind this will change the flavor and texture slightly.

  4. What’s the best way to cut the blondies neatly?

    Using the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab from the pan makes cutting a breeze. Make sure the blondies are completely cool before slicing with a sharp knife for clean edges.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite comfort bakes because it’s so easy yet feels indulgent and fun every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—they’ve saved me more than once when I needed a knockout dessert without the hassle. Give it a try, invite your friends over, and watch these blondies disappear fast. You’re going to love them!

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Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 18 large blondies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Peanut Butter Blondies are rich, chewy bars bursting with peanut butter flavor and chunks of Reese’s Pieces for a fun twist. Perfect as an indulgent snack or dessert, they combine buttery sweetness with the classic taste of peanut butter and colorful candy pieces for texture and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (170g)
  • 2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar (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 & leveled (250g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/4 cups Reese’s Pieces (about 260g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the oven rack in the center position. Line a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan completely with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the blondies out easily after baking. Set aside.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the creamy peanut butter and whisk again. Then incorporate the 2 large eggs, 1 extra egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Sift or add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter until just combined. The batter will be very thick.
  4. Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces candies evenly through the batter. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top for decoration.
  5. Bake the blondies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking, checking every 2 minutes until only a few moist crumbs remain. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
  6. Cool and cut: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondie slab from the pan and cut into 18 large squares.
  7. Store: Store any leftover blondies covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Freezing Instructions: After baking and cooling, these blondies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Special Tools: Use a 9×13-inch pan, glass mixing bowls, a whisk, and a rubber spatula for best results.
  • Peanut Butter Tip: For moist and chewy blondies, use processed creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif instead of natural peanut butter, which can dry out baked goods.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large blondie
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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