Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the smell of freshly baked Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe takes you right back to cozy kitchen afternoons spent chatting with friends or sneaking bites when no one’s looking. I first made these blondies on a lazy weekend, and they instantly became my go-to when I want something sweet but not overly complicated. The soft peanut butter flavor combined with those candy-coated Reese’s Pieces? It’s honestly a little addictive—and my family can’t get enough. I love sharing this recipe because it’s one of those treats that always gets compliments, whether it’s for a casual coffee break or a special dessert after dinner.

What makes this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe so unique? Besides that irresistible combination of flavors, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous golden color with specks of orange, yellow, and brown candy that peek through the soft, chewy blondie base. The aroma when baking is pure nostalgia—warm peanut butter mixed with brown sugar, inviting you to sneak a taste even before they’ve cooled. Plus, these blondies have just the right dense-but-moist texture that keeps them from crumbling, which can be tricky when working with peanut butter. Whether you serve them fresh or packed for a picnic, they always impress.

Don’t worry if you’ve never baked blondies before—I’ve broken down the method step-by-step, and the ingredient list is straightforward. With a little patience and some simple tools, you’ll have these beauties out of the oven and ready to share in no time. I’ll also share tips on how to avoid common pitfalls like overmixing or under-baking, so you get perfect results on your first try.

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Before diving in, remember to measure your ingredients carefully—spoon and level your flour for accuracy to keep the texture just right. The precise amounts are in the printable recipe card below for easy reference.

• Unsalted butter: Melted for richness; cooled slightly to prevent cooking eggs.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to keep blondies chewy.
• Creamy peanut butter: Use processed, creamy styles like Skippy or Jif for best texture and flavor.
• Eggs + extra egg yolk: Helps provide structure and richness without drying out the bars.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances and balances the peanut butter and sugar flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Use spooned and leveled for tender, chewy bars.
• Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the blondies from being too dense.
• Salt: Essential to balance sweetness and deepen flavor.
• Reese’s Pieces: Adds colorful crunch and bursts of peanut butter-chocolate candy flavor.

If you need substitutions, creamy almond or sunflower seed butters can work, but expect slight texture changes. Brown sugar can be swapped for light molasses sugar for similar moisture and flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Provides the perfect thickness and even baking surface for blondies.
• Parchment paper: Makes lifting blondies out hassle-free—don’t skip it!
• Large mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients with ease.
• Whisk: Great for blending wet ingredients smoothly without overworking.
• Rubber spatula: Essential for folding in the flour and candy gently without toughening the batter.
• Cooling rack: Helps blondies cool evenly so they hold their shape when cut.

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

Ready to bake? Let’s get your oven preheated and your pan lined, and I’ll walk you through every step so your Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe turns out perfectly chewy and candy-studded.

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center. Line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides—this little trick means you can lift the blondies out cleanly when they’re cool, making cutting a breeze.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and shiny. Then stir in the peanut butter, followed by the eggs, additional yolk, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until you see a uniform batter—no lumps here!
3. Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the batter. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky—that’s perfect for chewy blondies.
4. Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in 1 ¼ cups of Reese’s Pieces so they’re evenly dispersed but not crushed. If you want extra color, sprinkle a few more on top before baking—they look beautiful once baked.
5. Bake carefully: Spread the batter evenly in the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30 minutes, then start testing with a toothpick in the center every couple of minutes. You want a few moist crumbs on the toothpick—not wet batter or completely dry. This is key for that fudgy chew; don’t rush or overbake!
6. Cool and cut: Let the blondies cool fully on a wire rack before lifting out with the parchment overhang. This resting time helps them set and keeps the edges soft in every bite. Cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve

Flavor Boosters

Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an irresistible salty-sweet combo. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter glaze for an extra indulgent touch. If you love nuts, chopped roasted peanuts folded in add crunch and depth. For a festive spin, add mini peanut butter cups or even a swirl of caramel on top.

Perfect Pairings

These blondies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy iced coffee. For adult gatherings, try a cup of espresso or even a peanut butter whiskey cocktail to echo the flavors. Fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced bananas make a bright contrast to the dense richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these bars instantly turns them into dessert magic.

Presentation Touches

Cut your Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe into small, bite-sized squares for parties—they’re crowd-pleasers and easy to serve. For gifting, wrap them in parchment with a ribbon and a personalized note. If serving at a picnic or potluck, a pretty tray lined with colorful napkins helps them stand out. And don’t forget to add a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top as a cheerful finishing flourish.

Variations & Easy Swaps

• Use natural peanut butter (just beware they might be slightly drier—try adding a tablespoon of extra butter to compensate).
• Swap Reese’s Pieces for M&Ms or chopped peanut butter cups for a new candy twist.
• For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a warm spicy kick.
• Replace some of the butter with coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Baked and cooled blondies freeze well for 3 months—wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat single squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their soft, chewy texture.
• Slice cooled blondies before freezing for easy grab-and-go treats.

FAQs

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, but keep in mind the texture will be slightly crunchier and may change the batter’s consistency a bit.
• Why are my blondies dry or crumbly? Often, it’s due to overbaking or using natural peanut butter that’s too dry. Stick to the baking times and creamy peanut butter for best results.
• Can I make these blondies vegan? You’d need to substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use a vegan butter alternative; results may vary but worth experimenting!
• What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces? Chocolate chips, peanut M&Ms, or chopped peanut butter cups work well as candy substitutes.
• How do I know when they’re done? Insert a toothpick in the center—look for moist crumbs, not wet batter, to achieve chewy perfection.