Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

If you’re chasing a dessert that combines gooey decadence, irresistible peanut butter flavor, and a pop of playful color, these Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies are the answer to your sweet tooth’s wildest dreams. Bursting with creamy peanut butter in every bite and studded throughout with crunchy, candy-coated REESE’S PIECES, these brownies are everything you adore about classic brownies with a delightful twist. Get ready to fall for this crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy enough for weeknight baking, yet impressive at any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies is a star. These humble pantry staples combine to create rich flavor, chewy texture, and bright color—all with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little insight into why each one matters.

• Butter (⅔ cup, melted): The melted butter brings richness and a luscious mouthfeel, making each bite gloriously moist.
• Granulated Sugar (1⅓ cups): Provides that signature crackly brownie top and balances the peanut butter’s savory notes.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds chewiness and a hint of molasses, deepening the flavor profile.
• Large Eggs (4): Bind everything together while giving lift and structure—essential for chewy brownies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, aromatic undertone that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• Creamy or Chunky Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star ingredient! Choose your favorite style for more smoothness or extra crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation of the brownies, ensuring just the right amount of hearty texture.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the brownies rise slightly, keeping them soft and tender rather than dense.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Makes the sweet and nutty flavors pop—don’t skip this!
• REESE’S PIECES (½ cup): Infuses these brownies with their unmistakable peanut butter crunch and a burst of color in every square.

How to Make Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 11 x 13-inch baking pan (metal or glass) with parchment paper. This little step is a true game-changer—it makes lifting out your brownies so easy, plus cleanup is a snap.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir everything until it’s fully blended and creamy. This mixture is what gives Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Salt

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing them in just until incorporated. Pour in the vanilla extract and toss in a pinch of salt. Taking it slow ensures the mixture stays smooth and glossy without getting overworked.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This quick blend makes sure your leavening is evenly distributed, so every corner of your brownies bakes up just right.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into your peanut butter mixture. Be gentle—overmixing will turn your brownies cakey instead of chewy. Stop mixing as soon as you stop seeing streaks of flour.

Step 6: Layer and Add REESE’S PIECES

Scrape your batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the REESE’S PIECES all over the surface, letting them nestle into the batter for colorful bites in every piece.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your brownies for 30 to 35 minutes. They should feel firm on top but still moist in the center—the ultimate brownie texture! Let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing for neat, satisfying squares.

How to Serve Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or an extra scattering of chopped REESE’S PIECES on top for extra crunch and color. For peanut butter fans, a swirl of warmed peanut butter creates a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want something a bit lighter, fresh strawberries or sliced bananas add a refreshing contrast and a pop of brightness to each plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut your Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies into mini bites and place them in colorful cupcake liners, or stack them in tall towers for an easy grab-and-go dessert bar. If you’re feeling fancy, use cookie cutters to make heart or star shapes for birthdays and celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them in an airtight container helps maintain their signature chewiness and keeps the REESE’S PIECES from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freeze the cooled brownies by wrapping individual squares in parchment and sealing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their soft texture and lively crunch for up to two months. Just thaw on the counter whenever a craving strikes!

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a brownie square in the microwave for ten seconds. The peanut butter flavor deepens and the candy coating softens slightly, making every bite as dreamy as the day they were baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you only have a 9 x 13-inch pan, your brownies will be a tad thicker and may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the center and test with a toothpick for doneness.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Both creamy and chunky peanut butter work wonderfully in Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies. Creamy gives you that silky texture, while chunky adds little pockets of crunch—choose based on your mood or pantry!

Can I substitute other candies for REESE’S PIECES?

If you’re feeling adventurous, chopped peanut butter cups or mini chocolate chips make a fantastic swap. Each will bring a unique twist to the brownies, but nothing beats the color and peanutty punch of the original REESE’S PIECES.

How do I prevent brownies from overbaking?

Keep a close eye on your brownies as they approach the 30-minute mark. The top should look set and lightly golden, but a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not totally clean and not gooey.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can try swapping in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for an allergy-friendly version of Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, joy-sparking treat, you can’t go wrong with Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to satisfy your own craving, these chewy bars will put a giant smile on everyone’s face. Give them a try and prepare for serious brownie bliss!

Print