I love how these brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter and crunchy Reese’s Pieces. They come out incredibly fudgy in the center with just enough structure around the edges, making them the kind of dessert I want to bake for parties, family gatherings, or simply when I’m craving something indulgent and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s simple to make but tastes bakery-level impressive. I get deep chocolate flavor from cocoa powder, balanced perfectly by peanut butter and candy-coated crunch. I also enjoy that everything comes together in one bowl, which keeps cleanup easy and stress-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ½ cups Reese’s Pieces candies
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
I whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth, then I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
I stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, mixing just until combined.
I gently fold in the peanut butter, leaving some swirls for texture, and then stir in most of the Reese’s Pieces.
I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining Reese’s Pieces on top.
I bake the brownies for about 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly fudgy.
I let them cool completely before slicing so they hold their shape nicely.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 16 generous brownies from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 15 minutes, baking time is about 35 minutes, and cooling takes roughly 45 minutes, for a total time of about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap Reese’s Pieces for chopped peanut butter cups when I want bigger pockets of peanut butter.
I also like adding chocolate chips for extra richness or using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
When I want a slightly lighter texture, I reduce the cocoa powder by a couple of tablespoons and add more flour.
Storage/Reheating
I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If I want them to last longer, I keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To reheat, I warm individual brownies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, which brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
FAQs
Can I Use Natural Or Processed Peanut Butter?
I prefer creamy processed peanut butter because it blends smoothly, but I’ve also used natural peanut butter with good results as long as it’s well stirred.
How Do I Know When The Brownies Are Done?
I look for set edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
I freeze them often. I wrap individual slices tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute without changing anything else.
Why Are My Brownies Dry?
I’ve noticed overbaking is usually the cause, so I always check them a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies because they’re rich, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Every time I make them, they disappear fast, and I’m reminded why chocolate and peanut butter will always be one of my favorite combinations.
These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies are ultra-fudgy, rich chocolate treats swirled with creamy peanut butter and studded with crunchy Reese’s Pieces. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.
Total Time:1 hour 35 minutes (including cooling)
Yield:16 brownies
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ½ cups Reese’s Pieces candies
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
Swirl in the peanut butter, leaving visible streaks for texture. Fold in most of the Reese’s Pieces.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining candies on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is fudgy. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
Don’t overbake—check a few minutes early to ensure fudgy centers.
For cleaner slices, chill the brownies before cutting.
Use a spatula to create peanut butter swirls without fully mixing it in.
