Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies: A Hug in Cookie Form

As a chef, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of crafting countless desserts, from intricate patisserie creations to rustic, comforting bakes. Yet, there are some recipes that hold a special place in my heart, not just for their deliciousness, but for the memories they evoke. Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies fall squarely into that category. I vividly recall the first time I encountered them, likely unearthed from the back of a bag of peanut butter chips, a treasure map to pure joy. These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible nostalgia, a perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, with a delightful chew that keeps you reaching for just one more. They became an instant holiday tradition, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that signaled the season of giving and indulgence.

Recipe Snapshot

Here’s what you need to know at a glance for these delightful cookies:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
• Total Time: 23-24 minutes
• Yields: 48 cookies
• Serves: 48
• Dietary Type: Nutty, Chocolatey

The Cast of Characters: Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie alchemy. For these Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Chef’s Note: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. It should yield to gentle pressure but not be melted or greasy. Similarly, room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform consistency.

Essential Kitchen Tools

While these cookies are wonderfully straightforward, a few key tools will make the process smoother:

• Mixing bowls (at least two: one large, one small)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) or a sturdy whisk and strong arm
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or two teaspoons for portioning

Crafting the Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s embark on the delicious journey of creating these iconic cookies. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of pure cookie perfection.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your cookies are ready to bake. You’ll be dropping the cookies directly onto ungreased cookie sheets, so no parchment paper or greasing is needed for this recipe.

2. Dry Ingredient Harmony: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, ensuring consistent lift and flavor throughout the cookies. Set this mixture aside.

3. Creaming the Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use your electric mixer on medium speed, or a whisk and some elbow grease, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the cookie’s texture and spread. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

4. Adding Wet Ingredients: Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter appears smooth and homogenous. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated before moving to the next step.

5. Incorporating the Dry Mix: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed (or mix gently by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

6. The Star of the Show: Now, it’s time for the delectable Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips! Gently stir in the peanut butter chips using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

7. Portioning the Dough: Using a teaspoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your ungreased cookie sheets. Aim for uniform sizes so that the cookies bake evenly. A small cookie scoop can also be very helpful here for consistency. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.

8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last minute of baking. The edges should look set, and the centers may still appear slightly soft – they will continue to bake and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

9. Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 1-2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This initial cooling on the sheet allows them to set up, preventing them from falling apart when you move them.

Chef’s Secrets for Cookie Success

While this recipe is remarkably forgiving, a few pro tips can elevate your Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookie game:

• Room Temperature is Key: I can’t stress enough the importance of room temperature butter and eggs. They emulsify better with the sugar, creating a creamier batter and ultimately a chewier cookie. If your butter isn’t soft, a quick hack is to cut it into small cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, cakey cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can be temperamental. If your cookies tend to spread too much or bake too quickly, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This can also intensify the flavors. Conversely, if they seem to bake too slowly, your oven might run cool, and you might need to increase the temperature slightly or bake for a minute or two longer.
• Uniformity for Even Baking: Using a cookie scoop or consistently sized teaspoons is vital. Unevenly sized cookies will bake at different rates, leading to some being perfectly done while others are either undercooked or overbaked.

Serving and Storage: Enjoying Your Creations

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, where their chewy texture and rich flavors truly shine. They are fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

For storage, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. If you find they are becoming a bit too firm, you can place a slice of bread in the container for a day to help reintroduce moisture.

If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, you can refrigerate the cookie dough balls for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake from frozen, place them directly onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, as the frozen dough will require slightly longer baking time.

Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated Per Cookie)

Here’s a general nutritional overview. Please note that exact values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and precise measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	133.1 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	6.9 g	10%
Saturated Fat	3.9 g	19%
Cholesterol	21.5 mg	7%
Sodium	102.1 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	15.8 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	10.7 g	42%
Protein	2.2 g	4%

A Twist on Tradition: Variations

While these cookies are spectacular as is, here are a few ideas to shake things up:

• White Chocolate Wonders: Swap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips for white chocolate chips for a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
• Double Chocolate Delight: Add 1/2 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the peanut butter chips for an even more intense chocolate experience.
• Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream: For an extra peanut butter punch, add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients during step 4. You might need to slightly increase the flour by a tablespoon or two if the dough becomes too wet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This can happen if your butter was too soft or melted, if you overmixed the dough, or if your oven temperature is too low. Ensure your butter is just softened and avoid overmixing. Chilling the dough can also help.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can try substituting a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to adjust the liquid or flour amount slightly as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.

Q: How do I get my cookies to be perfectly round?
A: Using a cookie scoop of consistent size is the best way to achieve uniform, round cookies. You can also gently roll the dough balls in your hands before placing them on the baking sheet.

Q: Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?
A: This is usually a result of overmixing the dough after the flour has been added, which develops gluten. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined.

Q: Can I use different types of peanut butter chips?
A: While Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips are specifically formulated for baking, you can experiment with other brands, but be aware that meltability and flavor profiles might differ slightly.

A Sweet Finale

There you have it – a recipe that’s more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a gateway to pure, unadulterated cookie joy. These Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies are a testament to the simple, yet profound, pleasure of a perfectly baked treat. They are the kind of cookies that bring smiles, spark conversations, and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a bite of pure bliss. I encourage you to bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor every delicious moment. And if you happen to have any leftover dough balls, don’t hesitate to freeze them – future you will thank you! Happy baking!