Name: Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 23 reviews

Let me tell you, these Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe are a game changer when you’re craving something rich, nutty, and just a little bit nostalgic. The moment you taste that creamy peanut butter blended with pockets of gooey sweetness from Reese’s Pieces, you’ll realize this dessert hits all the right spots. It’s perfect for those afternoons when you want a sweet pick-me-up or the kind of treat kids and adults both can’t get enough of.

I first made these blondies on a lazy weekend when I had a stash of Reese’s Pieces leftover from Halloween. Honestly, it was love at first bite. What makes the Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe truly special is the balance of chewy and soft textures along with that playful candy crunch that sneaks in every now and then. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to bake them again and again for family, friends, or just that indulgent snack you deserve.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Peanut Butter Taste: Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth, rich flavor without drying out the blondies.
Balanced Sweetness: Brown sugar adds moisture and deep caramel notes that complement the peanut butter beautifully.
Chunky Candy Surprise: Reese’s Pieces give that fun texture and bursts of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Easy Prep: This recipe comes together quickly with simple, accessible ingredients, perfect for any baker level.

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

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in making these Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe taste just right. Plus, I’ll share some tips on picking the best versions of each to make your baking success almost guaranteed.

Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture; melting it helps to create a fudgy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds chewy softness and a lovely caramel undertone; packed brown sugar keeps the sweetness even.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use creamy processed peanut butter (like Skippy or Jif) instead of natural to avoid dryness and crumbly bars.
Eggs and Extra Egg Yolk: Eggs bind everything together and add structure, while the extra yolk adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the blondies their body; spooning and leveling ensures a perfect measure for consistent texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly without making them cakey.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
Reese’s Pieces: The star candies that add bursts of peanut butter-chocolate flavor and colorful, crunchy fun.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is so flexible. You can tweak the candy mix or even play with add-ins to really make these bars your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little and find what makes your mouth happiest!

More Chocolate: Adding mini chocolate chips or chunks in addition to Reese’s Pieces amps up the chocolate factor — I do this when friends come over and they’re obsessed!
Nutty Twists: Toss in some chopped roasted peanuts if you want extra crunch and that salty-savory balance.
Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free option, swap flour for your favorite gluten-free blend but keep an eye on texture changes.
Less Sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or try Reese’s Pieces minis for smaller candy bursts.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the oven rack in the center. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides—this little trick means you’ll be able to lift the blondies out easily for clean cuts later. Trust me, it saves so much mess!

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until they’re well combined and smooth. Then, stir in the creamy peanut butter. Next, add your two whole eggs plus the extra yolk and vanilla extract—whisk everything vigorously until the mixture is silky and even.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Candies

Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt using a spatula. The batter will be pretty thick, which is just right. Finally, fold in the Reese’s Pieces gently to keep their shape and color intact. Spread the batter evenly into your lined pan and sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top for that pretty, inviting look.

Step 4: Bake and Test for Doneness

Bake for 30 minutes, then test with a toothpick inserted in the center. When the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they’re perfectly done. Keep an eye—oven temps vary—a couple minutes too long can make them dry. Remove and let cool completely, resting in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the whole batch out, then cut into bars or squares. These blondies are best enjoyed fresh, but I promise they keep well, too.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Creamy Peanut Butter: I’ve tried natural peanut butter and it made my blondies crumbly—creamier brands hold moisture better.
Don’t Overbake: Checking with a toothpick at 30 minutes saved me from dry blondies—I recommend starting there!
Even Spread: Use your spatula to smooth out the batter and avoid overly thick spots, ensuring even baking.
Lift with Parchment: Always use parchment with overhang for easier removal—cuts are cleaner and cleanup’s a breeze.

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 usually keep it simple with just a sprinkle of extra Reese’s Pieces on top because that pop of color and candy crunch makes these bars so inviting. Sometimes, I dust a bit of powdered sugar if it’s a special occasion, which adds a nice subtle sweetness and a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

These blondies go surprisingly well with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For an afternoon tea, a mug of black coffee or chai pairs beautifully to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holidays, I arrange the blondies on a festive platter lined with colorful parchment or do a stacked tower for a fun display. Wrapping individual bars in cellophane with a cute ribbon also makes them perfect little homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve completely cooled, I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

I’ve found these blondies freeze really well. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

If you want warm blondies, I warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—instant softness and that peanut butter aroma fills the kitchen. Just avoid overheating, or they dry out.

FAQs

Can I substitute Reese’s Pieces with other candies or nuts?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Pieces give that classic flavor and color, you can swap them with M&M’s, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different add-ins may slightly affect texture and sweetness.
Why does the recipe use an extra egg yolk?

The extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness to the blondies, helping them stay moist without becoming cakey. It makes the texture soft and dense, which is exactly what you want in these peanut butter bars.
Can I make these blondies vegan or dairy-free?

To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil and use flax or chia eggs in place of regular eggs. Just be aware that the texture and taste will vary slightly, and Reese’s Pieces are not vegan, so find suitable candy alternatives.
How do I avoid crumbly blondies?

Using creamy peanut butter and not overbaking are key. Also, don’t skip the extra yolk, and make sure you measure flour properly. Overmixing the batter can make blondies tough, so gently fold ingredients instead.
Can I bake these in a different pan size?

Yes, but baking time will vary. A smaller pan will make thicker bars that need longer baking, while a larger pan results in thinner bars that bake faster. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. It’s simple enough to make any day, but special enough to serve your guests and impress them without a fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why these bars have become a go-to in my kitchen, and I bet they’ll become a favorite in yours, too.