Name: Chewy REESE'S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ¾ cup creamy peanut butter; 3 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips; 1 cup REESE’S PIECES (plus extra for topping)

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I’ve always had a soft spot for the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Growing up, I would sneak REESE’S PIECES from the candy jar, carefully savoring their crunchy shell and smooth peanut butter core. Years later, that nostalgic flavor inspired me to create something truly indulgent—Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies. These brownies are rich, thick, and irresistibly fudgy, with a crackly top and melty peanut butter pockets in every bite. The candy-coated REESE’S PIECES add a delightful crunch and burst of color that make them perfect for any occasion, from casual treats to festive gatherings.

What I really love about this recipe is how it blends decadence and comfort in the most delightful way. Each square is a bite of chocolatey bliss with just the right amount of peanut butter to balance the sweetness. They’re chewy in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with personality.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll adore these brownies because they hit every mark for dessert perfection. They’re easy to make with pantry staples, yet feel like something special. The peanut butter adds a creamy richness that complements the intense chocolate flavor. Plus, the REESE’S PIECES scattered throughout bring a playful texture and color that makes every piece pop.

If you’re a fan of fudgy brownies over cakey ones, this recipe is your new go-to. The chewiness in the middle is deeply satisfying, while the chocolate chunks and candy bits provide bursts of indulgence. They’re a true crowd-pleaser—whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself.

Versatile

These brownies are as adaptable as they are delicious. Want to add some crunch? Toss in some chopped roasted peanuts or even pretzels. Craving more chocolate? Add a swirl of Nutella or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking. You can also bake them in a muffin tin for individual servings. Whether you’re making them for school lunchboxes, birthday parties, or weekend desserts, these brownies fit the bill.

Affordable

This recipe is budget-friendly and doesn’t require anything fancy. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and a bag of REESE’S PIECES adds a fun touch without breaking the bank. You get bakery-style flavor and texture without the high price tag.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these chewy REESE’S PIECES peanut butter brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
3 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
1 cup REESE’S PIECES candy (plus extra for topping)

How to Prepare This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a pan of brownies from scratch, especially when they come out rich, gooey, and loaded with peanut butter goodness. These Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies come together quickly and require minimal effort—perfect for any skill level. The process is straightforward and rewarding from the very first step to the final slice.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges. This will help prevent sticking and ensure an even bake throughout.

Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later. Warm butter helps dissolve the sugar better and creates that signature crackly brownie top.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the creamy peanut butter and whisk again until fully incorporated. This step creates a rich, moist base with depth from the peanut butter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the batter becomes thick and glossy at this point—this is key to getting that chewy texture.

Step 5: Sift in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt directly into the bowl. Fold everything gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the brownies soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Candy
Add the chocolate chunks and most of the REESE’S PIECES to the batter. Gently fold them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The chocolate will melt into the batter while the candy keeps its texture and color.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining REESE’S PIECES over the top, pressing them slightly into the batter for that eye-catching finish.

Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on the center—it should no longer jiggle, and a toothpick inserted near the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking; it’s better to err on the side of gooey than dry.

Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. For even cleaner cuts, cool them completely or refrigerate for a short while. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between slices, for bakery-style presentation.

Quick and Easy

Despite their bakery-quality taste, these brownies are incredibly simple to make. There’s no need for a stand mixer or fancy tools—just a few bowls, a whisk, and your favorite baking dish. From start to finish, the prep takes only about 15 minutes. The rest is baking time, which gives you just enough space to clean up or prepare a cup of coffee while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and peanut butter.

Customizable

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to customize. You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate, or even add white chocolate chunks for extra sweetness. If you like salty-sweet combos, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. Want to make it gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. You can even turn these into brownie bites by using a mini muffin pan—just reduce the bake time slightly.

Popular with Many People

These brownies never last long when I bake them. They’re popular with kids and adults alike—everybody loves the rich flavor and chewy texture. They’re a hit at bake sales, potlucks, and weekend gatherings. I’ve even had people request these as birthday treats instead of cake! Whether served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re the kind of dessert people ask for again and again.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture. It will introduce small peanut bits throughout the brownies, which can complement the REESE’S PIECES nicely. Just make sure it blends well into the batter.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely. These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll actually become even fudgier the next day, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead.

How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?
Yes, you can bake the batter in a smaller 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. They will be thicker, so add 5–10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick in the center.

What can I substitute for REESE’S PIECES?
If you don’t have REESE’S PIECES, you can use peanut butter chips, mini peanut butter cups, or even chopped roasted peanuts. M&M’s can work too, though the peanut butter flavor will be less pronounced.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can slightly reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup if desired, but keep in mind that the balance of sweetness contributes to the chewiness and crackly top. Reducing too much may alter texture and flavor.

Are these brownies freezer-friendly?
Yes, these freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, cut the brownies into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed as needed.