Name: Doughy Reeces Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup Reese’s Pieces; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp baking powder

Mixing reeces pieces into classic chocolate chip cookie bars creates a playful twist on a beloved dessert.

Peanut butter candies add unexpected bursts of sweetness and color.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delightful combination of smooth chocolate chips and crunchy candy pieces.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through familiar flavors with a surprising punch.

Kids and adults alike can’t resist these irresistible treats that blend childhood memories with contemporary baking creativity.

Soft, chewy, and packed with decadent ingredients, these bars guarantee smiles around the table.

You’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear quickly.

Conquer Baking Ease: Perfect for novice bakers who want a straightforward, foolproof dessert that guarantees delicious results without complex techniques.
Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: Loaded with chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, these bars will be an instant hit at parties, family gatherings, or potlucks with their irresistible sweet combination.
Customize Your Treat: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications like adding nuts, swapping chocolate types, or adjusting mix-ins to match personal preferences and make the dessert uniquely yours.
Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing method mean you can go from craving to enjoying these decadent bars in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert desires.

For the Fats:

Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture in the cookie bars.

For the Sweeteners:

Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Combine to offer deep caramel notes and sweetness while contributing to the bars’ soft and chewy consistency.

For the Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie bars.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Provide leavening to help the bars rise and achieve a light texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

For the Mix-Ins:

Chocolate Chips, Reese’s Pieces: Add bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor, creating delightful texture and taste variations throughout the bars.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for super easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Blend softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes super fluffy and looks like a dreamy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Drop eggs into the mixture one by one, mixing completely after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract to boost the delicious flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt using a whisk to ensure everything is perfectly combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together without overmixing the dough.

Step 6: Sprinkle Sweet Surprises

Carefully fold in chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough for maximum yumminess.

Step 7: Spread The Goodness

Pour the dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, even layer that looks totally irresistible.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the bars rest in the pan for about an hour, allowing them to cool completely and set up perfectly.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy your delicious creation!

Prep Like a Pro: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless bar removal and easy cleanup.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to keep bars tender and soft.
Chocolate Distribution Trick: Fold chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces gently to ensure even sweet bites throughout the bars.
Perfect Baking Timing: Check doneness by looking for golden brown edges and inserting a toothpick with minimal crumbs for a moist texture.
Cool Completely: Let bars rest in the pan for one hour to set properly and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Peanut Butter Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute chocolate chips with vegan chocolate and peanut butter chips.
Nutty Chocolate Crunch Bars: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and a nutty flavor profile, creating a more complex taste experience.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and opt for dark chocolate chips with lower sugar content for a healthier alternative.

Elevate Sweet Chocolate Harmony: Pair with bold espresso to cut through the rich, sweet chocolate and Reese’s Pieces, creating a delightful contrast.
Chill and Complement: Serve with cold milk, which perfectly balances the warm, gooey chocolate cookie bars and provides a refreshing complement.
Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet Port wine that matches the dessert’s intensity, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its deep, smooth profile.
Nutty Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a hazelnut latte, which echoes the nutty undertones of Reese’s Pieces and adds a sophisticated layer to the dessert experience.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture and bring out the chocolate’s rich flavor.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Mix and match for unique flavor combinations.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick with minimal crumbs when inserted in the center. The bars should look slightly underbaked as they’ll continue setting while cooling.

Are Reese’s Pieces necessary for the recipe?

No, they’re optional. You can replace them with peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or additional chocolate chips if desired.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.

Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.