Name: Soft-Baked 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 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 cup additional Reese’s Pieces (for topping); 1/4 cup additional chocolate chips (for topping)

Chocolate chip cookies reach new heights with these reeces pieces chocolate chip cookie bars bursting with flavor.

Sweet and salty notes dance across your palate in every delectable bite.

Crunchy edges give way to a soft, gooey center that melts instantly.

Peanut butter chips nestled throughout create unexpected pockets of creamy goodness.

Each square promises a delightful twist on the classic cookie experience.

Crumbling these bars alongside a cold glass of milk sounds like pure bliss.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert that promises to become your new favorite treat.

Bake with Minimal Effort: Enjoy a hassle-free baking experience that requires simple mixing and spreading techniques, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Customize Your Treat: Add extra Reese's Pieces and chocolate chips on top for a personalized touch that makes each batch unique and visually stunning.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and parties where you want to impress guests with a delicious homemade treat that appeals to all ages.
Simple Storage Solution: Keep these delectable cookie bars fresh for days in an airtight container, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy lifestyles.

For the Base:

Butter: A creamy ingredient that adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the recipe.

For the Mix-Ins:

Chocolate Chips, Reese's Pieces: Add delightful bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor, creating a fun and exciting texture in every bite.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it hang slightly over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and light, which takes about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Drop in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Components

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.

Step 6: Introduce Delicious Extras

Fold in chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, spreading them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth layer across the surface.

Step 8: Add Final Decorative Touch

Sprinkle extra Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips on top for visual appeal and extra flavor bursts.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

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

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about an hour.

Step 11: Cut and Serve

Lift the entire batch out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into square bars with a sharp knife.

Step 12: Store and Enjoy

Serve at room temperature. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft texture in your cookie bars.
Boost Chocolate Intensity: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and Reese's Pieces on top before baking for a more decadent and visually appealing dessert.
Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect baking – a few moist crumbs indicate the bars are ready, preventing dry or overcooked results.
Line Pan Smartly: Use parchment paper with slight overhang to easily remove and cut bars without sticking or breaking.
Room Temperature Matters: Let bars cool completely in the pan to set properly and achieve the ideal chewy consistency.

Gluten-Free Cookie Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan Reese's-style candy pieces.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and a rich, toasted flavor profile that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute some granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie bar's delicious taste.

Pair with Cold Milk: Creamy, chilled milk perfectly complements the rich, sweet chocolate and peanut butter flavors, cutting through the dessert's richness and providing a refreshing contrast.
Create a Chocolate Lovers' Combo: Serve alongside a scoop of chocolate or peanut butter ice cream to amplify the decadent dessert experience, enhancing the cookie bar's intense flavor profile.
Match with Espresso Delight: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness, allowing the coffee's robust notes to highlight the chocolate and peanut butter undertones.
Craft a Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a sweet port or moscato wine that echoes the cookie bars' richness, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Seal cooled cookie bars in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can dry out the bars.
Place bars on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the soft, chewy texture.

Are Reese's Pieces necessary for this recipe?

No, you can skip them or substitute with other candies like M&Ms or additional chocolate chips if desired.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

How do I ensure my cookie bars are chewy and not dry?

Don’t overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Remove from oven when edges are golden and center has minimal crumbs.

What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is recommended. Measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense bars.

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.