Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that delivers rich, peanut buttery goodness and a pop of colorful crunch in every bite, you’re about to fall in love with these Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies. Imagine a bar that’s perfectly soft and fudgy without tipping into cakey territory, rippled with melty peanut butter and crowned with REESE’s PIECES for the perfect candy crunch. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just because you deserve something special on a weekday evening, these brownies will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the beautiful result fool you — Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies come together with pantry staples that simply sing when combined. Every ingredient brings something essential, creating rich flavor, chewy texture, and that iconic pop of color and taste.

• Butter (⅔ cup, melted): Melting the butter gives your brownies an extra fudgy, chewy texture that keeps every bite soft.
• Granulated Sugar (1⅓ cups): Adds sweetness and helps create a shiny, crackly top layer for your brownies.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Infuses the brownies with a hint of caramel flavor and makes them extra moist.
• Eggs (4 large): The secret to holding everything together while adding richness and structure.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A splash of vanilla deepens all the other flavors and gives your brownies an irresistible aroma.
• Creamy or Chunky Peanut Butter (1 cup): The heart of the brownies, peanut butter delivers flavor, creaminess, and that classic nutty kick.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The perfect base to give your brownies a hearty, plush crumb without being gummy.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Just enough lift so they don’t get too dense, while still staying super chewy.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s natural depth.
• REESE’s PIECES (½ cup): Bright, crunchy, and bursting with even more peanut butter flavor — these candies are the magic finishing touch.

How to Make Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. For easy cleanup and effortless brownie removal, line an 11 x 13-inch metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and peeks up the sides for lifting later. This step guarantees your Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies will come out in perfect slabs, ready to be devoured.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Take a moment to admire how glossy and decadent this mixture looks — you’re setting up a rich, caramelized base here. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until smooth and thoroughly combined. This creates that luscious, soft texture we crave.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. This little step ensures even distribution and prevents uneven pockets of baking powder in your brownies. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until you no longer see flour. Resist the urge to overmix — remember, gentle folding is the secret to dense, chewy brownies instead of fluffy, cake-like squares.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Scoop the thick peanut butter brownie batter into your lined pan and use a spatula to smooth it right out to the corners. Now for the fun part: sprinkle those bright REESE’s PIECES all over the top. Press them in lightly so every bar gets a pop of color and crunch, making your Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies as gorgeous as they are delicious.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look firm and slightly crackly, while the center stays moist and fudge-like. Don’t panic if a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs — you want that dense, chewy center! Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out and slicing. That patience pays off with perfect, clean-cut brownies every time.

How to Serve Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies

Garnishes

These brownies already look stunning with their candy-studded tops, but a dusting of powdered sugar can add a wintry touch. For chocolate lovers, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even scatter extra REESE’s PIECES right before serving for more crunch and color — there’s no such thing as too much!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a chilly glass of milk alongside your Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (especially if the brownies are slightly warm). For a grown-up twist, serve with a hot espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them for a fun party platter, or layer large bars with ice cream for a wild brownie sundae. Try crumbling cooled brownies over your favorite milkshake or use them as edible “cake” layers for a decadent, peanut butter-lover’s trifecta dessert. However you present them, these Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll keep fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. For extra softness, place a slice of bread in the container — it works wonders to maintain moisture, leaving you with perfect bites every time.

Freezing

To freeze, let the brownies cool completely, then slice into bars and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Pop the squares into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for instant indulgence.

Reheating

If you like your brownies a little warm and gooey, just microwave individual bars for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked magic, softens the peanut butter ribbons, and slightly melts the REESE’s PIECES for a texture that’s out of this world.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?

Natural peanut butters sometimes separate and create a greasy batter, so for best texture and structure go with a creamy or chunky shelf-stable peanut butter. If you decide to try natural, give the jar a really thorough stir and consider reducing the butter by a tablespoon or two.

What’s the best way to cut Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies cleanly?

Allow the brownies to cool fully (at least 30 minutes), lift them from the pan using the parchment, and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts for picture-perfect squares.

Do I have to use REESE’s PIECES candy, or can I swap in other toppings?

While REESE’s PIECES give you that wonderful crunch and classic peanut butter flavor, feel free to swap in chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or even M&M’s for a fun variation. Just note, each swap will taste a bit different than the original Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies magic.

Why do my brownies turn out cakey, not chewy?

Overmixing the batter can introduce too much air, making the brownies fluffy instead of dense and chewy. Be sure to fold gently once you add the flour, and don’t extend baking time too long.

Can I bake these in a different size pan?

Absolutely! A 9 x 13 pan works well, resulting in slightly thicker brownies. Just keep an eye on baking time and check for doneness starting at 30 minutes — and adjust as needed for your preferred texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies, you’ll understand why they have such a loyal following. With their irresistible combination of peanut butter richness, gooey centers, and candy-studded tops, they make any occasion feel extra special. Grab your mixing bowl and treat yourself — you deserve it!

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