If you’re searching for the ultimate peanut butter treat, Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies will exceed every expectation. Packed with chopped Reese’s Cups, crunchy Reese’s Pieces, and rich peanut butter chips, these cookies take a classic favorite and turn it into something unforgettable. They’re soft, chewy, and full of texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, this recipe delivers bold flavor and comfort with zero fuss. From the dough to the last crumb, every step is designed to bring out the best of peanut butter and chocolate in perfect harmony.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind These Triple Peanut Butter Treasures
From my earliest memories, peanut butter cookies were always in our kitchen—soft, sweet, and satisfying. But when I first combined three different types of Reese’s into one doughy masterpiece, I knew I had found something special. These Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies go far beyond the ordinary. They’re rich, indulgent, and built for people who crave that salty-sweet combo in every bite.
It all started after a Halloween party, staring down a bowl of leftover candy. I chopped up mini Reese’s Cups, scooped in a handful of Reese’s Pieces, and threw in some peanut butter chips for good measure. The results were better than I imagined: soft centers, gooey chocolate layers, and peanut butter flavor that practically hugs your mouth.
What sets these cookies apart is the way everything melts and melds together. The dough stays soft for days thanks to the high-fat content from peanut butter and butter, while the Reese’s additions give it both creaminess and texture. You get pockets of melted chocolate, bright candy crunch, and that familiar nuttiness in every single bite.
I’ve made a lot of cookies, but none disappear faster than these. They’re my go-to when I need something quick but impressive, whether it’s for a bake sale, family gathering, or just a cozy weekend treat.
They remind me of the comfort and indulgence found in other sweet classics like this Peanut Butter Coffee Smoothie—both recipes bring out that bold nutty flavor we all love but with a twist that makes them unforgettable.
Once you bake them, don’t be surprised if they’re gone before they cool. These cookies aren’t just sweet—they’re soul-satisfying.
The Triple Ingredient Breakdown
The Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Base
What makes Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies irresistible? It all begins with a strong foundation: a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base. The dough is made with:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Brown sugar ensures a moist texture and a slight caramel-like depth, while butter gives the cookies their soft chew. Vanilla adds warmth, rounding out the flavors beautifully. The dough is thick and scoopable, holding all the mix-ins without falling apart. Once baked, it turns into a golden, chewy cookie with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Three Layers of Reese’s Goodness
Now for the stars of the show: the triple Reese’s mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
First up—chopped Reese’s Cups. As they bake, they melt into fudgy, peanut-buttery puddles, adding a gooey richness that sinks into the soft dough. They offer a creamy, decadent bite every time.
Second, Reese’s Pieces bring crunch and color. The candy shell adds a crisp texture that contrasts the soft cookie, while the inside continues the peanut butter theme.
Lastly, peanut butter chips soften slightly during baking but hold their shape, delivering bursts of salty-sweet flavor. Together, these ingredients work in harmony—melty, crunchy, and creamy all at once.
You don’t need frosting or fillers. These cookies are bold, balanced, and built for peanut butter lovers who want more in every bite.
Troubleshooting and Texture Tips for Perfect Results
Avoiding Common Cookie Mistakes
Even the most indulgent cookie recipe can fall flat without the right baking technique. For Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, balance is everything. If your cookies fall apart or seem too dry, you’ve likely used too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping, which packs it down and throws off the moisture ratio.
Another culprit? Overmixing the dough. Stir just until everything is combined—especially after adding the mix-ins. This keeps your cookies soft and prevents a tough texture.
One of the biggest reasons cookies spread too much is warm dough. Chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking. Not only does this help the cookies hold their shape, but it also intensifies the flavor. And if your cookies still come out flat, double-check your baking soda—it should be fresh and active.
Soft, Chewy, and Just the Right Bite
The signature texture of these cookies is their chewy center with just-crisp edges. That’s thanks to the high fat content in peanut butter and butter, but baking time matters, too. Take the cookies out when they still look slightly underbaked in the center—they’ll finish setting on the tray. Overbaking is the fastest way to lose moisture.
Using brown sugar instead of all white sugar helps retain softness and adds a subtle caramel depth that plays well with chocolate. It’s a trick I also use in other soft bakes like these Brownie Cheesecake Cups, which rely on fudgy centers for their appeal.
Butter or Shortening – The Final Texture Decision
Butter Brings Flavor and Spread
When baking Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, the fat you choose—butter or shortening—can drastically change the results. Butter is a favorite for good reason. It melts quickly in the oven, which helps cookies spread just the right amount. It also browns beautifully, giving those golden edges a subtle crispness.
More importantly, butter provides rich flavor. It enhances the chocolate and peanut butter layers already packed into the cookie dough. If you want chewy centers with buttery undertones that complement the Reese’s ingredients, butter is your go-to. It gives you both taste and texture in perfect balance.
Shortening Creates Height and Softness
Shortening has its own strengths. Unlike butter, it holds its shape longer during baking, so cookies don’t spread as much. This results in a thicker, taller cookie with a soft, cake-like center. If you prefer a cookie that’s ultra-soft and uniform in shape, shortening might be the better option.
However, shortening doesn’t offer the same flavor depth. It lacks the richness that butter brings, which can leave your cookies tasting a little flat unless the other ingredients carry the weight.
For the best of both worlds, try a 50/50 blend. The butter delivers flavor and golden crispness, while shortening ensures lift and tenderness. It’s the trick many bakers use to get consistent, flavorful results—especially when loading a dough with chunky mix-ins like peanut butter chips and Reese’s Cups.
The right fat makes all the difference. Choose based on your texture goal, and you’ll always bake a batch that delivers just what you crave.
Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until smooth and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
- Fold in chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, and peanut butter chips.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs
Is it better to bake peanut butter cookies with butter or shortening?
Butter gives more flavor and chew. Shortening makes cookies softer and taller.
What are some common problems with peanut butter cookies?
Dryness, spreading too much, or crumbling—often due to too much flour or overbaking.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
Usually underbaked or not cooled properly. Let them set before moving.
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
Just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg—no flour needed.
conclusion
Triple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience. With their gooey peanut butter cups, crunchy Reese’s Pieces, and melty chips, they deliver texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you use butter for its rich taste or explore shortening for a softer finish, understanding your ingredients makes all the difference. And while these cookies are definitely indulgent, it’s worth remembering that not all fats are the enemy. In fact, healthy fats can play a powerful role in balanced baking. For a deeper look at the science of fats and how to use them wisely in the kitchen, visit Harvard’s guide on healthy fats.