These chewy and super moist Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies are a peanut butter lover’s dream come true, offering a rich and indulgent flavor in every single bite. Made with simple pantry staples like brown sugar, eggs, and creamy peanut butter, they are incredibly easy to bake and guaranteed to knock your socks off. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a comforting weeknight treat, these brownies provide the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There is nothing tastier than a baked good made with the affordable and easy-to-find staple of peanut butter. You will love this recipe because it transforms basic ingredients into a wonderfully delicious treat with a moist, chewy texture that is far superior to any boxed mix. The addition of REESE’S Pieces adds a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor that makes these brownies stand out. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels, requiring only two bowls and about ten minutes of prep time.
Ingredients
- Butter – You will want to use 2/3 cup of unsalted, melted butter for these peanut butter bars.
- Granulated Sugar – 1 1/3 cups of white sugar provides the necessary sweetness and structure.
- Light Brown Sugar – 1 cup of packed light brown sugar helps make the brownies extra chewy.
- Eggs – Four large eggs are needed to ensure the brownies stay moist and rich.
- Vanilla Extract – Two teaspoons of vanilla extract add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Peanut Butter – You will need one cup of peanut butter; a mix of half creamy and half chunky is highly recommended.
- All-Purpose Flour – Two cups of flour serve as the base for the brownie batter.
- Baking Powder – Two teaspoons help the brownies rise just enough to keep them from being too dense.
- Salt – A quarter teaspoon of salt helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
- REESE’S Pieces – Half a cup of these candies are added to the top for color and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature before baking.
- Line an 11 x 13-inch metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides so you can easily lift the brownies out once cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar.
- Slowly add the four large eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture. Fold the ingredients together gently until just combined.
- Smooth the batter into your prepared 11 x 13 pan and sprinkle the REESE’S Pieces evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies should feel firm on top but remain moist in the center.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out and cutting them into squares.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
The most important rule for this recipe is: DO NOT OVER MIX! Over-mixing the batter after adding the flour will develop too much gluten, resulting in a fluffy, cake-like texture rather than the dense, chewy brownie we are aiming for. Another pro tip is to use a combination of creamy and chunky peanut butter to give the brownies a bit of texture and a more “homemade” feel. Finally, always use parchment paper; it makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your brownies don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to customize your Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies, there are plenty of options. You can swap the REESE’S Pieces for peanut butter chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped walnuts or pecans. While you can use either chunky or creamy peanut butter, it is highly recommended that you avoid “natural” or “stir” varieties, as they often lack the stabilizers needed for the correct baking consistency. For a decadently sweet version, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled brownies.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own, but they are even better when served slightly warm with a cold glass of milk. For a more formal dessert, serve a square of the peanut butter brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache or caramel sauce. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert platter or a summer potluck spread.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your brownies fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the cut brownies for up to two months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you prefer a “just out of the oven” taste, reheat a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 126mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 21g |
| Protein | 5g |
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
It is not recommended to use natural or stir-style peanut butter. These varieties are often too oily or inconsistent in texture, which can cause the brownies to become greasy or fail to set properly.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when the edges are set and the top feels firm to a light touch, but the center still feels slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I make these in a 9×9 inch pan?
Yes, you can use a smaller pan, but the brownies will be much thicker. You will need to increase the baking time significantly and check them frequently to ensure they don’t burn on the outside while remaining raw in the middle.
Why did my brownies turn out like cake?
This usually happens if the batter is over-mixed once the flour is added. To keep them chewy, fold the flour in gently until it is just barely incorporated.
Chewy REESE’s PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 11 x 13 metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift your brownies right out once they are cooled.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the peanut butter, melted butter, white sugar and brown sugar together. Slowly add the eggs, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder.
- Slowly add the flour and baking powder mix to the peanut butter mixture and slowly mix or fold to combine all ingredients. DO NOT OVER MIX! Over mixing will make fluffy cake-like brownies.
- Smooth the batter into the 11 x 13 pan and sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. They will feel firm on top and moist in the center.
- Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them.