A few autumns ago, I was hurrying home after work under a light drizzle, holding a grocery bag that had ripped at the corner because of a stubborn carton of eggs. I remember stopping for a second at the crosswalk, looking at the wet streets shining under the lampposts, and thinking how much I missed baking something just for the fun of it—not for a party or a bake sale, just for my family on a cool evening. That night I decided we needed a pan of peanut butter brownies.

⁠

My youngest, Olivia, had been asking for “candy brownies” ever since she saw them on a cooking show. My husband, Mark, usually prefers anything savory, but he’s a closet peanut butter fan. I figured REESE’s PIECES were the perfect compromise between candy-bright fun for the kids and rich peanut butter flavor for the grown-ups.

The next day I tried a recipe after work. The smell of peanut butter and butter melting together drifted through the kitchen before the oven even preheated, and suddenly I felt like I had the energy of a Saturday morning even though it was just another Tuesday evening. The brownies came out golden on top, soft in the center, with just enough chew to feel like a treat worth slowing down for.

We ate the first batch still warm, cutting squares that barely held their shape, and nobody minded a bit. That was when I realized these brownies weren’t just dessert; they felt like a little midweek celebration in our home.

Now, every time the weather turns crisp, these brownies make a return in my kitchen. They’ve saved me from countless “What’s for dessert?” moments and given me a sweet way to end long workdays with something everyone loves.

Short Description

These peanut butter brownies are thick, chewy, and loaded with the nutty sweetness of REESE’s PIECES. Perfect for weeknight baking, they’re simple, quick, and always crowd-pleasing.

Key Ingredients

⅔ cup butter, melted
1⅓ cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup REESE’s PIECES candies

Tools Needed

11 x 13-inch metal or glass baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra hang over the edges for easy lifting after baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with baking powder. Slowly fold this into the peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of chewy.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle the REESE’s PIECES over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment to lift them out onto a cutting board, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your brownies seem dry, reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes next time. Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: Peanut butter meets buttery sweetness with candy crunch on top.

Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Simple to Make: No electric mixer required, just two bowls and a spatula.

Perfect for Sharing: Great for bake sales, potlucks, or casual desserts after dinner.

Reliable Results: Chewy center with a lightly crisped top every time.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly brownies. Pull them out when the center is just set.

Overmixing the Batter: Can make brownies dense or tough. Stir only until no streaks of flour remain.

Skipping the Parchment Paper: Makes removing brownies a hassle. Always line the pan for easy lift-out.

Uneven Candy Distribution: Sprinkle the REESE’s PIECES evenly over the batter so every bite gets a colorful crunch.

Cutting While Too Hot: Warm brownies crumble easily. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Pair with cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.

Cut into bite-size squares for dessert platters at parties or bake sales.

Wrap individual squares in parchment for lunchbox or picnic desserts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: Keeps them fresh for up to 5 days; allow to come to room temp before serving.

Freezing: Wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating: Warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well first to avoid excess oil separation, which can affect texture.

2. Can I substitute REESE’s PIECES with chocolate chips?
Absolutely, but the peanut butter flavor will be slightly less pronounced.

3. How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for a set, slightly glossy top and a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

5. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You can, but use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans to keep the texture consistent.

Tips & Tricks

Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture, or chunky for added crunch.

Warm the peanut butter slightly for easier mixing.

For extra peanut butter flavor, swirl 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on top before baking.

Don’t rush the cooling step—this helps them set and slice neatly.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Drizzle Brownies: Melt ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies.

Nutty Brownies: Fold in ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts for a salty-sweet crunch.

Holiday Edition: Swap REESE’s PIECES for red and green candies during Christmas or pastel ones for Easter.

Espresso Brownies: Stir 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into the batter for a subtle coffee kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something comforting about pulling a tray of brownies out of the oven on a drizzly evening, especially when the whole kitchen smells like warm peanut butter. These brownies remind me of those small, cozy moments that turn ordinary nights into a little family celebration.

I’ve come to love how quickly they come together on busy workdays, yet they still feel special enough for weekend gatherings. Watching Olivia’s excitement as she presses the REESE’s PIECES into the batter has become one of those kitchen rituals I secretly cherish.

If you ever need a dessert that’s easy, bright, and guaranteed to make everyone pause mid-bite with a smile, these brownies will do the trick. They don’t demand fancy ingredients or perfect timing, just a little patience with the cooling and a love for peanut butter.

In our house, these brownies have sparked more family game nights, hot chocolate mugs on rainy days, and stolen bites after dinner than I can count. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm square of peanut butter brownie to remind you that home-cooked sweetness never goes out of style.

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies