Easy Peanut Butter Blondies
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These Peanut Butter Blondies are a delicious treat year-round, but the orange, yellow, and brown of the Reese’s Pieces make them especially fun for Halloween. They have a soft, chewy peanut butter base that’s packed with plenty of peanut butter flavor and loaded with both chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces.
The mix-ins give every bite a little bit of chocolate, peanut butter, and candy crunch. They are easy to slice into bars for parties, lunchbox treats, or a simple fall dessert, and they look festive without requiring any extra decorating.
These blondies are soft, chewy, and rich with plenty of peanut butter flavor in every bite. They are also easy to make because the butter and peanut butter melt together, and the batter comes together in one bowl. That makes them a great option for a simple dessert for a party, potluck, or weeknight treat.
Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Blondies
- BUTTER – Butter adds richness and helps create the soft, chewy texture of the blondies.
- PEANUT BUTTER – Peanut butter gives the blondies their main flavor and adds richness and moisture. Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, even texture.
- LIGHT BROWN SUGAR – Brown sugar sweetens the blondies and adds a deeper molasses flavor. It also helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
- VANILLA EXTRACT – Vanilla adds warmth and helps round out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- LARGE EGGS – Eggs bind the batter and add structure, richness, and a tender texture.
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR – Flour gives the blondies structure, so they hold their shape while still staying soft in the center.
- SALT – Salt balances the sweetness and helps bring out the flavors of the peanut butter, chocolate, and brown sugar.
- REESE’S PIECES – Reese’s Pieces add extra peanut butter flavor, a little candy crunch, and fun color throughout the blondies. Their orange, yellow, and brown colors also make the bars especially festive for Halloween.
- CHOCOLATE CHIPS – Chocolate chips add rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter base and Reese’s Pieces. Semi-sweet chips are a good choice because they balance the bars’ sweetness.
Instructions for Easy Peanut Butter Blondies
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the butter and peanut butter. Microwave until almost completely melted, then stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the brown sugar and whisk until incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla, then whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
Fold in the flour and salt just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour so the blondies stay soft and tender.
Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter works and adds a little extra texture to the bars.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a great choice because they balance the brown sugar’s sweetness and the Reese’s Pieces. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips will also work.
Can I use a different candy instead of Reese’s Pieces?
Yes. Peanut butter chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or other candy-coated chocolate work well.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing can make the blondies tougher. Fold in the flour just until no streaks remain.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake these blondies a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Can I freeze these blondies?
Yes. Wrap the bars well and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not overmix the batter. Once the flour goes in, fold just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can make the blondies tougher instead of soft and chewy.
- Do not overbake them. Pull the blondies from the oven when the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out.
- Let the butter and peanut butter melt together smoothly. Microwave just until they are almost melted, then stir until smooth. This helps create an even batter and keeps the texture consistent.
- Save a few Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips for the top. Press a handful into the batter before baking for a prettier finished look and a little extra chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. The blondies will firm up as they cool, which makes them much easier to slice into clean squares without falling apart.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Amazing Sauce Pan Brownies
- Chocolate Chip S’mores Pizza
- Over the Top Brownies
- Holiday Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
Easy Peanut Butter Blondies
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup butter
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter. When almost melted, stir together until smooth.
- Add the brown sugar and whisk into the peanut butter mixture. Then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined
- Then fold in the flour and salt into the mixture. Stop mixing when you no longer see streaks or lumps of flour.
- Fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top looks set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool the bars in the pan. Cut into bars and serve.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Just So Tasty.
