Name: Deliciously Decadent Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cold Butter (Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.); ¾ cup Sugar (Use additional brown sugar if preferred.); 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Avoid natural peanut butter.); 2 large Eggs (Ensure they're at room temperature for best mixing results.); 1½ teaspoons Vanilla (Use pure vanilla extract for a richer taste.); 2 cups Gluten-Free Flour (Look for xanthan gum for better binding.); 1¼ teaspoons Salt (Don't skip this crucial ingredient.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Provides additional leavening for a light texture.); 2 cups Chopped Reese's Minis (Halved or quartered pieces work best for melting.); 1 cup Reese's Pieces Candy (Adds a crunchy texture and a pop of color.); 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (Boosts creaminess and intensifies peanut butter flavor.); 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (Adds a deep chocolate flavor to balance sweetness.)

As I reached into the pantry for a sweet treat, a flood of nostalgia washed over me. Growing up, nothing was as satisfying as a warm cookie, especially when it boasted the unmistakable flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Today, I’m thrilled to share my latest creation: Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies. These delightful morsels are not only gluten-free but also pack a punch with a medley of textures and flavors, featuring goodies like Reese’s cups, pieces, and creamy peanut butter chips. They come together quickly, making them the perfect go-to for any occasion or just an afternoon pick-me-up. The best part? They are guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters! So, why not indulge in this delightful treat? What’s your favorite mixer with peanut butter?

Why are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Decadent Flavors: Each bite is an explosion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, making these cookies irresistible.
Stress-Free Baking: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, even novice bakers can shine.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, everyone can enjoy the indulgence without worry.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for parties or gatherings, they’ll disappear fast, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Versatile Variations: Don’t hesitate to switch things up! Try them with peanut butter or chocolate chips, just like my popular Peanut Butter Cookies or even Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Come discover your new favorite cookie!

Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• Cold Butter (1 cup) – Provides richness and tenderness; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the cookie and helps with browning; use additional brown sugar if preferred.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup) – Essential for maintaining the cookie’s structure and delicious flavor; avoid natural peanut butter.
• Large Eggs (2) – Acts as a binder contributing to structure; ensure they’re at room temperature for best mixing results.
• Vanilla (1½ teaspoons) – Enhances overall flavor; use pure vanilla extract for a richer taste.
• Gluten-Free Flour (2 cups) – The base of the cookie; measure-for-measure blends work best. Look for xanthan gum for better binding.
• Salt (1¼ teaspoons) – Balances sweet flavors; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Provides additional leavening for a light texture.

For the Mix-Ins
• Chopped Reese’s Minis (2 cups) – Core flavor component; halved or quartered pieces work best for melting.
• Reese’s Pieces Candy (1 cup) – Adds a crunchy texture and a pop of color.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips (1 cup) – Boosts creaminess and intensifies peanut butter flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Adds a deep chocolate flavor to perfectly balance the sweetness of this gluten-free Reese’s cookies recipe.

Feel free to explore these ingredients and make this deliciously decadent treat at home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure your gluten-free Reese’s cookies won’t stick. This setup will enable you to bake multiple batches seamlessly, especially when the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth. Pay attention to the texture; it should be light and fluffy, which is essential for achieving that perfect cookie consistency. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined as you continue.

Step 3: Add Sugars
Next, add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the bowl. Cream these sugars together with the butter for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in chewier gluten-free Reese’s cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Peanut Butter
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter, blending until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The peanut butter will contribute that rich flavor and chewy texture we love in these cookies.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; leaving a few flour patches is perfectly fine, as it will come together later.

Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Now it’s time to fold in your delightful mix-ins: the chopped Reese’s Minis, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, and dark chocolate chips. Gently stir until these delicious additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will ensure every gluten-free Reese’s cookie is bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Portion and Prepare for Baking
Using an ice cream scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing about 6 cookies per sheet. Give each cookie enough space to spread a little while baking. The uniform portioning will help ensure even baking and consistent size for your delightful treats.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the centers will appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool, delivering the soft and chewy texture that defines these gluten-free Reese’s cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Shape
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. If you’d like perfectly round cookies, gently use a large cookie cutter to shape them while they are still warm. This step is optional but adds to the visual appeal of these delicious treats.

Step 10: Transfer and Cool Completely
Finally, carefully transfer your cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is essential, ensuring that they achieve the perfect texture and firmness. Once cooled, your gluten-free Reese’s cookies will be ready to devour, packed with an explosion of chocolate and peanut butter goodness.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies

Treat yourself to a delightful pairing adventure that enhances the indulgent flavors of these irresistible cookies!

Ice Cold Milk: The classic choice adds a creamy contrast, perfectly balancing the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, making every bite extra satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream transforms your cookies into a luscious sundae, offering a delightful temperature contrast that pairs beautifully with the warmth of freshly-baked cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious blend that boosts your energy and completes your dessert experience.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries introduce a refreshing, juicy element that cuts through the richness of the cookies, adding color, texture, and brightness to the plate.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: An extra drizzle of chocolate sauce over your cookies elevates the dessert for all chocolate lovers; a heavenly, decadent choice that enhances the indulgence.
Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake: Blend these cookies into a milkshake with crushed ice and peanut butter for a delightful dessert that merges the best of both worlds!

No matter how you decide to pair them, these cookies will keep hearts and bellies happy at any gathering! Enjoy experimenting!

Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies Variations

Customize your gluten-free Reese’s cookies experience with these enticing variations! Let your creativity run wild and enjoy unique flavor profiles.

Nutty Swap: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty twist that delights the taste buds.
Crispier Edges: For extra crunch, drizzle melted coconut oil over the cookie dough before baking. The crispy edges will have everyone coming back for more!
Chocolaty Bliss: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter, more indulgent cookie flavor. Each bite will be a chocolate lover’s dream!
Boosted Flavor: Add a tablespoon of coffee or espresso powder to the dough for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. Coffee complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a more sophisticated treat.
Extra Crunch: Toss in ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and a lovely crunch. These flavors combine perfectly with the peanut butter for a delightful cookie.
Chili Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness. The warmth will surprise and delight anyone who takes a bite!
Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free chocolate version. Enjoy these delightful cookies while keeping them plant-based!
Fruity Delight: Mix in 1 cup of dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a burst of fruity flavor. This addition pairs wonderfully with the rich peanut butter and chocolate.

These variations are just the beginning! Try pairing your cookies with a glass of milk or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat. And if you’re looking for more delicious inspirations, explore my Cinnamon Roll Cookies or indulge in some irresistible Pumpkin Cookies Soft next!

Storage Tips for Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your gluten-free Reese’s cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste again.

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to defrost—just place the frozen dough onto a baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies just as delicious as the day you made the dough! Remember, storing your prepped dough properly ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies

Measure Flour Accurately: Using a kitchen scale ensures you have the right flour amount, preventing dense cookies.
Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter; it may cause your cookies to spread too much while baking.
Reserve Mix-Ins for Topping: For a uniform look, set aside some Reese’s Pieces and chips to place on top before baking.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, creating that perfect texture.
Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking of your gluten-free Reese’s cookies.

Gluten-Free Reese’s Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peanut butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! It’s essential to use regular creamy peanut butter for these cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to make the dough too runny, which can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Look for brands that list peanuts as the first ingredient and avoid any that add additional oils or additives.

How should I store leftover cookies?
I recommend storing your gluten-free Reese’s cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them fresh and maintain their chewy texture. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them in a similar container for up to two weeks, just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Of course! Freezing the dough is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on demand. After mixing your gluten-free Reese’s cookie dough, portion it onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly from the freezer into the oven—add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What do I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely due to too much butter or not enough flour. Always measure your flour accurately, and try using a kitchen scale if possible; this helps ensure consistent results. Additionally, check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rising of your cookies.

Can I substitute the gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, I recommend using a measure-for-measure blend, as those are designed to mimic all-purpose flour closely. Alternatively, a combination of almond flour and coconut flour can work well, but it might take some experimentation to achieve the right texture.