If you are craving a treat that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate without heating up your oven, this No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine chewy, crunchy cookies packed with Rice Krispies cereal, melty peanut butter, and those iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups all folded right in. It’s a quick, fuss-free snack that delivers every bit of that nostalgic Reese’s taste, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a whim or impressing guests with something uniquely delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients that work harmoniously to create texture, richness, and that classic sweet and salty balance. Each item is easy to find and plays a special role in building the perfect No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe.
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Adds a light, crispy crunch that keeps the cookies delightful and airy.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Acts as a sticky, sweet binder that holds everything together smoothly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes slightly for that irresistible depth.
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter: The rich, creamy heart of the cookies, delivering that beloved peanut butter flavor and moist texture.
- 5 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (regular sized): Chopped chunks provide gooey, melty bits of chocolate-peanut butter heaven throughout.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips: Melt into the mixture for extra swaths of chocolate that complement the peanut butter beautifully.
How to Make No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper so you have a non-stick surface ready for your cookies to set on. In a large glass bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and peanut butter. Cook the mixture on high heat for 2 minutes, then an extra 30 seconds until everything is evenly combined. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth, spreadable base that will hold your cookies together while creating a luscious peanut buttery flavor.
Step 2: Mix in the Cereal and Chocolate Chips
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal and gently but thoroughly mix until every crispy piece is coated. Quickly fold in the milk chocolate chips while the mixture is still hot so they melt slightly and distribute creamy pockets of chocolate throughout the batter. This blend of warm peanut butter and melting chocolate chips thickens the mixture perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Reese’s Candy Chunks
Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes—just enough so it’s not too hot to handle but still pliable. Chop up your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into chunky pieces and fold them gently into the mix. These chunks add that signature Reese’s texture and surprise bites of sweet peanut butter cups in every cookie.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a heaping tablespoon to scoop out portions of the dough, then roll them into balls. Place each cookie ball onto the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart. This step is super quick and fun, and you’ll notice how these no-bake cookies start to take shape beautifully.
Step 5: Let Set and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This resting time lets the mixture firm up enough so the cookies hold their shape but stay chewy and moist inside. Once set, they’re ready to serve!
How to Serve No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after shaping. The salt enhances the peanut butter’s richness and adds a pleasant contrast to the sweet chocolate. You could also drizzle some melted peanut butter or chocolate over the cookies for a decorative finish that doubles as flavor amplification.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect on their own but also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a fun twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a creamy peanut butter dip to create a little dessert platter that guests will love. The creamy textures and complementary flavors balance beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends or family? Arrange your No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter lined with festive parchment, and add some whole Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for decoration. Wrap the cookies individually in wax paper tied with a colorful ribbon for cute party favors or thoughtful gifts. They’re so delicious, they’re practically guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This allows the cookies to maintain their chewy texture without drying out or getting sticky, so you can enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch in advance, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these cookies are no-bake, reheating isn’t necessary and can actually make them too soft or melty. If you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the peanut butter inside, just don’t overdo it or they might lose their shape.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter will add even more texture and crunch to your No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe, making it an even more satisfying experience if you love that nutty bite.
What can I substitute for Rice Krispies cereal?
If you don’t have Rice Krispies on hand, other crispy cereals like corn flakes or puffed rice work well. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the taste will still be delicious.
Are there any vegan alternatives for this recipe?
You can make a vegan version by replacing the milk chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips, using a vegan peanut butter, and selecting a corn syrup substitute that supports a vegan diet. The cookies will still be scrumptious!
How long does it take for the cookies to set properly?
Generally, 15 minutes at room temperature is enough time for the cookies to firm up and hold their shape. For a firmer texture, you can also refrigerate them for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of pretzels for extra crunch. Just be mindful of balance so you don’t overwhelm the peanut butter and chocolate flavor that defines this No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves easy, quick, and utterly delicious treats. It’s one of those simple pleasures that feels like a real indulgence and never fails to bring smiles. Whether as a last-minute dessert or a fun snack, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever baked cookies any other way!
Print
No-Bake Reese’s Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 9 minutes plus 15 minutes setting time
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious no-bake cookies featuring a crunchy Rice Krispies base combined with a sweet peanut butter mixture, studded with chocolate chips and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for a quick and easy treat without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 5 Peanut Butter Cups (Reese’s regular sized)
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside. In a large glass bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and peanut butter. Cook this mixture on high heat for 2 minutes, then continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, stirring regularly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Mix with cereal: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir thoroughly until the cereal is completely coated. Quickly add the milk chocolate chips while the mixture is still hot and stir until the chips are evenly distributed and slightly melted.
- Add chopped candy: Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes. Chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into chunks and fold them gently into the mixture to avoid breaking the cereal clusters.
- Form cookies: Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and place them onto the prepared baking sheet lined with wax paper. Shape into balls or clusters as preferred.
- Set and serve: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes until firm. Once set, serve and enjoy these sweet, peanut buttery treats.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture and binding.
- Light corn syrup helps keep the cookies chewy; brown rice syrup can be used as an alternative.
- Work quickly when mixing in chocolate chips to ensure they melt slightly but do not fully liquefy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit Reese’s peanut butter cups, replacing with nut-free chocolate candies.
