Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Reese’s Pieces (or mini peanut butter cups)
1/2 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (optional, for extra peanut butter flavor)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, and optional chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Spread and bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool and slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you prefer, and you can also mix in other candies for variation.
Chewy vs. crunchy: For chewier bars, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes. For crunchier bars, bake them a little longer.
Storage: Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.