With the holidays a few weeks away (a little crazy we are almost half way through October), I wanted to share an easy gift idea and yummy recipe with you all! I know many of you are already thinking about gifts for teachers, co-workers or friends. And it’s always nice to give a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. This cookie basket is the perfect solution. And if you want to give a little extra, a Starbucks gift card would look pretty good nestled in the ribbon.

I like to get a little festive this time of year with my desserts, and wanted to spice up my traditional Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. My husband, Austin, loves Reese’s Pieces, and they just so happen to look very “fall” so how could I pass these up. Trust me, these Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookies are scrumptious and the perfect dessert for any fall festivities.  They are soft in the middle, yet have a slightly crunchy edge (my favorite).

See below for the full recipe. Thanks for reading! xx Ashley

REESE’S PIECES CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter,  room temperature
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (I used the minis, but full-sized are ok, too!)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweetened chocolate chips (I used the minis, but full-size are ok, too!)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees (F). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium sized bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, vanilla, and butter to a large bowl and whisk until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes (If using a Kitchenmaid Mixer use on Speed 2 and mix for 30 seconds. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Speed 4 and beat another 30 seconds. Stop and scrape bowl. Add the eggs and beat quickly – until they’re just combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then beat the eggs for another 30 seconds).
3. Gently fold in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula, stirring only until the flour begins to disappear (If using Kitchenmaid Mixer, turn to Stir Speed. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture over about 2 minutes) Fold in chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces.
4. Roll 3 tablespoon sized balls of dough between your palms to form a ball (doesn’t have to be perfect), then place on prepared sheet (make sure to leave enough room in between each cookie).
5. Continue this process until all the dough has been rolled. Place baking sheets in preheated oven and bake for 11 minutes, or until golden at the edges but still soft in the middle. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire wrack to cool completely.

If you’re wanting to put these in a little treat box (I found mine in the dollar section at Target), place a cloth napkin or dishtowel at the bottom. I added a layer of parchment paper on top for the cookies to sit on. Add your treats, then wrap and tie with twine. I added a sweet note on a gift tag (also found in Target dollar section) and you’re all set!

Tag me in your photos if you make these, I would love to see!! xx