Chewy Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe with Melted Peanut Swirl

If you want a chewy dessert filled with creamy peanut butter and the perfect touch of chocolate, these Peanut Butter Blondies are sure to hit the spot.

I enjoy taking classic treats and adding a fresh twist, and that’s what I did here. These blondies are finished with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra hit of peanut butter and chocolate that lifts them to the next level.

I adore peanut butter—creamy or crunchy. Whether straight from a spoon, paired with jam in a sandwich, folded into cookies, or baked into these warm, chewy blondies, it never disappoints.

a bite taken out of a blondie with peanut butter cups on top

This simple dessert disappears fast — friends and family will keep coming back for more.

If someone isn’t a huge chocolate fan, the semi-sweet chips add just enough chocolate to complement the rich peanut butter without overpowering the blondies.

Some people prefer to remove each peanut butter cup from the top before taking a bite, while others love the combination of chopped Reese’s in every chewy piece. Whichever you choose, each bite delivers peanut butter and chocolate goodness.

  • These blondies stay moist and chewy for several days if they last that long.
  • They take only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • This is a standout blondie recipe thanks to the addition of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
  • Perfect for weeknight desserts, parties, or an anytime treat.
  • Chewy, easy to make, and irresistible.

Peanut Butter Blondie Ingredient Notes:

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and the full recipe.

ingredients to make blondies in small glass bowls
  • Dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper color and richer flavor to the blondies.
  • Peanut butter: Creamy works beautifully for a smooth texture; swap in crunchy for added nutty bites if you prefer.
  • Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chips create little pockets of chocolate. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content.
  • Milk: Whole milk gives the best richness, but 2% works as a 1:1 substitute.
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Step by Step Directions

Full instructions are available in the recipe card below.

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking powder) in a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into a prepared 9×9-inch pan and top with chopped Reese’s pieces.
  7. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, then cool, cut, and enjoy.
blondie batter in mixing bowls with a wooden spoon
blondie batter in a square baking pan topped with Reese's peanut butter cups chopped into small pieces

Expert Tips and Variations:

  • Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, or swap with crunchy peanut butter for added bite.
  • This recipe is written for a 9×9-inch pan. If using a glass pan, reduce oven temperature by 25°F and allow additional bake time since glass retains heat differently.
  • Freeze baked blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 months to keep on hand.
  • To double the recipe, bake in a 9×13-inch pan; baking time may increase slightly since the bars will be thicker.

FAQ

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Creamy, no-stir peanut butter yields the best texture, but crunchy is a great option if you want more texture.

What other candy can I use in these blondies?

Feel free to swap in seasonal or favorite candies: Reese’s Pieces for color and crunch, Reese’s Eggs for Easter, or candy corn for fall variations.

Can I use different types of nut butter?

Yes. Almond, cashew, or pecan butters can work, as can nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter. Note that flavor and texture may vary from peanut butter.

blondies cut into bars on a gold baking sheet lined with parchment paper

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9×9 inch pan

REESE’s Miniature Cups

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating so others know how it turned out.

a blondie with peanut butter cups on top
4.84 from 18 reviews

Peanut Butter Blondies

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 9 squares
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Peanut Butter Blondies are chewy, full of peanut butter and chocolate, and topped with chopped peanut butter cups — a sweet treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 Tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Reese’s miniature cups, chopped (more as desired)

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating to let others know how it turned out.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Stir the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
  • Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray. Spread the batter evenly into the pan and top with the chopped Reese’s mini cups.
  • Bake 19–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If using a glass pan, allow extra baking time.
  • Cool on a wire rack, cut into squares, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy if you prefer more texture. You can also try almond or other nut butters.
  • Warming peanut butter briefly in the microwave (about 30 seconds) can make it easier to mix into the batter.
  • Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top is a tasty optional finishing touch.
  • If using a glass 9×9-inch pan, reduce oven temperature by 25°F and allow extra bake time.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 square, Calories: 413 kcal, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 20 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Sugar: 35 g

Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.

© Author: Tawnie Graham of Kroll’s Korner
a blondie with peanut butter cups on top

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