There is something quietly radical about minimalist cooking. Not in the sense of doing less because you have to, but because you choose to. To me, the beauty of pared-back recipes is that they honor each ingredient by letting it stand alone, unmasked and unburdened by unnecessary adornment. When you cook simply, you’re saying: I trust these flavors, and I trust myself to let them shine.
Minimalist cooking is not about cutting corners—it’s about refining your approach. Each ingredient is chosen with care, each step with intention. The result? Meals that are more vibrant, memorable, and satisfying because you can truly taste what’s there. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just weary of overcomplicated recipes, embracing simplicity can bring both calm and confidence to your cooking.
This philosophy extends beyond just the plate. Simpler shopping lists mean less time in the store and less clutter in your pantry. Fewer steps in a recipe mean more space to enjoy the process. And most importantly, by focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, you can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary with almost no effort at all. In the end, minimalist cooking is a celebration of quality over quantity—a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most special.
Reese’s Pieces Cookies: Stunning Flavor with Just 7 Ingredients
Click here to get printable version
Your Minimalist Shopping List
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Reese’s Pieces candies
The Uncomplicated Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg with both sugars until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add melted butter and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the crushed Reese’s Pieces candies evenly.
- Cover and chill the dough for 2 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Scoop balls of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons each), place on the sheet, and press whole Reese’s Pieces on top.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, until edges are golden. Cool before serving.
Simple Swaps for Your Minimalist Pantry
If you’re out of Reese’s Pieces, try swapping in peanut butter chips or chopped milk chocolate for a similar sweet, nutty vibe. No cornstarch? Substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot or just omit for a slightly chewier cookie. Light brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note, while vanilla extract can become almond extract for a different but equally simple twist. Minimalism is about flexibility—use what you have, and let each change inspire a new flavor.
How to Plate Simply but Beautifully
Minimalist plating is about letting the cookies speak for themselves. Stack a few on a clean, simple plate or place each one on a piece of parchment for a rustic touch. A small bowl of extra Reese’s Pieces on the side adds color without clutter. If serving with drinks, a plain mug of black coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the cookies’ sweetness perfectly. Remember: a little negative space on the plate highlights your creation and keeps things visually calm.
Storing Simply: Keeping It Fresh
To maintain that crave-worthy soft center and crisp edge, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For a minimalist approach, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Want to plan ahead? The dough itself can be chilled for up to 3 days in the fridge, or frozen in balls—just bake straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the bake time. Minimal effort, maximum freshness.
Tips for Extracting Maximum Flavor from Few Ingredients
In minimalist baking, ingredient quality is everything. Use the freshest eggs you can find, and opt for good butter—that’s where your cookie’s richness comes from. Don’t skip the chilling step; it deepens the flavors and helps the cookies bake up thick and chewy. Finally, gently pressing the candies on top after shaping the dough ensures they stay vibrant and visible, making your cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
One-Ingredient Swaps for a Seasonal Twist
Minimalism doesn’t mean monotony. Swap Reese’s Pieces for pastel candies at springtime, or try dark chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts in winter for a cozy feel. In autumn, a pinch of cinnamon in the dough pairs beautifully with the peanut butter notes. Let the season guide your choices—one simple swap can make this recipe feel entirely new, all while keeping your process refreshingly streamlined.
Your Cooking Questions:
Does using high-quality butter really make a difference in these cookies?
Absolutely. Good butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that lifts the whole cookie—especially when the ingredient list is so short.
Can I skip the chilling step to save time?
You can, but chilling helps the dough firm up, so your cookies bake thicker and don’t spread too much. For the best texture, a short chill is worth it.
Is there one “extra” ingredient that would elevate the flavor?
A pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking is a minimalist upgrade that balances sweetness with a pop of savory crunch.
How do I make this recipe even faster?
Form the dough balls before chilling to speed up baking later, or freeze dough balls and bake straight from the freezer as needed.
What matters more: organic eggs or real vanilla extract?
Both add nuance, but real vanilla extract has a more pronounced effect on the cookie’s aroma and flavor, especially in simple recipes.
If I want to double the batch, do I need to make any changes?
Simply double each ingredient—no special adjustments needed. Just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet for even baking.
Reese's Pieces Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- whisk
- mixer
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- plastic wrap
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Dry Mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Wet Mix:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Candy:
- 1/3 cup crushed Reese’s Pieces
- 1/3 cup whole Reese’s Pieces to top the cookies
Instructions
For Dry Mix:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a whisk until everything is blended.
For Wet Mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg with the brown and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Carefully fold in the crushed Reese’s Pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed in the dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm it up.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out approximately 1 ½ tablespoons of the dough for each cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Top each dough ball with a few whole Reese’s Pieces, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Bake the cookies for about 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
