If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfect bite-sized treat that combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of chocolate, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe. These little gems are a delightful mix of tender cookie dough loaded with mini chocolate chips, hugging a melty mini Reese’s peanut butter cup in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a quick indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple for any peanut butter lover’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a key role in crafting texture, adding flavor, or enhancing color to create that melt-in-your-mouth cookie bite sensation you’ll adore.
- Unsalted butter (115 g, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- Creamy peanut butter (120 g): The star ingredient that brings that signature nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar (100 g): Balances sweetness and helps with a slight crunch on the cookie edges.
- Packed brown sugar (110 g): Contributes moisture and a hint of deep caramel undertones.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together while adding structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour (155 g): Provides the base for soft yet sturdy cookie dough.
- Baking soda (0.5 teaspoon): Leavens the dough for perfect lift and texture.
- Salt (0.25 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips (130 g): Little pockets of melted chocolate magic inside every bite.
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (24, unwrapped): The delicious surprise in each cookie bite, ensuring peanut butter bliss!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookie bites with golden edges and a soft center.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat these together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air for a light cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor depth, and help bind the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which enhances flavor without clumps.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your flour blend to the creamed peanut butter base, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so take it slow to keep it tender.
Step 6: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for those delicious spots of melted chocolate in each cookie bite.
Step 7: Prepare the Mini Muffin Pan
Lightly grease your mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray to help the cookie bites release easily after baking.
Step 8: Shape the Dough Balls
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls about 2.5 cm in diameter. Place each ball firmly into a muffin cup to create the perfect shape and size for these bites.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookie bites in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the middle to achieve that ideal chewy texture.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Cool the cookie bites in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape and finishes the baking process nicely.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookie bites just before serving to amplify the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully. For an extra festive look, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites go wonderfully alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookie bites on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or nestle each into colorful mini cupcake liners. For gift-giving or parties, package them in a pretty box or clear jar tied with ribbon—these bites make unforgettable edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and delicious, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bites either before or after baking. To freeze raw dough balls, freeze them on a tray first, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked cookie bites freeze well in airtight containers for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cookie bites in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for 5 minutes. Freshly warmed cookie bites taste like they’ve just come out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Chunky peanut butter will add a delightful bit of texture to your cookie bites, giving them an even nuttier bite. Just be mindful the dough might spread a tiny bit differently.
What if I don’t have mini Reese’s peanut butter cups?
You can substitute regular-sized Reese’s cups cut into small pieces or even chopped peanut butter candies. The key is having that peanut butter surprise in the center of each bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the right texture.
How do I prevent the cookie bites from sticking to the pan?
Greasing your mini muffin pan well is essential. You can also use mini silicone muffin liners to avoid sticking and make removal even easier.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just be sure you have enough muffin pan space or bake in batches so your cookie bites bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe is one of those little pleasures you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. It’s simple to make but impressively delicious with every bite, combining the creamy charm of peanut butter, the sweetness of chocolate, and that warm homemade cookie feeling. Give it a try and watch these irresistible cookie bites become your new favorite treat to bake and share!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bites are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor and mini chocolate chips. Perfectly portioned in a mini muffin pan and topped with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, they make a delightful treat for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 155 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Sugars
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 110 g packed brown sugar
Add-ins
- 130 g mini chocolate chips
- 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the cookie bites.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is pale and fluffy, indicating that enough air has been incorporated for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth, ensuring full incorporation of flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet creamed mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could cause toughness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the cookie bites after baking.
- Form Dough Balls: Using your hands, roll the cookie dough into balls approximately 2.5 cm in diameter and place each ball into the prepared mini muffin cups.
- Bake: Bake the cookie bites in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bites to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the top after baking while still warm for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Make sure to soften the butter to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookie bites tender.
- Greasing the mini muffin pan well will help the cookie bites release easily after baking.
- Store cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, remove from oven right when edges just start to turn golden.
