Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites: A Rich, Chewy, Irresistible Treat for All Occasions
There’s something universally comforting about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a match that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate dessert lovers of all ages. Whether it’s baked into decadent brownies, swirled into creamy frostings, or, in this case, folded into soft cookie dough and baked to perfection in mini muffin tins, the magic of chocolate and peanut butter is undeniable. These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are everything you love in a cookie—rich, chewy, soft, and packed with melty chocolate and peanut butter goodness—all in a bite-sized form that’s ideal for snacking, sharing, or indulging one perfect treat at a time.
This recipe was born out of a desire to create a treat that brings the nostalgia of classic peanut butter cookies and the joy of Reese’s candy into one irresistible dessert. The idea of baking them in mini muffin tins not only makes for a unique presentation, but also gives each bite a beautifully rounded shape with golden, caramelized edges and a soft center. It’s the kind of treat that feels just as at home on a holiday cookie tray as it does packed into a lunchbox or served at a birthday party.
What makes these cookie bites stand out isn’t just the flavor—though they certainly deliver on that front—but also the texture. The inside stays moist and tender thanks to the creamy peanut butter and a perfect balance of brown and white sugars, while the outer edges develop a subtle crispness. The chocolate chips or chopped Reese’s melt into little pockets of sweetness that make every bite exciting. Whether you eat them warm and gooey right out of the oven or let them cool for a soft, chewy experience, these cookie bites are bound to become a family favorite.
Let’s explore the ingredients and the process that make this cookie recipe so successful and adaptable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this is one recipe that delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.
Key Ingredients That Make These Cookie Bites a Hit
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 120g, softened)
Butter provides richness, moisture, and structure to the cookie dough. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content in the recipe. Letting it soften to room temperature before mixing allows it to cream properly with the sugars, which contributes to the light and fluffy texture. - Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup or 130g)
Peanut butter is the star of the show here. It imparts a deep, nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Using a commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is recommended over natural varieties, as it offers more consistency in baking and prevents separation. - Brown Sugar (½ cup or 100g, packed)
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor thanks to its molasses content. It also contributes to that classic chewiness we want in a good cookie bite. - Granulated Sugar (¼ cup or 50g)
This gives the cookie its sweetness and helps with the crisp edges. The combination of brown and white sugars creates a perfect balance between soft and slightly crispy textures. - Large Egg (1)
The egg binds everything together, providing structure and stability. It also contributes to the cookie’s tenderness and richness. - Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Vanilla enhances all the other flavors and adds a subtle sweetness. It’s a small but essential component in bringing out the richness of both the peanut butter and chocolate. - All-Purpose Flour (1 cup or 125g)
Flour provides the bulk of the structure for the cookies. Using just enough flour is key to ensuring the cookies are soft without becoming dry or cakey. - Baking Soda (½ teaspoon)
This leavening agent helps the cookies rise just enough to give them a nice shape while keeping the centers dense and chewy. - Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Salt is crucial for balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the other flavors, especially the chocolate and peanut butter. - Chocolate Chips or Chopped Reese’s (¾ cup, optional mix-ins)
For that extra indulgence, fold in chocolate chips, chunks of peanut butter cups, or both. This adds texture and bursts of gooey chocolate throughout the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Reese’s Cookie Bites
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity with non-stick spray. Using a mini muffin tin gives the cookie bites their distinctive shape and makes them easier to portion and serve. - Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps give the cookie bites a soft, tender crumb. - Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix just until fully combined. Be sure not to overmix at this stage, as that can make the dough dense. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. The dough should be thick but manageable. - Add the Chocolate or Peanut Butter Pieces
Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped Reese’s, if using. These add bursts of flavor and texture, but the cookie bites are still delicious even without them. - Portion the Dough
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This will give them enough room to rise without overflowing. - Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Be careful not to overbake; the centers should look slightly underdone, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. - Cool and Serve
Let the cookie bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re absolutely delicious warm, with melty chocolate centers, but they also keep well and can be enjoyed at room temperature for several days.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them mix more easily and evenly, creating a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, stir only until the dry spots disappear. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: These cookie bites can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so keep a close eye on them starting around the 10-minute mark. The goal is a soft center with just a hint of browning around the edges.
- Customize to Taste: These cookie bites are endlessly adaptable. Try swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips, or use chopped nuts for a crunchy twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once cooled, the cookie bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to cool them completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To make the dough ahead of time, prepare it as instructed and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. You can also scoop the dough into the mini muffin pan and freeze the unbaked dough cups. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Serving Ideas
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are versatile enough to suit almost any occasion. Serve them:
- As a sweet treat in lunchboxes
- On a party dessert tray
- As an afternoon snack with a cold glass of milk
- As a warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
You can also dress them up by drizzling with melted chocolate or dipping the tops in ganache for a more elegant presentation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bite)
Calories: 140
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Servings: Makes approximately 24 mini cookie bites
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing treats with friends, or simply satisfying your own craving for something sweet and comforting, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are sure to please. They come together quickly with pantry staples and deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort. The flavor is rich and nostalgic, the texture is spot-on, and the bite-size shape makes them incredibly snackable. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a regular rotation in your baking repertoire. For peanut butter and chocolate lovers, there’s simply no better combination.
If you enjoy this recipe, consider experimenting with other add-ins or turning them into full-size cookies or bars. The base dough is adaptable and forgiving, which makes it an ideal starting point for all kinds of dessert creativity. Whether you keep them simple or go all-out with mix-ins and toppings, one thing’s for sure: these little cookie bites pack big flavor.