If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are about to become your new favorite treat! They combine the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the decadence of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all wrapped around a gooey Reese’s peanut butter cup. Baked in a mini muffin tin, these bite-sized cookies are perfect for parties, dessert trays, or satisfying your sweet tooth in just a few bites.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser. The outer cookie is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crispness around the edges, while the melted Reese’s cup in the center creates a rich, creamy core. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk, these cookie bites are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can always have a stash ready for a quick treat whenever the craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are the ultimate sweet treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Here’s why you won’t be able to resist them:
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A dreamy blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and a surprise mini Reese’s cup in the center makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture – These cookie bites bake up with a soft, slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melty chocolate and smooth peanut butter center.
✔ Easy to Make – No fancy techniques or complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake! Even beginner bakers can master this recipe effortlessly.
✔ Great for Sharing – Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties, bake sales, or as a fun treat to share with family and friends.
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to three months, so you always have a delicious peanut butter and chocolate fix ready to go.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, these cookie bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
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½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
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24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 24-cup mini muffin tin by lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with mini cupcake liners. This step ensures easy removal of the cookie bites without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat ½ cup (115g) softened unsalted butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, and ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process typically takes 2–3 minutes on medium speed. Properly creaming the butter and sugars helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Add ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then, mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined. These ingredients help bind the dough and enhance its rich peanut butter flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bites.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, adding bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup. Lightly press the dough down to flatten it slightly so that it bakes evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear soft, but they will set as they cool.
Step 7: Add the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
As soon as you remove the muffin tin from the oven, press one mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie bite. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the Reese’s cup, creating a gooey, peanut butter-filled center. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften and blend with the cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookie bites cool in the muffin tin for 5–10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
Enjoy warm for a melty chocolate center or at room temperature for a firmer texture. These bites are perfect for serving at parties, gifting, or simply treating yourself to a sweet and peanut buttery delight!
Variation
1. Crunchy Peanut Butter Swap
For a more textured bite, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. The small peanut pieces add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie dough and gooey Reese’s center.
2. Dark Chocolate Version
Love a richer, more intense chocolate flavor? Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher). This variation balances the sweetness of the cookie and enhances the depth of flavor.
3. Nut-Free Option
If you’re making these for someone with a nut allergy, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter, and use nut-free chocolate cups (such as Sun Cups or homemade chocolate-filled centers). This ensures a delicious, allergy-friendly treat.
4. Drizzle with Chocolate
For an extra decadent touch, melt additional chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate) and drizzle it over the cooled cookie bites. This not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also makes them look even more irresistible.
Bonus Idea: Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving can elevate the flavor by balancing the sweetness with a hint of saltiness. Perfect for those who love sweet-and-salty desserts!
With these variations, you can personalize your cookie bites to suit different tastes and dietary preferences while keeping them just as delicious. Enjoy experimenting with these fun twists!
Cooking Note
For best results, ensure all your ingredients—especially the butter, egg, and peanut butter—are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-incorporated dough and ensures even baking. When adding the mini Reese’s cups, press them in gently while the cookies are still warm but not too hot, so they set nicely without sinking too deep or melting excessively. If you want a firmer chocolate center, chill the Reese’s cups in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before using. Lastly, allow the cookie bites to cool in the muffin tin for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence.
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Arrange on a dessert platter for parties and special occasions.
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Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
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Gift them in decorative tins for holidays or special events.
Tips
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Do not overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
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Let the Reese’s cups soften naturally after placing them in the warm cookies to ensure a gooey center.
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For extra freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Bite)
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Calories: ~150
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Protein: ~2g
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Sodium: ~80mg
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these cookie bites?
A: Yes! Baked cookie bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked taste.
Q: Can I use regular-sized Reese’s cups?
A: Mini Reese’s cups work best because they fit perfectly into the cookie bites, but if you only have regular-sized cups, chop them into halves or quarters before pressing them into the cookies.
Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. You can also freeze pre-portioned dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from frozen (just add an extra minute or two to the baking time).
Q: What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
A: No problem! You can shape the dough into small balls and bake them on a cookie sheet instead. The Reese’s cup may not sit as neatly in the center, but they’ll still be just as delicious.
Q: Can I use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips?
A: Yes! Swapping chocolate chips for peanut butter chips will enhance the peanut butter flavor and create an extra nutty, rich taste. You can also do a mix of both for the best of both worlds!
Q: How do I prevent the Reese’s cups from melting too much?
A: For best results, freeze the mini Reese’s cups for 15–20 minutes before pressing them into the warm cookies. This helps them hold their shape better and prevents excessive melting.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, such as the peanut butter and Reese’s cups, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of flavors—creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and a gooey Reese’s cup center, all wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a holiday cookie tray, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, these irresistible cookie bites are sure to impress.
They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and completely addictive, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. The combination of textures—crispy edges, a tender cookie base, and a melty peanut butter cup center—creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. Best of all, they store well and can even be frozen for a quick sweet fix whenever a craving strikes.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking magic begin. One batch of these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites won’t last long—so be prepared to make another!
