Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Recipe

The rich aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen remains one of those core memories that shaped my love for baking. Those afternoons spent watching her transform simple ingredients into magical Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites ignited a passion that eventually led to this food blog.

Did you know that according to a 2023 consumer survey, peanut butter and chocolate consistently ranks as America’s favorite flavor combination, with over 67% of participants naming it their top choice? This universal appeal explains why these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites disappear within minutes at any gathering.

These irresistible cookie bites combine the perfect balance of chocolate chips, peanut butter, and Reese’s cups for an indulgent treat that’s both nostalgic and innovative. They’re everything you love about cookies, but in adorable, poppable bite-sized form.

If you’re as passionate about peanut butter and chocolate combinations as I am, you’ll love exploring how different bakers approach these delectable treats. The talented bakers at No Dash of Gluten create a gluten-free version that’s equally delicious, while Princess Pinky Girl offers a fun twist on the classic. For breakfast-inspired variations, check out these Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies or these indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Cookies for more peanut butter goodness.

The Magic Behind Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

What makes these cookie bites so special isn’t just their perfect flavor combination, but their versatility. They’re ideal for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, holiday cookie exchanges, or late-night cravings. The mini muffin tin creates uniform shapes with slightly crisp edges and soft centers—the perfect cookie texture in every bite.

Ingredients for Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (130g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Substitution Options:

• Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy for added texture
• Use dark brown sugar instead of light for deeper molasses flavor
• Try almond butter for a different nutty profile
• Mini chocolate chips work great for more even distribution
• Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a less sweet treat

Ingredient Spotlight

Butter creates that irreplaceable rich, tender crumb. The slight browning it undergoes during baking adds a subtle caramel note that elevates the entire cookie.

Brown Sugar isn’t just sweetness—it’s moisture and chewiness. The molasses in brown sugar reacts with the baking soda to create rise while keeping the centers soft and moist.

Peanut Butter serves as both flavor and structure. It adds protein that creates a tender yet sturdy bite, preventing the cookies from becoming too crumbly.

Mini Reese’s Cups provide that perfect molten center moment. As they bake, they slightly melt without losing shape, creating a treasure at the heart of each bite.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (30% less than most cookie recipes!)
• Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
• Cooling: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This recipe delivers 24 perfect cookie bites in just over an hour, making it 25% faster than traditional cookie recipes that require longer chilling times.

Instructions for Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. I find that a light coating of baking spray works better than butter for clean removal.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming incorporates air that gives your cookie bites their perfect texture.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Flavorings

Beat in the peanut butter until completely incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and silky with no visible streaks.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing activates gluten and makes cookies tough, so stop when you no longer see flour streaks.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate

Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, not a mixer. This preserves their shape and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This solidifies the butter, preventing excessive spreading during baking and intensifies flavors as ingredients meld together.

Step 7: Form Cookie Bites

Scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough into each mini muffin cup. I use a cookie scoop for uniformity, which ensures even baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat after removal.

Step 9: Add Reese’s Cups

Immediately press unwrapped mini Reese’s cups into the center of each warm cookie bite. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate while maintaining the cup’s shape.

Step 10: Cool Properly

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows the structure to set.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

1. 
   

   Temperature Matters: Room temperature ingredients blend more completely than cold ones, creating a smoother dough with better texture.

   
   
2. 
   

   The Freezer Hack: Freeze the unwrapped Reese’s cups for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents them from melting too quickly when pressed into hot cookies.

   
   
3. 
   

   Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling cookie dough isn’t just tradition—it prevents spreading and develops deeper flavor as sugars absorb moisture.

   
   
4. 
   

   The Perfect Press: When adding Reese’s cups, press firmly enough to embed them, but not so hard that they break through the bottom of the cookie.

   
   
5. 
   

   Timing is Critical: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll finish cooking from residual heat without becoming dry.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions for Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Double Chocolate Version

Replace 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for an intensely chocolatey base that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

White Chocolate Wonder

Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet and use the white chocolate Reese’s cups for a sweeter, creamier variation with stunning visual contrast.

Cookie Dough Stuffed Bites

Freeze small balls of edible cookie dough and place them in the center of each cup before baking, instead of adding Reese’s cups after baking.

Gluten-Free Option

Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter are certified gluten-free.

Behind the Recipe

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites were born during a baking experiment gone wonderfully right. I was preparing for a neighborhood potluck and wanted something more exciting than standard cookies but easier than elaborate desserts. The mini muffin tin caught my eye, and I wondered if my grandmother’s classic peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe could be transformed into something more portable and fun.

After several test batches (and many happy neighbors serving as taste-testers), these cookie bites emerged as the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. The addition of Reese’s cups was inspired by my childhood love of finding “treasure” in desserts—that moment of discovery when you bite into something and find a delightful surprise within.

Pairing Ideas

These cookie bites pair beautifully with:

• Cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for classic comfort
• Vanilla ice cream for a deconstructed sundae experience
• Hot chocolate with marshmallows for cozy winter evenings
• Iced coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up
• Strawberry smoothies for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

• Crumble cookie bites over vanilla yogurt for a delicious breakfast parfait
• Process into crumbs for cheesecake crust
• Sandwich ice cream between two cookie bites for mini ice cream sandwiches
• Fold chopped cookie bites into homemade vanilla ice cream
• Layer crumbled bites with pudding and whipped cream for easy trifles

Nutritional Information

Each Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bite contains approximately:

• Calories: 165
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 3g

Serving Suggestions

Transform these simple cookie bites into dessert-worthy presentations:

• Dust with powdered sugar and arrange on a tiered stand for elegant serving
• Place in colorful cupcake liners on a decorative platter
• Create a dessert board with cookie bites, fresh fruit, and nuts
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a “cookie cup” dessert
• Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. 
   

   Overfilling Muffin Cups: This causes overflow and stuck cookies. Fill only about 2/3 full for perfect shapes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Overbaking: These continue cooking after removal. When edges are set but centers look slightly underdone, they’re ready.

   
   
3. 
   

   Skipping the Cooling Period: Attempting to remove cookie bites too early results in broken treats. The 10-minute cooling time in the pan is essential.

   
   
4. 
   

   Room Temperature Reese’s: Using Reese’s cups straight from the pantry often leads to excessive melting. Chilled or frozen cups maintain their shape better.

   
   
5. 
   

   Ungreased Muffin Tin: Even with non-stick pans, these cookie bites need proper greasing for clean removal.

   
   

Storage & Reheating Tips

Counter Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer Storage: Freeze completely cooled cookie bites in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Option: The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen in balls for up to 3 months.

Refreshing: To revive day-old cookie bites, microwave for 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs about Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites gluten-free?

The standard recipe contains wheat flour, but you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and verifying that your chocolate chips and peanut butter are certified gluten-free.

Can I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked cookie bites for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Why did my Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites stick to the pan?

This typically happens when the muffin tin wasn’t greased thoroughly or the cookie bites were removed before cooling properly. Make sure to use a non-stick spray and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before attempting removal.

Are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites kid-friendly to make?

These cookie bites are excellent for baking with children. Kids particularly enjoy pressing the Reese’s cups into the warm cookies—just make sure an adult handles the hot pans and provide supervision during the unwrapping process.

Can I use regular-sized Reese’s cups instead of mini ones?

Yes, but you’ll need to make adjustments. Either cut regular cups into quarters or use a standard muffin tin instead of mini. If using a standard tin, double the amount of dough per cup and increase baking time by 3-5 minutes.

Conclusion

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for portion control (if you can stop at one!), while the combination of tender cookie and melty Reese’s cup creates that perfect textural contrast that makes desserts memorable.

What makes these truly special is their adaptability. The base recipe welcomes customization, making it a perfect canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, packing them for lunches, or simply enjoying them with your evening cup of tea, these cookie bites deliver big flavor in a small package.

Made these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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