Peanut Butter Cookie Bites: A Cozy Snack for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about the aromas that fill our kitchens when we bake. The creamy scent of peanut butter, mingling with the warm, buttery sweetness of sugar and the rich allure of chocolate — it’s comfort in edible form. These Peanut Butter Cookie Bites have a special place in my heart, reminding me of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen.
As a child, I would watch in awe as she whisked together simple ingredients, turning them into little treasures. Now, as a home chef myself, I cherish these moments with every batch I bake. Perfect for a cozy gathering or an indulgent snack on a rainy day, these bites are what I like to call a “creamy fall dessert.” Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight baking session.
- Perfectly poppable size means they’re great for sharing (or not!).
- A harmonious blend of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate — who could resist?
- Inspired by nostalgic family recipes, giving you a taste of home.
- Fun to make with kids, creating sweet memories together!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g creamy peanut butter
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 110 g packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 155 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 130 g mini chocolate chips
- 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for an even distribution of chocolatey goodness.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough into 2.5 cm balls and place each ball into a muffin cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Immediately press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie while they are still warm, allowing them to meld into the cookie.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring these delightful bites to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fun Ways to Customize It
While these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites are already a treat, there are plenty of creative twists you can explore:
- Nutty Bliss: Swap out some of the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Zesty Citrus: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the mix for a fresh, zingy flavor that complements the richness of the peanut butter.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Indulgent Swirls: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bites for an extra touch of decadence.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of mini chocolate chips, feel free to use chopped chocolate bars or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor experience.
- Storage Suggestions: Store your Peanut Butter Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, or freeze them for up to three months.
- Perfect Portions: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes; this makes baking time consistent and the bites perfectly bite-sized!
Calories & Nutrition Details
Nutrition Information per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bite
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a couple of days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other nut butters or chocolate varieties to suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any uneaten cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For extended freshness, refrigerate or freeze them.
How long does it last?
These treats will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
There’s a comforting joy in baking, and these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites embody that notion perfectly. Their soft texture, rich flavors, and delightful toppings make them an irresistible snack for anytime you need a little indulgence. Save this Peanut Butter Cookie Bites recipe to your dessert board, so it’s ready when you crave a cozy treat! Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g creamy peanut butter
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 110 g packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 155 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 130 g mini chocolate chips
- 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 175°C.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for an even distribution of chocolatey goodness.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough into 2.5 cm balls and place each ball into a muffin cup.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Immediately press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie while they are still warm, allowing them to meld into the cookie.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring these delightful bites to a wire rack to cool completely.
