Description: These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Combining the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips and the iconic taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The combination of textures – soft, chewy cookies studded with melted chocolate and chunks of peanut butter cups – creates an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a fun baking project, or a delightful snack to share with friends and family, these cookie bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (35g) chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Preparation:
Before you embark on this delightful baking adventure, a little preparation can go a long way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and measuring tools. Having everything within reach will make the baking process more efficient.
Step 2: Ensure that your butter and peanut butter are properly softened. This is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy batter. If you forgot to take them out of the refrigerator in advance, you can soften the butter by cutting it into small pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For the peanut butter, stirring it well will help loosen it up.
Step 3: Chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into small, even pieces. This will ensure that the peanut butter cup flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start baking to ensure even cooking.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential for creating a light and airy texture in the cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugars are well creamed, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix these ingredients in until they are thoroughly blended into the batter. The egg helps to bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix only until the flour is no longer visible.
Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. Folding rather than mixing prevents the dough from becoming overworked and ensures that the mix-ins remain intact.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough:
Use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This will prevent the cookies from sticking together while baking.
Step 6: Bake:
Bake the cookie bites in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The cookies should be soft in the center and slightly firm around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve:
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set slightly and prevents them from falling apart.
Step 8: Enjoy:
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups creates a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and savory, making these cookies utterly addictive.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized cookies are ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences by adding different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even pretzels.
- Great Texture: The cookies have a soft, chewy texture with melty chocolate and chunks of peanut butter cups, providing a delightful sensory experience.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat during the school or work day.
- Offer them as part of a dessert platter at parties or gatherings.
- Enjoy them as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Use them to create a cookie sundae by layering them with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
Tips:
- For the best results, use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Total Time:
25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 120-150 per cookie bite
Protein: 2-3g per cookie bite
Sodium: 50-70mg per cookie bite
Conclusion:
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds – the comforting taste of homemade cookies with the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and perfect balance of sweetness, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious cookie bites and savor every moment of indulgence!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of nut butter? Yes, you can substitute the creamy peanut butter with other nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Keep in mind that the flavor of the cookies will vary depending on the type of nut butter you use.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake as directed. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for longer storage. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until the dough is firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
- What can I do if my cookies are spreading too much during baking? If your cookies are spreading too much, the dough may be too warm. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better. Also, make sure your oven is not too hot, as this can also cause the cookies to spread. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet can also help prevent spreading.
- Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies? Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Some great additions include chopped nuts (such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans), pretzels, dried cranberries, or different types of chocolate chips (such as white chocolate or dark chocolate). You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
