Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bites -

If you’re a fan of cookies and love the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, then these Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bites are sure to become your new favorite treat. These soft and chewy cookie bites are packed with delicious chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, making them a perfect snack for any sweet tooth. They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for a spontaneous treat, a family gathering, or when you want to impress guests with little effort. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have fresh, warm, and incredibly tasty cookie bites that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bites are not only easy to make but also incredibly delightful. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the crunchy texture of peanut butter cups creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Perfectly Sized: At just one inch in diameter, these cookie bites offer a perfect portion size for snacking.
Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking, you can enjoy warm cookies in under half an hour.
Customizable: Feel free to adapt the cookie bites by adding your favorite nuts or swapping out ingredients according to your preferences!
Great for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just to share with family and friends.

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bites

To ensure your cookie bites turn out fabulous, here are some professional tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture.
Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are just set for soft, chewy bites.
Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you begin:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until thoroughly combined, ensuring that there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix as this will affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 5: Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups to incorporate them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the lined baking tray. This spacing allows them to spread while baking without merging into each other.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers may appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Bake the cookies just before serving for a fresh, warm treat.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter can add extra texture to these cookie bites, making them even more delightful.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag.

What if I don’t have Reese’s peanut butter cups?

You can substitute the Reese’s with any other chocolate candy, such as Snickers or M&M’s, or even leave them out completely for a classic peanut butter cookie.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even swap in different types of chocolate chips for a unique twist!

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bites are a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a fun recipe to share with loved ones, these cookie bites will delight with their rich flavors and soft texture. With easy preparation and the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll always want to have a batch on hand. Happy baking!