Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Reese’s peanut butter cups, then you’re going to adore these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites. They combine the creamy richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the irresistible crunch of mini Reese’s for a cookie bite that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Unlike standard cookies, these are baked in mini muffin tins, giving you bite-sized treats that are perfect for portion control, gifting, or serving at gatherings. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and loaded with gooey chocolate goodness.

This recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks because it uses pantry staples and simple steps. The end result? A crowd-pleasing, bakery-worthy dessert that tastes even better when homemade. Let’s dive into what makes these cookie bites so special, how you can customize them, and the best way to enjoy them fresh or later on.

My recipe story

I first created these Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a family game night when I wanted something bite-sized, indulgent, but not too fussy. Instead of baking a big batch of cookies, I decided to try them in a mini muffin tin, adding Reese’s cups in the center for that iconic peanut butter-chocolate combination. The moment I placed them on the table, they disappeared in minutes! The balance of textures—soft cookie, melted chocolate, and peanut butter candy—instantly made these a family favorite.

Now, they’ve become my go-to recipe for birthdays, bake sales, and even holiday dessert platters. Friends often request them by name, and I love that they look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. They’ve taught me that sometimes the best desserts are the ones that combine nostalgic flavors in new, fun ways.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of these cookie bites lies in the simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each plays a key role in building the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break it down:

Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the cookie base. It creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture while balancing the sweetness of the sugars.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter enhances flavor and makes the dough more tender. Stick with creamy for a smoother bite, though crunchy peanut butter can work if you like added texture.

Sugars: A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the cookie bites both chewiness and a slight crispness on the edges. Brown sugar also adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

Egg & Vanilla: These act as binding and flavor-enhancing agents. Vanilla ties all the flavors together with warmth and sweetness.

Flour, Baking Soda & Salt: The dry ingredients provide structure. Baking soda ensures lift and softness, while salt balances out the sweetness and intensifies flavor.

Chocolate Chips & Reese’s Minis: Semi-sweet chocolate chips keep the cookie from being overly sweet, while chopped or mini Reese’s cups give bursts of peanut butter-chocolate goodness in every bite.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Mini muffin tin
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookie base has the perfect airy texture and will bake evenly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add egg and vanilla. Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until just combined. These wet ingredients act as binding agents, giving the dough structure. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can toughen your cookies later on. The dough should be smooth and slightly creamy.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. The dough should start to come together but remain soft. Overmixing can create dense bites, so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.

Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This prevents them from breaking apart and ensures even distribution throughout the dough. If desired, you can also fold in chopped Reese’s minis at this stage for extra peanut butter flavor.

Step 5: Scoop into muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough evenly into each well, filling about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cookies to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake and add Reese’s cups. Bake the cookie bites for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and just set. Remove the tin from the oven and immediately press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each bite. The residual heat will soften the candy, helping it meld into the cookie.

Step 7: Cool and serve. Let the cookie bites cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage. Serve warm for a gooey center, or let them cool completely for easy storage and transport.

Variations & substitutions

There are endless ways to put your own spin on these cookie bites. Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. If you’re a fan of textures, fold in chopped peanuts or pretzel bits for a salty crunch. You can also experiment with flavored peanut butters, like honey-roasted or chocolate-infused, to give the bites a unique twist.

Not a fan of peanut butter cups? Replace them with other mini candies, like Rolos, Snickers bites, or even caramels. For a holiday version, top the baked bites with festive sprinkles or drizzle them with melted chocolate in seasonal colors.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store these cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For freezing, arrange cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

If you want to make ahead, you can prepare the dough, scoop it into the muffin tin, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially helpful if you’re preparing for an event or holiday baking marathon.

Serving ideas & pairings

These cookie bites are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic snack or serve alongside coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand or package them in festive boxes for edible gifts.

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the bites, though creamy gives a smoother finish.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking? No, this dough doesn’t require chilling, but you can chill it if you want thicker bites.

Can I bake these in a regular muffin tin? You can, but they’ll be larger. Adjust baking time to 12–15 minutes and test for doneness.

How do I prevent the Reese’s cups from melting too much? Press them into the cookies right after baking but avoid covering them with foil while cooling.

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Final thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are the perfect marriage of peanut butter and chocolate in bite-sized form. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or simply treating yourself, these little bites of happiness will never disappoint. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie recipe!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookie bites
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, chewy, and loaded with Reese’s goodness, these cookie bites combine peanut butter and chocolate in every bite-sized treat. Perfect for sharing or snacking!

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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 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.

5. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s pieces until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup and press down slightly.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and set. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
   

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Delicious served slightly warm with a glass of milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American