Irresistible Reese’s-Inspired Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

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Picture this: a warm, gooey cookie bite with a tender peanut butter base, studded with melty chocolate chips and a hidden surprise of creamy Reese’s goodness inside. These Reese’s-Inspired Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic peanut butter-chocolate combo. Perfect for bake sales, holiday treats, or a sweet indulgence after dinner, this recipe combines the nostalgia of a classic cookie with a fun twist. Let me guide you through crafting these delightful bites, complete with tips to perfect them and ideas to make them your signature dessert.

Ingredients (Makes 12-15 Cookie Bites)

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (130g) smooth creamy peanut butter (natural or conventional)
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• For the Fillings and Toppings:
• 12-15 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped)
• 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Mini muffin tin
• Paper liners or cooking spray
• Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire cooling rack
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the wells with cooking spray to ensure the cookie bites release easily. This step sets the stage for perfectly shaped treats.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
   In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed (or a sturdy wooden spoon) for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and slightly pale. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. This creamy base is the heart of the cookie’s rich flavor.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop when no flour streaks remain. Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for that classic chocolatey bite.
4. Assemble the Cookie Bites:
   Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into the prepared mini muffin tin wells, filling each about halfway. Press a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each dough portion, gently pressing it down so it’s partially submerged. The dough will rise and encase the candy during baking. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a decorative touch.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. The Reese’s centers will melt slightly, creating a gooey surprise. Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each bite while warm for a delightful contrast. Let the cookie bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once cooled, serve these cookie bites on a platter or in a decorative tin. The warm, melty centers pair perfectly with the crisp edges and sweet peanut butter-chocolate flavor. Enjoy them fresh, or store for later enjoyment!

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy texture.
• Reese’s Placement: Use miniature Reese’s cups for the best fit. If using regular-sized ones, cut them into smaller pieces to avoid overflowing the muffin wells.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Variations: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips. For a crunch, add chopped peanuts to the dough.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive the gooeyness.

Serving Suggestions

These cookie bites are a treat on their own but shine with the right pairings:

• Beverages: Serve with cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a glass of chilled almond milk for a classic combo.
• Dessert Spread: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a fruit platter for a balanced dessert table.
• Occasions: Perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or as a homemade gift in festive packaging.
• Presentation: Stack on a tiered stand or wrap individually for a cute, shareable treat.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of these cookie bites lies in the harmonious blend of peanut butter and chocolate, elevated by the surprise Reese’s center. The soft, chewy cookie dough provides the perfect vessel, while the baking process melds the flavors into a decadent bite-sized delight. This recipe balances sweetness with a hint of salt, making it irresistible to kids and adults alike.

Nutritional Notes

These treats are rich in flavor but indulgent. For a lighter version, reduce the sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips. Each bite offers a mix of carbohydrates from the flour, fats from the butter and peanut butter, and a protein boost from the egg and peanut butter.

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