When I first made these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites, I honestly didn’t expect much more than a quick snack. But as soon as my family tried them, they disappeared faster than I could blink. These bite-sized peanut butter treats quickly became a staple in our kitchen because they’re so reliable and tasty, delivering that perfect touch of comfort without any fuss.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple list of ingredients for your Peanut Butter Cookie Bites. I like that these are all easy to find in your regular grocery aisle, so no special trips needed. This keeps the recipe budget-friendly too, which is always a win for me.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth gives the best texture here)
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can swap brown sugar if you like a richer taste)
- 1 large egg (fresh for best results)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (found in the baking section of any store)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds nice depth)
- Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
If you don’t have creamy peanut butter on hand, no worries—I often use natural peanut butter in my Peanut Butter Cookie Bites. Just stir it well because natural tends to separate. For a quicker no-bake peanut butter bites version, you can skip the egg and use some rolled oats instead. I’ll share that option later.
A little kitchen tip: I like adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top before baking for extra texture. For storage, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—or freeze extras wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Let’s Make It Together:
Ready for easy? This Peanut Butter Cookie Bites recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how I do it step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up so much easier and keeps your cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and sugar. Use a sturdy spoon or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing here—peanut butter and vanilla is one of my favorite combos.
- Crack in the egg and stir it in completely. Adding the egg provides the structure that helps your Peanut Butter Cookie Bites hold together.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then add vanilla extract if using. Mix everything well just until incorporated. Don’t overmix—the dough might look slightly grainy but that’s perfect for these cookie snacks.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. For classic peanut butter cookie looks, press each ball down gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake your Peanut Butter Cookie Bites for 8-10 minutes. Don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you take them out. They firm up as they cool, so let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, tidy your space or prepare a simple glass of milk. This waiting is worth it once you take that first bite of your peanut butter cookie snacks.
If you want no-bake peanut butter bites, stir together peanut butter, oats, a little honey or maple syrup, and mini chocolate chips. Then roll into bite-sized treats and chill for 30 minutes until firm. These no-bake peanut butter bites are great for when you need quick snacks without heating the kitchen.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bites with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They make fantastic after-school snacks or a sweet treat for grown-up coffee breaks. Their bite-sized nature means they’re easy to grab, so they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
For a simple serving upgrade, try pairing these peanut butter cookie snacks with sliced apples or banana—both complement the peanut butter flavor nicely and add fresh balance. These are also crowd-pleasers at parties or potlucks where everyone can enjoy a quick sweet nibble.
I’ve served this recipe for holiday gatherings too, where I like to sprinkle a few festive red and green mini M&Ms on top before baking. It adds a little seasonal cheer to the bites without any extra work. Leftover Peanut Butter Cookie Bites? Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or pack a few in lunchboxes for a homemade treat.
My friends love these for casual get-togethers. Every time I bring a batch, they ask for the recipe and appreciate how simple but comforting these peanut butter cookie bites are. If you love recipes that come together fast but leave a lasting impression, you’ll want these in your back pocket.
Your Questions Answered:
Q: Can I make this Peanut Butter Cookie Bites ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps develop flavor and makes handling the dough easier. If you make the no-bake peanut butter bites, they keep well refrigerated for a week too.
Q: What’s a good substitute for sugar in this Peanut Butter Cookie Bites?
A: You can swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind honey will make the dough a bit moister and may need less egg. If you try sucralose or stevia, start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Q: How can I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
A: This recipe is easy to double or halve. I usually double it if I’m hosting a crowd or want leftovers. Just keep the baking times the same.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
A: Yes! For a nuttier texture, crunchy peanut butter works well. It changes the bite a bit but keeps that classic peanut butter cookie flavor.
Q: Do I have to bake these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites?
A: No, not if you use the no-bake peanut butter bites version with oats and sweetener—perfect for quick snack times.
Q: Are these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites gluten-free?
A: The basic recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free baking soda and vanilla. Just watch for cross-contamination in your kitchen.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Definitely. Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even little bits of dried fruit mix in well. I’ve seen home cooks add mini Reese’s Pieces too.
If this recipe reminds you of other favorites, check out my old-fashioned peanut butter pie for a dessert twist, or try butternut squash apple coffee cake for a seasonal sweet treat. For a savory dinner side, Simanim stuffed butternut squash is a comforting and colorful addition. For inspiration on no-bake snacks, Suzie’s Snacks peanut butter and oat cookie balls and 4 ingredient chocolate peanut butter balls from Chef Billy Parisi are both great peanut butter bite variations. The Faux Martha also has a lovely peanut butter cookie dough bites recipe for a soft, no-bake approach.
Final Thoughts:
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites hold a special place in my collection because they’re just so reliable. No matter how rushed I am or how picky the crowd, these cookies come together quickly, taste like a cozy kitchen treat, and make people happy.
My Best Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Tips:
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture but feel free to swap in natural or crunchy for variety.
- Don’t overbake. Remove when slightly soft and let them finish setting up on the pan.
- For a faster option, try the no-bake peanut butter bites with oats and sweetener.
I’ve tested variations with added cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, and even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking. The version with mini chips always gets requested most around here—they’re like little pockets of extra joy in every bite.
I encourage you to make these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites your own. Play with mix-ins, swap sugars, or try the no-bake style when time’s tight. It’s all about having a dependable recipe for those moments you need an easy, tasty treat.
I hope you love making and sharing these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites as much as my family and I do. They’re honest, approachable, and perfectly peanut buttery every single time. Happy baking, my fellow home cooks!
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites
Peanut Butter Cookie Bites are delicious, bite-sized treats combining rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture—perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and stir until combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra texture, add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough before baking.