- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for topping
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I start making these Peanut Butter Cookie Bites, my first step is to preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because you want those cookies to bake perfectly when they hit the hot oven. While that’s getting warm, I grab my large mixing bowl and dump in the peanut butter and sugar. The first mix is the best moment; stirring those two together creates this thick, luscious paste that smells heavenly. I whisk them until everything is blended smoothly, which takes just a minute or two.
Next, I crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. This is where things get exciting! The egg helps bind everything, while the vanilla adds a layer of complexity to the flavor. I’ve made this cookie dough without vanilla a couple of times, and trust me, it makes a huge difference! After mixing this until it’s cohesive, I sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. I like to give it a good stir again to ensure those ingredients are evenly distributed. The batter should look rich and glossy at this point, and I can’t resist tasting a cheeky spoonful—it’s bliss!
Once my batter is ready, I line my baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial, as it prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures that they bake evenly. I then use a cookie scoop (or two spoons) to create bite-sized dollops of dough. I love a generous length of dough, so my cookie bites are always a satisfying handful. I leave some space between each dollop since they do spread out a little as they bake. After this, I like to sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top—because why not make them more decadent, right? (See the next page below to continue…)