If you are a devoted peanut butter and chocolate fan like me, then you are absolutely going to adore this Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe. These two-bite wonders pack all the rich, fudgy chocolate and nutty peanut butter goodness into a perfectly sized treat. Soft brownies studded with peanut butter morsels get topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that is silky, sweet, and creamy, then crowned with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups for that final pop of candy-coated joy. It is a bite-sized party of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for one after another without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe uses simple, trusty ingredients — each one playing a starring role in the final deliciousness. With straightforward pantry staples and a handful of peanut butter and chocolate treats, you’re set for a dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich fat for a tender brownie crumb and creamy frosting base.
- Bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cacao): Provides deep chocolate flavor that balances the peanut butter’s sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps develop a slight crust.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and just the right chewiness to the brownies.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add moisture while enriching the texture.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- Peanut butter morsels: Little pockets of creamy peanut butter surprise you throughout each bite.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfection.
- Milk: Lightens the frosting for a perfect spreadable texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the frosting, lending a luscious, nutty punch.
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups: The irresistible finishing touch for an extra chocolatey, peanut buttery crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Start by combining the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute, then stir well. Microwave in additional 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This mixture forms the decadent chocolate base that is key for these fudgy brownies.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Flour, Eggs, and Salt
Once the chocolate and butter are velvety smooth, stir in the granulated sugar, flour, eggs, and kosher salt. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is beautifully blended into a thick batter. This process ensures your brownies will have the right balance of chewy and soft.
Step 3: Fold in Peanut Butter Morsels
Now, fold in the peanut butter morsels carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. These morsels add delightful, melty pockets of peanut butter flavor in every bite, making these brownies extra special.
Step 4: Fill Mini Muffin Pan and Bake
Lightly grease a mini muffin pan using baking spray, then drop large tablespoons of batter evenly into each cup. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 14 minutes until the edges set but the centers remain soft. Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add in the milk and creamy peanut butter, then continue beating until the frosting is light, perfectly creamy, and spreadable. This frosting is truly the crown jewel of the Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe.
Step 6: Frost and Top with Mini Reese’s
Pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting generously onto each cooled brownie bite. Finally, top each one with a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup to deliver that perfect chocolate and peanut butter combo in every bite-sized treat.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe, consider adding a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few chopped roasted peanuts on top. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and a touch of savory contrast that takes the sugary richness to the next level.
Side Dishes
These brownie bites pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. You might also serve them alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a simple fruit salad to add brightness and balance the intense richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe on a tiered dessert stand or in decorative cupcake liners. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over them for an added touch of elegance and wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping the frosting intact is easier when chilled, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these peanut butter brownie bites either frosted or unfrosted. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and make a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bites in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm brownie bite experience, gently microwave an individual piece for 10-15 seconds, but avoid heating too long or the frosting might soften excessively.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast to the smooth frosting, giving each bite an extra nutty crunch.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate and butter together?
The microwave method is quick and efficient, but you can also melt them gently in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler) if you prefer a bit more control to avoid overheating.
Can I make these into full-size brownies instead of bites?
Yes, you can bake the batter in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan and then cut into squares after baking and cooling. Frost and top each square similarly for a shareable treat.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Just ensure your blend is intended for baking to maintain the brownie’s texture.
Can I substitute the mini Reese’s with another candy?
Certainly! Mini peanut butter cups are perfect here, but you can get creative with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel bits for different flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and this Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe captures it perfectly in every single bite. These treats are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they bring instant smiles to any crowd. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make a batch soon—you might just find these brownie bites becoming your new favorite go-to dessert!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Bites with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Reese’s Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 60 brownie bites
Description
Deliciously rich Peanut Butter Brownie Bites combining fudgy chocolate brownies loaded with peanut butter morsels, topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfect bite-sized treats for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 package bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cacao), 12 ounces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 package peanut butter morsels, 10 ounces
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 60 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (from the pouch)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter with chocolate chips. Heat on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds. If not fully melted, stir and heat for an additional 30 seconds until smooth.
- Mix Brownie Batter: Add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and kosher salt to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until well blended and smooth. Gently fold in the peanut butter morsels to evenly distribute them.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with baking spray. Drop the brownie batter by large tablespoons into each muffin cup, evenly dividing the dough among the 60 cups. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-14 minutes until set.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer the brownie bites to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add milk and creamy peanut butter and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and achieves the desired consistency.
- Decorate Brownie Bites: Pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting onto each cooled brownie bite. Top each with one mini Reese’s peanut butter cup to finish.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make the frosting lactose-free.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use higher percentage cacao chocolate chips if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American