Peanut Butter-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Indulge your sweet cravings with these decadent peanut butter-stuffed chocolate cookies. With their rich, gooey chocolate exterior and creamy peanut butter filling, they make for the perfect treat to impress family and friends. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Rich Flavor: A blend of dark cocoa and creamy peanut butter creates an unforgettable taste.
• Soft and Gooey: The cookies remain soft with a gooey peanut butter center.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Ideal for parties, holidays, or a comforting snack.

peanut butter-stuffed chocolate cookies

Ingredients (Yields 12 Cookies)

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Scoop 12 small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and place them on a parchment-lined plate.
3. Freeze the peanut butter balls for 20-30 minutes until firm.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it into a disc, and place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center.
3. Wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring the peanut butter is fully enclosed. Roll the dough into a smooth ball and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Bake to Perfection

1. Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center looks slightly underdone.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Cocoa: High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Chill the Dough: This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to soft, gooey cookies is removing them from the oven while the center is slightly soft.

Storage and Freezing

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked, stuffed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate indulgence. They’re also perfect for gifting—just wrap them in a festive box for a homemade touch.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds a delightful texture to the filling.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.

How can I make the filling more flavorful?

Add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture for extra depth.

peanut butter-stuffed chocolate cookies

These peanut butter-stuffed chocolate cookies are the perfect fusion of rich, chocolatey goodness and creamy decadence. With their crowd-pleasing flavor and impressive presentation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Get baking today and enjoy every delicious bite!