Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies are the ultimate treat that combines two beloved flavors into one delightful package. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy that sweet tooth, these cookies have a way of bringing smiles all around. The chewy chocolate cookie exterior paired with a luscious peanut butter filling makes them irresistibly delicious!
Every bite is a perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, making these cookies a favorite for both kids and adults alike. You’ll find that they are not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special snack during the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
– Chewy texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, ensuring you have the best cookie experience with each bite.
– Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
– Ideal for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, school bake sale, or just a family dessert night, these cookies fit right in.
– Great for sharing: Bake up a batch and spread the joy by gifting some to friends and neighbors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies:
For the Peanut Butter Filling
– 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy JIF or Skippy)
– 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
– 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
For the Cookie Dough
– 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
– 1 tsp Baking soda
– 1 tsp Salt
– 1 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
– 1 1/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
– 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
– 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
– 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Variations
Baking is all about creativity! Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
– Swap in different nut butters: Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a unique twist.
– Add some crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
– Change up the chocolate: Try using milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for variation in flavor.
– Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or even some chili powder for an unexpected kick.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these ingredients together creates a smooth filling that adds a wonderful contrast to your cookies. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are well mixed before combining them with wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with brown sugar and white granulated sugar until creamy. Then add in pure vanilla extract and room temperature eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cookies to remain tender! Finally, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
Step 4: Form Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, take about two tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about one tablespoon of the peanut butter filling in the center before folding the dough over it and rolling it into a ball again. Repeat this process until all dough is used.
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange your filled cookie balls on parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for approximately 12–15 minutes until they look set but still soft. Allow them to cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
And there you have it—your very own batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies
Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you’re crafting these scrumptious chocolate peanut butter filled cookies. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
– Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs and melted butter are at room temperature helps to create a smooth batter that mixes evenly, resulting in chewy and delicious cookies.
– Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
– Chill the dough: For even more flavor and to help the cookies maintain their shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
– Measure accurately: Baking is a science. Make sure to measure your flour and cocoa powder accurately by using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
– Experiment with fillings: While the peanut butter filling is amazing, feel free to add chocolate chips or other nut butters for a fun twist!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies
Presenting your chocolate peanut butter filled cookies can elevate the experience! Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy dessert table, here are some serving suggestions.
Garnishes
– A dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a beautiful touch and extra sweetness.
– Drizzled chocolate: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
– A glass of cold almond milk: The creaminess pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the cookie.
– Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
– Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: Serve warm cookies next to a scoop for a delightful dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep can make your life easier, especially when it comes to storing these delicious treats. Here’s how to keep them fresh!
Storing Leftovers
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
– For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 1 week.
Freezing
– Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
– Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
– To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5–10 minutes until warmed through.
– You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
If you have questions about making or storing these delicious cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy JIF or Skippy?
You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may be runnier than processed varieties. You might need to adjust the powdered sugar slightly for consistency.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking. Also, you could use dairy-free chocolate chips if preferred.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue baking slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.
Final Thoughts
Baking these chocolate peanut butter filled cookies is not just about creating something delicious; it’s about sharing joy with friends and family. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll love every bite! Happy baking!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with brown and white sugars until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two tablespoons of dough, flatten, add peanut butter filling, fold and roll into a ball.
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12–15 minutes. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
