If you’re ready to indulge in a cookie experience like no other, this Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies marry the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie shell, creating a treat that’s both comforting and downright addictive. Every bite offers a delightful surprise—a warm peanut buttery center surrounded by perfectly baked cookie, making these irresistible whether for a snack, dessert, or a special treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to build the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role from the buttery base to the sweet yet nutty center, ensuring every cookie is a winner.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing the cookie’s depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure with a touch of moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the foundation of the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the filling, delivering that luscious, nutty surprise inside each cookie.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter filling for easy rolling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your baking sheet
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key, as it traps air that helps create the cookie’s perfect texture.
Step 3: Incorporate egg and vanilla
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking them into your creamed mixture until smooth. This adds moisture and flavor while helping to bind the dough.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Once blended, gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, careful not to overmix or tough cookies await!
Step 5: Add chocolate chips (optional)
If chocolate chips are your thing, gently fold them in now for melty pockets of chocolaty goodness in each bite.
Step 6: Prepare the peanut butter filling
In a small bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and easy to roll into small balls. This sweet peanut butter filling will be the delightful surprise inside your cookies.
Step 7: Assemble the cookies
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it gently in your hand. Place a peanut butter ball in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll into a ball and arrange on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake and cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool right on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly without breaking apart.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate brings a lovely finishing touch that makes these cookies feel extra special. Sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the rich peanut butter and sweet cookie flavors. Fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the indulgence beautifully for a decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty cookie tin lined with parchment paper for charming gifting or party presentation. For a fun twist, serve warm with a scoop of peanut butter or chocolate ice cream nestled beside each cookie for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness and freshness. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration is an option but may firm them up slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, placed on a tray and then transferred to a freezer bag, for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Finished cookies freeze well too, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.
Reheating
Warm up your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that freshly baked experience. This step also softens the peanut butter center, making every bite as gooey and delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can work, but since it has more oil and less sweetness, you might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right filling consistency and sweetness balance.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you could try swapping in a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I substitute the peanut butter filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to try other nut butters like almond or cashew for a different flavor, or even use chocolate or caramel fillings for an exciting twist on the stuffed cookie concept.
What if I don’t want to add chocolate chips?
Leaving out the chocolate chips is perfectly fine. The cookies will still be flavorful and rich, with the peanut butter center providing plenty of indulgence on its own.
How do I prevent the peanut butter from melting too much during baking?
Make sure to fully encase the peanut butter balls in the cookie dough and seal them well. Chilling the dough before baking can also help keep the filling intact and prevent excessive oozing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies deliver incredible flavor in every bite. I cannot wait for you to try them and create your own delicious memories with this wonderfully simple and satisfying recipe!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these chewy Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies packed with a rich peanut butter center and optional chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with sweet sugars and vanilla, these cookies bake to a golden perfection and offer a delicious surprise inside every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring even flavor and moisture throughout.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the optional chocolate chips carefully to ensure they are evenly spread without breaking them down.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and firm enough to roll into balls.
- Form peanut butter balls: Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into small balls. Set aside to maintain shape.
- Shape cookies: Take about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a peanut butter ball in the center, then wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely and rolling it gently into a smooth ball.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which keeps their texture firm and chewy.
Notes
- If the dough is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before assembling the cookies.
- For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
