Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, look no further! These Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie only to discover a delightful surprise in the center—mini peanut butter cups that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: classic chocolate chip cookies and the irresistible allure of peanut butter cups. The dough itself is rich and flavorful, thanks to the combination of unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and a mix of brown and granulated sugars. The addition of mini semisweet chocolate chips adds texture, while the dark chocolate peanut butter cups in the center create a delightful surprise. These cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying, making them a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
What to Buy
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- 36 dark chocolate peanut butter cups
Equipment & Tools
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugars together effortlessly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Baking sheets: To bake your cookies on.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cookie scoop: To portion out the cookie dough evenly.
Step-by-Step: Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, both at room temperature, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 7: Prepare for Stuffing
Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a dark chocolate peanut butter cup in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely. Repeat this process until all the dough and peanut butter cups are used.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Variations for Dietary Needs
If you have specific dietary requirements, here are some easy substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sun butter or any seed butter.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure your Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right texture.
- Use room temperature eggs to help the ingredients combine smoothly.
- Don’t skip cooling the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them set properly.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To bake frozen dough, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a delightful crunch to your cookies. Just be sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies without the chocolate peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! You can skip the stuffed center and simply add more chocolate chips or other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for variety.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
The Last Word
These Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their rich flavor and gooey center, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, each bite is a little piece of heaven!
Now that you have all the tools and tips to create these delicious cookies, it’s time to get baking. Whip up a batch today, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor. Happy baking!
Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and egg yolk, along with the vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your hand, place a peanut butter cup in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the sheets, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
- Ensure your butter is softened for the right texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet to help them set properly.
