Get ready to dive into a truly delightful treat with this Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft and chewy on the outside, loaded with a creamy, sweet peanut butter center that’s just waiting to surprise you with every bite. It’s the perfect combination of familiar flavors and a fun twist that makes cookie time extra special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these stuffed cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite that’s as satisfying to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, you’ll love how simple and straightforward these ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie texture, flavor, and color, ensuring your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies turn out irresistible every time.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create that soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the chewiness.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the dough structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): The star of the show with its smooth, nutty creaminess.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Adds extra sweetness and smooth texture to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): A little boost of flavor in the peanut butter center.
- 1/4 cup milk (for filling): Makes the filling soft and easy to spread inside the cookies.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your cookies are formed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and creamy. This step sets the foundation for the perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it! Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth blend. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined so the cookies stay tender and soft.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a small bowl, blend together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the filling is smooth and creamy. This luscious center will be a delicious surprise inside each cookie.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Here’s where the magic happens: take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a teaspoon of the peanut butter filling in the middle, then cover it with another small piece of cookie dough. Roll gently into a ball to seal the filling inside. Place the stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
Step 6: Bake Them
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Don’t worry if the centers look soft still—that’s a good sign they will be perfectly gooey when they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Let the cookies remain on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—grab a glass of milk or your favorite drink and enjoy these delicious Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies as a snack or dessert. Trust me, one bite is never enough!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cookies extra special, consider sprinkling just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking. The salt brilliantly complements the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a fancy finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The rich, buttery notes of the cookie and peanut butter center make them versatile companions to almost any beverage or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper, or present them stacked on a playful dessert platter. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift that anyone would love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days, maintaining their softness and gooey centers without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save some for later, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. To freeze unbaked dough balls, assemble them as directed, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Reheating revives their soft texture and brings back that freshly baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the filling?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast inside your cookies, giving a nice little crunch in every bite.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute brown sugar with more granulated sugar, but keep in mind that the cookies might lose some of their moistness and caramel depth that brown sugar provides.
Is it possible to make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter filling a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before assembling your cookies for easier handling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers might look slightly soft. Remember, they will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender and chewy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that’s both comforting and a little bit exciting, this Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. The creamy peanut butter center perfectly surprises every bite, making these cookies unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try making them—you’ll want to bake these again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a creamy peanut butter filling inside. Perfectly golden on the edges and tender in the center, these homemade cookies combine classic buttery dough with a rich, sweet peanut butter surprise. Easy to prepare and irresistible to eat, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for your cookie dough. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth, spreadable peanut butter filling that will go inside the cookies.
- Assemble Cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Spoon a small teaspoon of the peanut butter filling onto the center of the dough, then cover it with another small piece of dough. Roll gently into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers might still look soft but will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without breaking apart.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these peanut butter stuffed delights warm or at room temperature, paired perfectly with a glass of milk or your preferred beverage.
Notes
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but the filling may be less sweet and slightly less smooth.
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts into the peanut butter filling.
- If you prefer chocolate, adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough can create a delicious twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
