Satisfy your sweet tooth with a divine creation – Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies! These irresistible treats are a dream come true for peanut butter lovers, featuring a luscious peanut butter filling sandwiched between soft, chewy cookie dough. Rolled in sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, these cookies are sure to become a favorite indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar (for rolling the cookie dough)
Directions:
Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to form the filling into balls, then place them on a tray and freeze while you prepare the cookie dough.
Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pour 1 cup of sugar into a medium-size bowl.
- In a standing mixer, beat together the sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Use a large ice cream scoop to portion out some dough into your palm.
- Make an indent in the center of the dough with your thumb and gently stretch it to widen the indent.
- Remove the peanut butter filling from the freezer and place a ball of filling into the center of the indent.
- Pull the dough over the filling and mold it into a smooth ball.
- Roll the cookie dough ball in the remaining sugar until coated.
- Place the coated cookie dough ball onto a cookie sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving. Pair with a tall glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 13-15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 22 | Kcal: (Calories may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions)
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Fresh and Warm: Enjoy these Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies fresh from the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The warm, gooey peanut butter filling is simply irresistible.
- Pair with Your Favorite Beverage: Accompany your cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or a freshly brewed coffee for a delightful treat that’s perfect any time of day.
- Dress Them Up: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Gift Them: Package these cookies in a decorative box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers. They’re sure to be appreciated by anyone with a sweet tooth!
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft and fresh.
- Freezing: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Layering: If stacking cookies in a container for storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their shape.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a classic flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Double Peanut Butter: For an extra peanut buttery experience, stir in chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips into the cookie dough before baking.
- Salted Caramel Bliss: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cookies and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor explosion.
- Nutella Swirl: Swirl dollops of Nutella into the cookie dough before baking for a decadent twist on the classic peanut butter cookie.
- Oatmeal Raisin Fusion: Mix in rolled oats and raisins into the cookie dough for a hearty and wholesome treat with a hint of sweetness.
- Almond Joy Inspired: Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds to the cookie dough, then top each cookie with a chocolate-covered almond for a taste reminiscent of the classic candy bar.
- White Chocolate Raspberry: Fold in white chocolate chips and dried raspberries into the cookie dough for a fruity and indulgent flavor combination.
- Peanut Butter Cup Surprise: Press a miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking for a delightful surprise inside.
- Maple Pecan Perfection: Mix chopped pecans into the cookie dough and drizzle with maple syrup before serving for a taste of autumn in every bite.
- Coconut Macaroon Twist: Roll the cookie dough balls in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist on the classic peanut butter cookie.
FAQs:
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the filling? Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the filling.
- Can I substitute margarine for the butter in the cookie dough? While butter adds flavor and richness to the cookies, you can substitute margarine for a dairy-free option, keeping in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
- Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and may not hold its shape well for the filling. However, you can try chilling it before using or adding a bit more powdered sugar to help thicken it.
- Can I make smaller cookies with this recipe? Yes, you can make smaller cookies by using a smaller portion of dough for each cookie. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller cookies will bake faster.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking? Chilling the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the dough on them.
- Can I omit the sugar coating on the outside of the cookies? Yes, you can skip rolling the dough balls in sugar if you prefer less sweetness or want to reduce the overall sugar content of the cookies.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight before rolling them in sugar and baking as usual.
- Can I use alternative flours such as almond flour or coconut flour in this recipe? While alternative flours may work in this recipe, they can significantly alter the texture and taste of the cookies. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for the classic taste and texture.
- Can I use a cookie scoop instead of portioning the dough by hand? Yes, a cookie scoop can help ensure that each cookie is evenly sized for uniform baking. Use a large cookie scoop for standard-sized cookies or a smaller one for bite-sized treats.
- How long will these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If frozen, they can last for 2-3 months.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
With their creamy peanut butter filling and soft, chewy exterior, Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies are a heavenly delight that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re treating yourself to a midday snack or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy with every bite. Whip up a batch today and experience pure bliss in every mouthful!