Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies: The Ultimate Summer Treat
Introduction: Why Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Are Summer’s Perfect Treat
Summer brings with it the desire for treats that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. There’s something about those warm evenings, backyard gatherings, and lazy weekend afternoons that calls for a special sweet treat. While ice cream and popsicles are traditional summer favorites, there’s a dessert that deserves its rightful place in your summer recipe collection: peanut butter stuffed cookies.
These aren’t just any cookies—they’re an experience. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie only to discover a gooey, melty peanut butter center that creates an explosion of flavor in your mouth. The contrasting textures of crisp cookie edges, chewy interior, and creamy peanut butter filling make these treats irresistible for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home with a cold glass of milk.
What makes peanut butter stuffed cookies particularly perfect for summer is their versatility. They can be made ahead for busy summer schedules, they transport well for beach trips and barbecues, and they satisfy that craving for something substantial yet not overwhelming in the heat. The combination of sweet and salty flavors creates a balanced treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crafting the perfect peanut butter stuffed cookies. From the science behind what makes them so delicious to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and creative variations, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge to make these the highlight of your summer dessert repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are accessible and guaranteed to impress.
So preheat your oven and get ready to discover why peanut butter stuffed cookies deserve to be your new summer staple. The perfect blend of childhood nostalgia and gourmet treat awaits!
The History and Popularity of Stuffed Cookies
Before diving into our recipe and techniques, let’s take a moment to appreciate the culinary journey that brought us to these delectable treats. The concept of stuffed cookies represents a fascinating evolution in home baking—one that transforms a simple classic into something extraordinary.
From Simple Beginnings to Gourmet Sensation
The humble cookie has ancient roots, with the first cookie-like creations dating back to 7th century Persia, one of the first regions to cultivate sugar. However, the chocolate chip cookie—America’s favorite and the base for many stuffed cookie recipes—wasn’t invented until 1938 when Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts accidentally created this now-iconic treat.
Peanut butter cookies have their own storied history in American baking, becoming particularly popular in the 1930s when peanut butter became a staple in many households during the Great Depression. The distinctive crisscross pattern pressed into traditional peanut butter cookies was originally a practical way to flatten the dough, but it became a recognizable signature.
The concept of “stuffing” cookies is relatively modern, emerging as part of the gourmet dessert trend of the early 2000s. As social media platforms rose to prominence in the 2010s, visually impressive desserts like stuffed cookies gained tremendous popularity. Food bloggers and Instagram bakers began showcasing cookies with dramatic “pull-apart” centers, creating viral moments that cemented stuffed cookies as a must-try dessert.
Why Peanut Butter and Chocolate Is a Match Made in Heaven
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is more than just delicious—it’s a scientifically perfect pairing. The rich, fatty content of peanut butter complements the sweet complexity of chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile that engages multiple taste receptors. The slight saltiness of peanut butter enhances the sweetness of chocolate, creating that coveted sweet-salty contrast that makes desserts truly memorable.
This perfect pairing has been commercially recognized since 1928 when Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were first introduced. The enduring popularity of this candy demonstrates how deeply this flavor combination resonates with people’s palates. By incorporating this classic duo into a stuffed cookie format, we’re building on a proven culinary success while adding the textural element that makes these cookies truly special.
Why These Cookies Have Become a Summer Favorite
While stuffed cookies are delightful year-round, they’ve become particularly associated with summer for several compelling reasons:
- Picnic and Potluck Friendly: These cookies transport well and don’t require refrigeration, making them perfect for outdoor summer gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: During busy summer schedules, the dough components can be prepared in advance and even frozen until needed.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Summer vacation means more time for family baking projects, and children love helping with the “stuffing” process.
- Campfire Alternative: While s’mores are traditional campfire treats, peanut butter stuffed cookies offer a no-assembly-required alternative that delivers similar flavor satisfaction.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Base: In summer’s hottest days, these cookies can be used to create epic ice cream sandwiches with complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
As we continue our exploration of these magnificent treats, you’ll discover not just how to make them, but how to perfect and personalize them for your summer entertaining needs.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
The magic of these cookies lies not just in the technique but in the quality and combination of ingredients. Let’s break down each component and why it matters:
The Cookie Base: Creating the Perfect Wrapper
For a cookie that will hold its shape while baking yet maintain the perfect chewy texture, you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The protein content in all-purpose flour provides structure without making the cookies too tough. For a softer cookie, you can substitute up to 1/4 cup with cake flour.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly while maintaining a chewy interior. The alkaline nature also promotes browning for that beautiful golden color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Even sweet baked goods need salt to enhance flavors and balance sweetness. Don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Butter provides flavor, tenderness, and helps create the chewy texture we’re looking for. Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating air pockets that give the cookies structure.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a deeper flavor than white sugar alone. It’s key to achieving that chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Regular white sugar helps cookies spread and creates those slightly crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the chewy center.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Eggs provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together. Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A good quality vanilla extract adds depth of flavor that complements both the chocolate and peanut butter components.
- Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or dark chocolate for a more complex flavor profile.
The Star of the Show: Peanut Butter Filling Options
For the filling, the type of peanut butter you choose makes a significant difference:
- Commercial Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): Brands like Jif or Skippy work best for the filling as they contain stabilizers that help maintain shape during baking. Natural peanut butter can separate and become too oily.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): This sweetens the filling and helps create a thicker consistency that holds its shape inside the cookie.
- Optional Enhancement – Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 tablespoons): For texture and a subtle honey note that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Quality Matters: Choosing the Best Ingredients
When it comes to creating truly memorable cookies, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference:
- Butter: European-style butter with higher fat content will create a richer cookie.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract rather than imitation will provide a more complex, authentic flavor.
- Chocolate: Consider using chocolate chunks or chopped high-quality chocolate bars instead of chips for more varied melting patterns and flavor intensity.
- Peanut Butter: While commercial peanut butter works best for the filling, choosing one without hydrogenated oils and with minimal added ingredients will provide better flavor.
Pro Tip: For an extra dimension of flavor, toast 1/4 cup of the flour in a dry skillet until golden before adding it to your dough. This small step creates complex, nutty undertones that complement the peanut butter filling beautifully.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Creating Your Perfect Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
Now that we understand our ingredients, let’s walk through the process of creating these summer delights. This recipe yields approximately 18 large cookies.
Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until well incorporated and slightly thickened.
- Add 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs if using and stir to combine.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. This firming step is crucial as it makes the filling easier to handle.
- Once chilled, scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of the filling and roll into balls. You’ll need approximately 18 balls.
- Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined plate or small baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes until solid. This prevents them from melting too quickly during baking.
Creating the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer, or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming incorporates air for better texture.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing can develop gluten and lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips by hand using a spatula.
Assembling and Baking the Cookies
- Scoop 1/4 cup portions of cookie dough and flatten into a disc in your palm.
- Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center of the disc and wrap the cookie dough around it, sealing completely.
- Roll the stuffed dough between your palms to form a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between cookies as they will spread.
- For an extra touch, press a few additional chocolate chips onto the tops of each cookie ball.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to cook from residual heat after removal from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Perfect Timing: When to Enjoy These Cookies
While these cookies are absolutely delicious at room temperature, there are optimal moments to enjoy them:
- Warm from the Oven (10-15 minutes after baking): This is when the chocolate is still melty and the peanut butter center is gooey and warm—perfect for the ultimate indulgent experience.
- After Cooling (1-2 hours): At room temperature, the flavors have melded and the textures have set properly, creating the perfect balance between cookie and filling.
- After Chilling (as a cool summer treat): Some enthusiasts enjoy these cookies straight from the refrigerator on hot summer days, which creates a denser, fudgier texture with a firmer peanut butter center.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate summer dessert experience, sandwich a small scoop of vanilla ice cream between two slightly warm cookies for a peanut butter stuffed cookie ice cream sandwich that will elevate your summer dessert game to legendary status.
Professional Baking Tips for Cookie Perfection
Even experienced bakers can benefit from specialized techniques when it comes to stuffed cookies. These professional tips will help you achieve consistent, bakery-quality results every time.
The Science of Temperature in Cookie Baking
Temperature plays a crucial role at multiple stages of the cookie-making process:
- Ingredient Temperature: Using room-temperature butter and eggs creates a better emulsion in your dough, leading to superior texture. However, keeping your peanut butter filling cold is essential for successful stuffing.
- Dough Chilling: While not mandatory for all cookie recipes, chilling your assembled cookie dough balls for 15-30 minutes before baking can prevent excessive spreading. This is especially helpful on hot summer days when your kitchen is warmer than usual.
- Oven Temperature Accuracy: Many home ovens run hot or cold. An inexpensive oven thermometer can help ensure you’re baking at the proper temperature. For these cookies, precisely 350°F provides the perfect balance of set edges while maintaining a soft interior.
- Cooling Time: The internal temperature of cookies continues to rise even after removal from the oven. Letting them cool on the hot baking sheet for exactly 5 minutes allows them to firm up enough to move without breaking while ensuring they don’t overcook.
Measuring Techniques That Make a Difference
Precision in baking produces consistent results:
- Flour Measurement: For most accurate results, use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly with your measuring cup. Too much flour leads to dry, dense cookies.
- Brown Sugar Packing: Always firmly pack brown sugar into your measuring cup until it holds its shape when turned out. Loosely packed brown sugar will result in less moisture and flavor.
- Cookie Dough Portioning: A 1/4 cup cookie scoop (or measuring cup) ensures uniform cookie size, which is essential for even baking. For picture-perfect cookies, use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion (about 70g per cookie).
Texture Control: Achieving Your Perfect Cookie
Everyone has slightly different preferences when it comes to cookie texture. Here’s how to customize yours:
- For Chewier Cookies: Add an extra egg yolk to the dough and reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- For Crispier Edges: Increase the granulated sugar slightly (up to 2 additional tablespoons) and flatten the cookie balls slightly before baking.
- For Softer Cookies: Substitute 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for the same amount of flour in the recipe.
- For More “Gooey” Centers: Remove cookies from the oven when the very center still looks slightly underbaked (the edges should be set but the middle should look barely done).
Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies for Summer Entertaining
One of the advantages of these cookies for summer entertaining is their versatility when it comes to preparation and storage:
- Make-Ahead Dough: The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezer-Friendly Options: Both the peanut butter filling balls and the complete assembled (unbaked) cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them solid on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.
- Storage After Baking: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. In very hot weather, refrigerate cookies to prevent the peanut butter center from becoming too soft.
- Refreshing Day-Old Cookies: To recreate that fresh-baked experience, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.
Creative Variations: Taking Your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies to the Next Level
While the classic version of these cookies is undeniably delicious, summer is the perfect time to experiment with creative twists. Here are some inspired variations to keep your summer dessert menu exciting:
Alternative Flavor Combinations
- The Fluffernutter: Add 1-2 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff to your peanut butter filling for a nostalgic nod to the beloved sandwich.
- Berry PB&J: Mix 1 tablespoon of strawberry or raspberry jam into your peanut butter filling for a summery PB&J-inspired cookie.
- Banana Elvis: Add 1 tablespoon of banana powder (or 1 teaspoon of banana extract) to your cookie dough for a flavor combination beloved by the King himself.
- Honey Roasted: Use honey-roasted peanut butter for your filling and add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Caramel Sea Salt: Press a soft caramel candy into the center of the peanut butter ball before freezing, and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of cookies before baking.
Mix-In Magic: Enhancing Your Cookie Base
- Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cookie dough (reducing flour by the same amount) for a chocolate-on-chocolate experience.
- Pretzel Crunch: Fold 1/2 cup of crushed pretzel pieces into your cookie dough for added textural contrast and saltiness.
- Toffee Touch: Add 1/2 cup of toffee bits to the cookie dough for caramelized sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Tropical Twist: Mix 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes into the cookie dough for a summer-appropriate flavor enhancement.
- Trail Mix: Add 1/4 cup each of rolled oats, chopped dried cranberries, and chopped nuts to the dough for a heartier cookie perfect for summer hiking trips.
Decorative Finishes for Special Occasions
- Birthday Celebration: Roll the edges of the cookie dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive appearance.
- S’mores Inspired: Press mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces onto the tops of cookies immediately after baking.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After cookies have cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate in contrasting colors (white chocolate over regular chocolate cookies, or dark chocolate over traditional cookies).
- Candied Bacon: For an unexpected sweet-savory twist, sprinkle finely chopped candied bacon over cookies in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Ice Cream Shop Style: Press a peanut butter cup or piece of chocolate bar into the top of each cookie immediately after baking for a bakery-style presentation.
Dietary Adaptations Without Sacrificing Flavor
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- Vegan Variation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Reduced Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and use a natural peanut butter mixed with just 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for the filling.
- Nut Allergy Friendly: Substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for the peanut butter filling. The taste will be different but equally delicious.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
These magnificent cookies can certainly stand on their own, but pairing them strategically can create an even more memorable summer dessert experience.
Beverage Companions
- Cold Milk: The classic pairing, cold milk provides the perfect temperature contrast and flavor complement. For summer gatherings, consider setting up a milk bar with regular, chocolate, and strawberry milk options.
- Coffee Creations: The bitterness of coffee beautifully balances the sweet richness of these cookies. Try serving with iced coffee or cold brew for a refreshing summer pairing.
- Summer Teas: Unsweetened iced tea, particularly black tea or chai, pairs wonderfully with these cookies. The tannins in tea cut through the richness of the cookies.
- Adult Options: For grown-up gatherings, a dessert wine like Pedro Ximénez sherry or a chocolate stout beer makes a sophisticated pairing with these indulgent cookies.
Ice Cream and Other Frozen Treats
As mentioned earlier, these cookies make exceptional ice cream sandwiches, but consider these additional frozen pairings:
- Affogato Style: Place a warm cookie at the bottom of a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and pour a shot of hot espresso over the top for an Italian-inspired dessert.
- Milkshake Addition: Crumble half a cookie into a vanilla milkshake and use the other half as a decorative garnish.
- Sundae Base: Use a slightly undercooked cookie as the base for an ice cream sundae, with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
- Frozen Yogurt Topping: Crumble these cookies over frozen yogurt with fresh berries for a balance of indulgence and freshness.
Seasonal Fruit Accompaniments
Summer’s bounty of fresh fruits provides refreshing contrast to these rich cookies:
- Berry Medley: Serve cookies alongside a bowl of mixed summer berries for a color and flavor contrast that allows guests to alternate between indulgent and refreshing bites.
- Grilled Peaches: For a sophisticated dessert plate, serve half a grilled peach with a cookie and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Citrus Salad: The acidity of a simple orange and grapefruit supremes salad cuts through the richness of the cookies beautifully.
- Macerated Strawberries: Sliced strawberries tossed with a small amount of sugar and balsamic vinegar create a sophisticated accompaniment to these homey cookies.
Summer Entertaining: Featuring Your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
These showstopper cookies deserve to be the centerpiece of your summer entertaining plans. Here are some themed serving suggestions that will delight your guests:
Cookie Bar Ideas for Summer Gatherings
- Build-Your-Own Cookie Sundae Station: Set out warm cookies, several ice cream flavors, and various toppings for a dessert activity guests will remember.
- Cookie Flight: Serve a selection of different variations of peanut butter stuffed cookies on small plates with descriptive cards, similar to a wine or beer tasting.
- Cookie and Milk Pairing Menu: Offer different milk options (dairy, almond, oat) with tasting notes about how they complement the cookies.
- Dessert Charcuterie Board: Arrange whole and halved cookies on a board alongside complementary nibbles like chocolate squares, caramels, and fresh fruit for an impressive visual display.
Packaging for Picnics and Gifts
- Individual Wax Paper Wraps: Wrap each cookie in wax paper and tie with twine for a rustic, portable picnic dessert.
- Mason Jar Stacks: Layer cookies in mason jars with parchment paper between them for an attractive gift or portable dessert.
- Custom Cookie Boxes: Line small bakery boxes with colorful tissue paper and arrange cookies inside for hostess gifts throughout summer.
- Beach-Ready Packaging: Pack cookies in a rigid container with silica gel packets to keep them fresh even in humid beach conditions.
Summer Celebration Serving Ideas
- Fourth of July: Drizzle red and blue colored white chocolate over the cookies or use red, white, and blue sprinkles as a decorative touch.
- Summer Birthday Alternative: Stack and tier these cookies as an alternative to traditional birthday cake, with a candle in the top cookie.
- Wedding or Shower Dessert: Serve miniature versions of these cookies on a tiered stand for an impressive but less formal alternative to traditional desserts.
- Pool Party Perfect: Freeze sandwiched cookies with ice cream centers in advance for a refreshing poolside treat that minimizes serving time.
The Psychology Behind Why These Cookies Are So Satisfying
There’s actual science behind why these particular cookies create such joy and satisfaction when we eat them—understanding this can help you appreciate just how special they are as a summer treat.
The Multi-Sensory Experience
These cookies engage all our senses in a way few desserts can:
- Visual Appeal: The contrast between the golden cookie and the surprise center creates visual interest and anticipation.
- Aroma: The combined scents of vanilla, chocolate, and roasted peanuts trigger positive emotional responses and memory associations.
- Textural Contrast: The cookie provides three distinct textures—crisp edges, chewy interior, and creamy center—creating a complex mouthfeel experience.
- Flavor Layering: Each bite delivers waves of different flavors that evolve as you eat—from the initial sweetness to the roasted notes of the peanut butter.
- Sound: The slight crunch of the outer cookie provides auditory satisfaction that signals freshness and quality.
The Nostalgia Factor
These cookies tap into powerful childhood memories and associations:
- Familiar Flavors: Peanut butter and chocolate are deeply nostalgic flavor combinations for many people, evoking memories of childhood treats.
- Hidden Surprise: The “stuffed” element creates a moment of discovery that reconnects us to the joy of childhood treats with prizes or surprises.
- Comfort Food: The rich, satisfying nature of these cookies provides emotional comfort, making them perfect for summer gatherings that often center around connection and memory-making.
Why Sharing These Cookies Creates Connection
Food psychologists have noted that sharing particularly delightful treats strengthens social bonds:
- Shared Discovery: When friends bite into these cookies and discover the filling together, it creates a moment of shared delight.
- Generosity Signal: Offering someone a homemade, labor-intensive treat like these cookies communicates care and value.
- Conversation Starter: Unusual or standout desserts naturally become a focal point for conversation, helping to break the ice at summer gatherings.
- Memory Creation: The uniqueness of these cookies makes them more likely to be remembered as part of the summer’s experiences, creating lasting positive associations.
Conclusion: Making Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Your Signature Summer Dessert
As summer stretches before us with its promise of gatherings, celebrations, and memory-making opportunities, consider making these peanut butter stuffed cookies your signature contribution. Beyond simply being delicious, these cookies tell a story—of care in preparation, of understanding what makes a truly satisfying treat, and of the joy that comes from sharing something special.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to any summer occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant evening soirées. The make-ahead options make it practical even for busy summer schedules, and the endless variation possibilities ensure you’ll never tire of experimenting with new flavors and presentations.
Perhaps most importantly, these cookies represent the perfect balance of nostalgic comfort and sophisticated indulgence—exactly what we crave during summer months when we’re simultaneously seeking relaxation and celebration. They remind us of childhood pleasures while satisfying our adult appreciation for quality and craftsmanship in baking.
As you master this recipe and make it your own, you may find that these cookies become more than just a dessert—they become part of your summer tradition, requested by friends and anticipated by family year after year. In the landscape of fleeting food trends and complicated culinary techniques, there’s something deeply satisfying about perfecting a classic with a twist—a dessert that brings genuine joy to those who share it.
So heat up your oven (despite the summer warmth!), gather your ingredients, and prepare to create not just cookies, but moments of connection and delight that will flavor your summer with sweetness both literal and metaphorical. Your journey to becoming known for “those amazing peanut butter stuffed cookies” begins now!
Remember: The true secret ingredient in any memorable dessert is the care and intention with which it’s made and shared. Happy baking, and happier summer memories!
Irresistible Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies | Perfect Summer Dessert Recipe
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- Author: Team Pure Essence Living
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in these Irresistible Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies—a decadent twist on classic chocolate chip cookies that’s perfect for summer dessert cravings! These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a creamy peanut butter center and loaded with melty chocolate chips. With their rich, nutty flavor and gooey surprise inside, they’re sure to become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark/milk chocolate, as preferred)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and place them on a plate or tray. Freeze for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked (they will continue to set as they cool).
- For extra soft cookies, remove them from the oven just before they look fully done.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American