Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I opened my pantry this afternoon, the sight of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips sparked a culinary adventure I couldn’t resist. Are you ready to indulge in a baked delight that combines two beloved flavors? These Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies are just what you need! Not only are they a crowd-pleaser that promises to vanish at any gathering, but they also come together in a snap, making them a guilt-free dessert option for busy lives. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie, only to discover a warm, gooey peanut butter surprise hiding within. How can you say no to that? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will transform your dessert table and, perhaps, become your new favorite go-to treat. Are you curious to learn how to whip up this deliciousness? Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a decadent flavor explosion that’s pure bliss. Quick and Easy: These cookies come together effortlessly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Chewy Perfection: Enjoy a delightful chewiness with a warm, gooey center that makes every bite unforgettable. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these delightful cookies at parties or family gatherings; they are destined to disappear quickly! Customizable: Feel free to switch in crunchy peanut butter or even a hint of sea salt for extra pizzazz. Discover a similar crowd favorite with these Butter Toffee Chocolate cookies that thrill with every bite! Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Ingredients Indulge in the magic of flavors with these delicious cookies! For the Peanut Butter Filling • Peanut Butter – Choose creamy, like JIF or Skippy, for the smoothest filling. • Powdered Sugar – Sift it for a lump-free, perfect sweetness in your filling. • Ground Cinnamon – Add this for a hint of warmth, or leave it out for pure peanut butter flavor. For the Cookies • All-Purpose Flour – This is your structure; measure accurately to ensure chewy texture. • Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Provides a rich chocolate depth; natural cocoa can be substituted if needed. • Baking Soda – Freshness counts here, as it helps your cookies rise beautifully. • Salt – A little pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors. • Unsalted Butter – Melted butter contributes to a soft, rich cookie; be sure it’s at the right temperature! • Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and complexity; adjust for light or dark variations for different flavors. • White Granulated Sugar – Sweetens your cookies to perfection, enhancing the texture. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Elevate the flavor; always opt for pure for best results. • Large Eggs – Binds the cookie together; let them reach room temperature for better blending. • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Fold these in for added chocolatey goodness with every bite. Embrace the joy of baking as you prepare these Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies, your new favorite treat awaits! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling Start by lining a cookie sheet with wax paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds until slightly softened. Mix in sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. Once combined, scoop the mixture into small dollops and place them onto the prepared sheet. Freeze these peanut butter dollops for at least one hour to ensure they hold their shape when baked. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure there are no clumps in the mixture for a uniform texture in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies. Once combined, set this dry mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients, which will create the deliciously chewy cookie base. Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture In a separate large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture appears light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Next, add pure vanilla extract and large eggs to the bowl, ensuring the eggs are at room temperature for smooth blending. Continue whisking until everything is well incorporated. Step 4: Mix Dry Into Wet Ingredients Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies. Once the dough is formed, gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. Step 5: Shape the Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow the cookie dough to rest for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor development. With a cookie scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and form a ball. Press your thumb into the center to create an indent, place one of the frozen peanut butter dollops inside, and then pinch the dough around it to seal. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Arrange six dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges appear set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies should be soft in the center; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Step 7: Cool and Enjoy Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape while cooling. Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies are now ready to be savored – enjoy the deliciously chewy texture and warm, gooey peanut butter center! Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Variations Feel free to adapt this delightful recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences! Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy to add delightful texture and a bit of extra crunch. Nut Butters: Use almond butter or sunbutter for a nut-free alternative; these variations offer unique flavors while still being delicious. Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer chocolate experience that elevates each bite. Sea Salt Sprinkles: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination that everyone loves. Oat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour to make these cookies gluten-free; they’ll still turn out chewy and tasty! Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the batter, creating an unexpected but exciting flavor profile. Choco-Peanut Swirl: Before baking, swirl in some chocolate spread for a luscious chocolate-peanut butter fusion that’ll wow your guests. Nutty Additions: Mix in some walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a different layer of flavor; this adds a heartiness that pairs perfectly with the cookies. These delightful twists will surely keep your cookie game exciting! You can also check out my Peanut Butter Cookies or these indulgent Peanut Butter Reeses for even more irresistible options! What to Serve with Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies As your kitchen fills with the delicious aroma of baking cookies, think about creating a delightful meal that complements these sweet treats perfectly. Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous serving on the side; the creamy texture and coolness beautifully balance the warm, gooey cookies. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this over your cookies for an added layer of flavor; the sweet and salty combination elevates every bite. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits cuts through the richness, providing a bright and vibrant contrast to the decadence of the cookies. Coffee or Espresso: Unwind with a cup of your favorite brew, as the bitterness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their chocolatey goodness. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fun dessert station with melted chocolate for dipping; this interactive treat invites everyone to enjoy their cookies in a playful way. These delightful pairings not only enhance the experience of devouring your Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies but also create a well-rounded meal that satisfies all the senses. Enjoy! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee. Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 30 days in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw for about one hour at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Reheating: To enjoy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies are a delightful treat to prep in advance, perfect for busy schedules! You can prepare the peanut butter filling up to 24 hours ahead; just mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, then scoop it into dollops and freeze. The cookie dough can also be made up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then proceed to fill and shape your cookies as directed. This way, they’ll be just as delicious, with that gooey center waiting to surprise everyone! Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Scoop for Consistency: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized cookies; this helps them bake evenly and look delightful. Chill the Filling: Keep the peanut butter filling as cold as possible before baking to prevent it from leaking during the baking process. Check Flour Measurement: Spoon and level flour for accuracy or use a kitchen scale; incorrect amounts can lead to dry cookies. Adjust for Altitude: If baking at high elevation, add 2 extra tablespoons of flour to maintain ideal texture and rise in your cookies. Avoid Overmixing: Combine dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing can affect the chewy texture of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies. Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of peanut butter should I use? Absolutely! For a creamy texture, I recommend using creamy peanut butter varieties like JIF or Skippy. This will give your cookies a smooth, delicious filling without clumps. If you prefer a bit of crunch, feel free to opt for crunchy peanut butter instead! How should I store these cookies? Very! To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to 30 days. Just make sure to let them thaw for about one hour at room temperature before indulging! Can I freeze the peanut butter filling? Absolutely! You can prepare the peanut butter filling ahead of time. Just scoop dollops of it onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to a month, ready to use in future batches! Why did my cookies turn out dry? Don’t worry, it happens! The most common reason for dry cookies is improper flour measurement. Make sure you spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. Alternatively, using a kitchen scale helps you achieve perfect accuracy. If you’re baking at high altitude, adding 2 extra tablespoons of flour can also bring back that chewy texture. Can I make these cookies allergen-friendly? Certainly! If you’re looking for alternative spreads, almond butter or sunbutter works wonderfully in place of peanut butter for those with nut allergies. Just keep in mind that different spreads may create slightly different textures and flavors, but they can still be delicious! What can I do if my dough is too sticky? No problem! If you find your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, place it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape. You can also lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour to make the process smoother. Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Indulge in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies, a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Peanut Butter Filling1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter Choose creamy, like JIF or Skippy1 cup Powdered Sugar Sift for lump-free texture1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional for added warmthFor the Cookies2 cups All-Purpose Flour Measure accurately for chewy texture3/4 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder Rich chocolate depth1 teaspoon Baking Soda Freshness is key1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted1 cup Brown Sugar Adjust for light or dark1/2 cup White Granulated Sugar Sweetens cookies1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Use pure for best flavor2 large Eggs Room temperature1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips For added chocolatey goodness Equipment Cookie sheetMixing bowlsWhiskSpatulacookie scoopMicrowave Method Peanut Butter Filling PreparationLine a cookie sheet with wax paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds until slightly softened. Mix in sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. Scoop the mixture into dollops and freeze for at least one hour.Prepare Cookie DoughIn a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar. Whisk until light and fluffy. Add pure vanilla extract and large eggs, whisk until well combined.Fold in the dry ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined, then fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips.Shape and BakePreheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and let dough rest for 10 minutes. Form about 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball, press a thumb indent, insert a frozen peanut butter dollop, and seal the dough.Place six dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked. Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg NotesUse a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, and make sure the filling is chilled to avoid leakage during baking. Adjust flour measurement for accurate texture and avoid overmixing the dough for chewier cookies. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
