Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re someone who adores the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate with a surprise twist, then the Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies have everything: a soft, buttery peanut butter base that melts in your mouth, coupled with whole mini Snickers bars hidden inside that create a gooey, caramel-chocolate center with every bite. It’s not just a cookie; it’s an experience that feels like a little party of flavors and textures that will instantly become your new go-to treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create these decadent cookies. Each element plays a crucial role—from the rich peanut butter that gives the dough its iconic flavor, to the little pockets of caramel and nuts inside the Snickers bars that bring this recipe to life.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Softened to ensure a creamy, smooth dough and tender crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that packs each bite with that unmistakable peanut butter goodness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the cookie’s exterior.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Offers moisture and a rich, molasses-like depth to balance the sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds a lovely chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and gives a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure to the dough without weighing down the cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right lift for soft, slightly puffy cookies.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Mini Snickers bars (16–20, unwrapped): The magical surprise inside each cookie, with caramel, nougat, peanuts, and chocolate.
- Optional: Extra granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls to add a sparkling crunch on the outside.
How to Make Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come off the pan without sticking—making cleanup a breeze and your cookies picture perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully blended. This step is key because it incorporates air into your dough, setting the stage for tender, perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Combine Egg and Vanilla
Next, whip in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This addition will give your dough moisture and help bind all those wonderful flavors into a cohesive, soft dough that’s eager to hug those Snickers bars.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually mix these into your peanut butter mixture. Doing so little by little prevents over-mixing, keeping your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Form Dough Balls with Snickers Inside
Using about one tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a mini Snickers bar in the center, then wrap the dough completely around it to seal the candy inside. Roll this into a smooth ball. This is the magic moment where your cookies transform from simple dough to delightful stuffed treasures.
Step 6: Optional Sugar Roll
If you love a bit of extra sparkle and crunch, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This little step creates a perfectly crisp exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden color. Don’t worry if the centers look a tad underdone—they will set beautifully as they cool, keeping that soft, chewy center with melty Snickers hiding inside.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cookie to finish setting while giving you a chance to anticipate the first delicious bite!
How to Serve Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are incredible on their own, adding a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can elevate their flavor and add a sophisticated touch. A small drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter drizzle makes them festive and even more irresistible for gatherings.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy richness of these beverages complements the cookie’s balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party dessert, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with mini Snickers bars scattered around for a thematic display. You can also sandwich two cookies around a scoop of peanut butter or chocolate ice cream to create an indulgent cookie “ice cream sandwich” that steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to four days, making them perfect for snack cravings through the week.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Lay the cooled cookies flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the softness and gooey goodness, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will melt the Snickers center again and give you that just-baked experience anytime you want.
FAQs
Can I use regular Snickers bars instead of mini ones?
You can absolutely use regular Snickers bars, but keep in mind they’re larger so you might want to use smaller amounts or cut them into bite-sized pieces to avoid oversized cookie dough balls that take longer to bake.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe works well without chilling, which saves time. However, if you find your dough too sticky, a brief chill for 15-30 minutes can make handling easier and help maintain the cookie’s shape.
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, which some peanut butter lovers will adore. Just be aware it might change the cookie’s softness slightly.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 16 generously sized cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring over several days. You can easily double the batch if you’re hosting a larger crowd or want leftovers.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract on hand?
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, but if you’re out, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for a slightly different, yet delightful, twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the surprise inside every bite of the Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile while enjoying them. Whether you’re baking for an event, treating yourself after a long day, or surprising loved ones, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious twist on classic peanut butter cookies, featuring melted mini Snickers bars nestled inside soft, chewy dough. With a perfect balance of sweet peanut butter flavor and gooey chocolate caramel center, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 16–20 mini Snickers bars, unwrapped
Optional
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Stuff Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, place one mini Snickers bar in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around the candy to seal it. Roll into a smooth ball to ensure the candy is fully enclosed.
- Optional Sugar Coating: Roll each stuffed dough ball in granulated sugar if desired, for a subtle crunch and extra sweetness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared cookie dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. It’s okay if the centers look slightly underdone; they will set as they cool.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the Snickers bars are fully wrapped in dough to prevent chocolate from leaking during baking.
- Using mini Snickers bars ensures an even chocolate and caramel center without overwhelming the cookie size.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to let the centers set properly and avoid breaking.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
