Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that surprises you with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter center, then this Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, buttery cookie dough baked to golden perfection, hiding a luscious peanut butter filling that melts in your mouth. This recipe brings together simple, comforting ingredients into a truly unforgettable treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the sweet depth of brown sugar, each component combines to give you cookies that are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves in a cookie.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base that holds the dough structure perfectly.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just the right amount.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star of the filling delivering that iconic, velvety peanut butter taste.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the filling texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon for filling): Adds subtle warmth to the peanut buttery center.
- Milk (1/4 cup for filling): Makes the filling luscious and spreadable.
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) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for cookie perfection by ensuring a non-stick surface and the ideal baking climate.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming step is critical because it incorporates air, resulting in tender cookies with just the right amount of chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures even distribution of moisture and flavor throughout your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until it comes together. Overmixing here could toughen your dough, and we definitely want soft cookies!
Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
Mix the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until the filling is smooth and creamy. This luscious peanut butter center is what makes this Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe extra special and oh-so satisfying.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Take a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it gently in your palm. Spoon a teaspoon of peanut butter filling onto the center, then cover it with another small piece of dough. Roll the whole thing into a ball and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve used all dough and filling. This little assembly takes a bit of patience but the reward is worth every scoop!
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft at first but don’t worry—they’ll firm up nicely as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then get ready to marvel at the joy of biting into a warm cookie that’s filled with creamy peanut butter bliss.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch. For a festive look, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk — classic comfort in every sip. For something different, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to turn these treats into an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies with a layer of peanut butter frosting in between for a stunning peanut butter cookie sandwich. You could even use colorful sprinkles on the filling for parties. Packaging them in a cute box or wrapping individually with ribbon makes a heartfelt, homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy them conveniently whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to savor these cookies later, freeze the assembled cookies (before baking) on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies to keep them fresh for up to a month.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive their soft, gooey texture. This little trick makes the peanut butter filling feel freshly melted and utterly heavenly again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter gives you a smoother filling, crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and a bit of extra peanut crunch inside your cookies.
Is it necessary to add salt to the cookie dough?
Yes, a pinch of salt is essential as it balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor, making those peanut butter stuffed cookies taste even better.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or other binding agents for texture.
How do I prevent the peanut butter filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to fully encase the filling with cookie dough and seal the edges well when forming each ball. Slightly flattening the dough before adding filling helps to avoid leaks.
Can I substitute the milk in the filling with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk work perfectly to keep the filling creamy without altering the flavor much.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe is such a delightful treat that brings together the best of two worlds: soft cookies and creamy peanut butter filling. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to taste it. If you want a truly special cookie experience, I encourage you to dive into this recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a creamy peanut butter center. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a golden-baked exterior, these delightful cookies make a great 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a tender cookie texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the delicious filling inside the cookies.
- Assemble cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling in the center, then cover with another small portion of cookie dough. Roll into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool the cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly without breaking.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your peanut butter stuffed cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage for a satisfying treat.
Notes
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but the filling might be less sweet and slightly less smooth.
- For crunchier cookies, bake 1-2 minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Make sure the butter is softened (room temperature) for easy creaming and better cookie texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
