Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen, and just as I unveiled my latest creation, a friend exclaimed, “You’ve outdone yourself this time!” And let me tell you, I proudly introduced my Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies. This delightful dessert is a perfect union of rich, chocolatey goodness enveloping a creamy peanut butter center, ensuring every bite is an experience to savor. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal treat for unexpected guests or a cozy night in. Plus, their chewy texture makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for anyone who’s tired of the same old snacks. Curious about how to whip up this delectable dessert that’s bound to become your new favorite recipe? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible? Ultimate Indulgence: The perfect combination of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion. Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert; these cookies are straightforward and fun to prepare! Chewy Texture: Every bite offers a satisfying chewiness that makes them hard to resist. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family gathering or an afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate experience after enjoying my Garlic Butter Steak or classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. Adaptable: Create your own twist by swapping in different nut butters or chocolate types! These options keep the cookie excitement alive. Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Ingredients Get ready to bake the ultimate treat! For the Peanut Butter Filling Peanut Butter – Adds a rich, nutty flavor; use creamy JIF or Skippy for the best results. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the filling; sift it to avoid lumps. Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and depth of flavor to enhance the peanut butter. For the Cookie Dough All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookie; make sure to spoon and level for accuracy. Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor; unsweetened cocoa can be a substitute. Baking Soda – Helps your cookies rise to the perfect height. Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor. Unsalted Butter – Creates a delicious moisture; it should be melted for the best texture. Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and that signature caramel flavor thanks to its molasses. White Granulated Sugar – Contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges. Pure Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic sweetness into the dough. Large Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; ensure they’re at room temperature for easy mixing. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Creates gooey pockets of chocolate in each cookie. Enjoy baking these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies that are bound to please everyone! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter for about 30 seconds until it’s slightly softened. Stir in the sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. Next, scoop small dollops of the filling onto a piece of wax paper, then place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up; this will make them easier to encase in the cookie dough later. Step 2: Make Cookie Dough In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set this aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and room temperature eggs until fully combined and smooth. Combining these mixtures is crucial for achieving the perfect texture of your chocolate peanut butter filled cookies. Step 3: Combine Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Once the dough has come together, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for those rich chocolate pockets in your cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, giving you a nice foundation for your tasty baked treats filled with peanut butter. Step 4: Form Cookie Balls Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out the cookie dough. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a small well, then place a frozen dollop of peanut butter filling inside and cover it up with more cookie dough, smoothing it over the top to encase the filling completely. Step 5: Bake Arrange six cookie balls on each prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread while baking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges look set and slightly firm while the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack, where they will continue to set and cool completely. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative with these cookie variations to make them truly your own! Nut Butter Swap: Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor that still complements the chocolate beautifully. Mixing different nut butters opens up a world of tastes; think about which nutty essence you crave today! Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate experience. The richness of dark chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter creates an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore. Crunchy Additions: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a delightful texture contrast. Nuts add a satisfying bite and deepen the flavor profile, making each cookie even more irresistible. Salted Caramel Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that sweet-and-salty flavor explosion. This little addition elevates your cookies and balances the sweetness perfectly, giving everyone a taste sensation. Coconut Infusion: Fold in shredded coconut with the chocolate chips to introduce a tropical flair. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a delightful sweetness, turning each bite into a mini-vacation! Spice Up the Filling: Mix in a touch of cayenne pepper to the peanut butter filling for a sweet-heat surprise. The kick of spice mingling with the creamy sweetness creates a bold flavor experience you won’t forget. Chocolate Mint Surprise: Add peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a fresh minty twist. Chocolate and mint lovers will relish this refreshing take, especially around the holidays or any cozy evening. Miniature Versions: Make mini cookies by using a teaspoon for smaller bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or lunchboxes. These mini delights ensure you can enjoy a little something sweet without over-indulging. For a fantastic dessert pairing, serve your mini cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a dreamy treat reminiscent of my cherished Biscoff Cookie Butter rolls. Let the fun in the kitchen begin! Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour, which can lead to dry cookies. A kitchen scale can help with accuracy. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and a uniform texture in your dough. Don’t Overbake: Watch the baking time closely; cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture. Chill the Dough: For cleaner edges and easier handling, chill the assembled cookie balls for about 20 minutes before baking. Right Size Matters: Keep cookie balls at 2 tablespoons to ensure they fully enclose the peanut butter filling without leaking. Storage Tips: Store chocolate peanut butter filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer freshness. Make Ahead Options These Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the peanut butter filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dollops onto wax paper and freeze until firm. The cookie dough can also be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the cookies’ chewy texture, keep the dough covered tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough and encase the frozen peanut butter filling before baking as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort—just as delicious as if made the same day! What to Serve With Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies The delightful aroma of these cookies will entice everyone, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the experience to new heights. Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The creamy texture complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth ice cream melting over warm cookies creates a heavenly dessert experience that feels indulgent. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the rich flavors with their tartness. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of decadence, taking your treat over the top. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top enhances the flavors, offering a delightful crunch and tropical twist. Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee intensify the cookie’s richness, making this a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve alongside a small bowl of trail mix for added crunch and flavor, creating a delightful texture contrast. Let these enticing pairings inspire you to craft a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable! Storage Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Room Temperature: Store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor. Fridge: For an extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies; however, they may become firmer due to the cooler temperature, which changes their texture slightly. Freezer: Freeze the chocolate peanut butter filled cookies for up to 30 days. Ensure they’re placed in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to bring back their delightful chewiness. Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right peanut butter for the filling? Absolutely! For the best results, opt for creamy brands like JIF or Skippy. They provide the perfect texture and flavor. Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it can make the filling too runny. What is the best way to store these cookies? These delectable cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the fridge; just note they may become slightly firmer. Can I freeze the dough for future baking? Yes, you can! Form the cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, then freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw them for about 20 minutes before baking as usual. What if my cookies spread too much during baking? Very good question! This can happen if the dough is too warm or if you overmix. To troubleshoot, ensure you chill your assembled cookie balls for about 20 minutes before baking. Also, don’t skip the flour measuring step using the spoon-and-level method; too little flour can cause spreading. Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies? It’s important to note that these cookies contain common allergens like gluten and nuts. If you have guests with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour or substituting nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings. How can I tell when my cookies are perfectly baked? The cookies should be lightly set at the edges but still soft in the center; they will continue to firm up while cooling. For a chewy texture, be careful not to overbake them. A good rule of thumb is to remove them from the oven when they are just starting to look solid, but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies You’ll Crave Indulge in Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Cookies that unite rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a deliciously chewy dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Peanut Butter Filling1 cup creamy peanut butter use JIF or Skippy for best results1 cup powdered sugar sift to avoid lumps1 teaspoon ground cinnamonCookie Dough2 cups all-purpose flour spoon and level for accuracy¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder unsweetened cocoa can be a substitute1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt½ cup unsalted butter melted1 cup brown sugar light or dark½ cup white granulated sugar2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract2 large eggs room temperature1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Equipment Microwave-safe bowlMixing bowlCookie ScoopBaking SheetsParchment PaperWire Rack Method Peanut Butter Filling PreparationIn a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter for about 30 seconds until it's slightly softened. Stir in the sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. Scoop small dollops onto wax paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.Cookie Dough PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully combined.Combine MixturesGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.Form and Bake CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Using a cookie scoop, form balls, create a well, fill with frozen peanut butter, and cover with more dough. Bake for 13-15 minutes.CoolingCool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 30 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
