Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Sink your teeth into these indulgent Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies—a glorious marriage of classic peanut butter cookies and a melt-in-your-mouth, creamy peanut butter filling. Each bite is an experience: a tender, chewy cookie exterior gives way to a rich, gooey peanut butter center that’s pure bliss for peanut butter lovers. Whether you’re baking up a batch to satisfy an afternoon craving or wowing friends at your next get-together, these cookies are guaranteed showstoppers. If you’re ready for an utterly irresistible peanut butter treat, you’ve struck gold with this recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple but crucial ingredients for these Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies, and each plays an important role in creating their magic. From the creamy peanut butter to the touch of salt, you’ll notice how these pantry staples combine for crave-worthy taste, dreamy texture, and golden color.

• Creamy Peanut Butter (2 1/2 cups total): Essential for both the cookie and the filling, use your favorite brand for a strong peanut butter flavor all the way through.
• Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup): Gives the filling its soft, dough-like sweetness and smooth texture that melts in the middle.
• Granulated Sugar (2 cups, divided): Sweetens the dough and adds a crisp, glistening coating when you roll the cookies for that perfect crackly edge.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides depth and a hint of caramel flavor, making the cookie irresistibly moist and chewy.
• Shortening (1/2 cup): Helps the cookies maintain structure and keeps them delightfully tender.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and that classic homemade cookie taste—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together for a soft, cohesive cookie with lovely chew.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies their shape and lift.
• Baking Soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise while keeping them fluffy and light.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for optimal texture and a gentle lift.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance all the sweetness and amplify the nutty flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

Start with the irresistible core! In a medium bowl, use either a sturdy whisk or a hand mixer to blend together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. You’re aiming for a thick, dough-like consistency that will hold its shape. Once smooth, take a small ice cream scoop (or spoon) and portion out the filling, rolling each into a ball with your palms. Arrange these on a plate or tray, then pop them into the freezer while you move on to cookie dough—this little trick ensures a perfectly gooey center that keeps its form when baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining your dry ingredients first ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite of your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies has great lift and balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Fats

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, shortening, butter, and eggs on medium speed until smooth and well blended. This step gives your cookies their signature chew and rich, nutty flavor—it should look pale and creamy when you’re done!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here; you want the dough to be light and tender, not tough.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Here comes the fun part! Take a large ice cream scoop and portion some cookie dough into your hand. Use your thumb to gently make a deep indent in the center, then press it wider until you have a little “nest.” Fetch the frozen peanut butter filling balls from the freezer and nestle one right in the center. Fold the dough up and around the filling, sealing it completely before rolling the whole thing into a smooth ball.

Step 6: Coat and Bake

Pour the remaining granulated sugar into a bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar to coat the outside—this gives the cookies a beautifully crisp, sparkling edge. Line them up on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 13 to 15 minutes, just until lightly golden. Let them cool for a bit before transferring them (the centers will be gooey!) and then dig in with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

Garnishes

While Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies need no embellishment, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top as they come out of the oven will make the peanut butter pop even more. For an extra flourish, drizzle a little melted chocolate over each cookie or dust with a touch of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a big, frosty glass of milk for the classic combination. If you want to get fancy, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream—a perfect contrast to the warm, gooey cookie. For a dessert platter, surround them with fresh strawberries, banana slices, or even a handful of roasted nuts to complement the peanut butter richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies into the centerpiece of a cookie board by arranging them with other homemade favorites and little bowls of dipping sauces. Stack them high and tie with a ribbon for gift-giving, or for parties, tuck each cookie into a cupcake liner with a mini chocolate square on top for an elevated touch. You can even serve them warm, split in half, with a dollop of softly whipped cream or mascarpone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and gooey inside, but if you love your cookies ultra-tender, toss a slice of bread into the container—the moisture helps keep the cookies fresh.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, layer them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months; just be sure to let them come to room temperature—or warm them gently before serving—to get that irresistible gooey middle again.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked cookie vibe, simply pop a leftover Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. It’ll soften the cookie and get the center perfectly melty. For a bigger batch, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter for the filling or dough?

You can substitute chunky peanut butter for a bit of extra texture and crunch, though the filling won’t be quite as gooey-smooth. It’s delicious either way—just make sure your dough still holds together nicely.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

With this recipe, the dough doesn’t require extra chilling after assembling the cookies, thanks to chilling the filling in advance. However, if your dough feels very soft or you want a thicker cookie, a quick 20-minute chill in the fridge can help them hold their shape better during baking.

Can I make Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend—just ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and check that your peanut butter is gluten-free. The cookies turn out just as dreamy.

What’s the best way to get the filling perfectly centered?

The magic is in freezing the filling before wrapping it in dough. If you shape the cookie dough evenly around the filling and completely seal it, you’ll get that perfect molten peanut butter core every time!

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! A handful of chocolate chips or chunks takes Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies over the top and adds a delightful contrast. Just fold them in after you mix the dough and before shaping the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re brand new to Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies or a long-time devotee, you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients creates something truly spectacular. These cookies are joy in every bite—soft, rich, and with that surprise molten center everyone loves. Don’t wait for a special occasion: gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the magic of homemade Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies today!

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