Description
Heavenly Stuffed Peanut Butter Delights
Ingredients:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup peanut butter, chilled in small teaspoon-sized dollops
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Take a small portion of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, place a dollop of chilled peanut butter in the center, and fold the dough around it, forming a ball.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Let cool on pans for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 20 cookies
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In your large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for a full 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a better texture. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until just combined. Separately, whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. Add this to the wet mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed until no dry streaks remain. The key step is preparing the filling: using a teaspoon, portion out about 20 small dollops of the extra 1/3 cup of peanut butter onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm. When shaping, use about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a frozen peanut butter dollop in the center, and carefully seal the dough around it, rolling gently into a smooth ball.
Serving Suggestions
These rich cookies are best served slightly warm when the center is deliciously soft. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie boxes or as a sweet gift packaged in a decorative tin.
How-to Summary
To summarize, you will: 1) Cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars. 2) Mix in egg and vanilla. 3) Combine dry ingredients and blend into wet mix. 4) Freeze small peanut butter dollops for the filling. 5) Encase each frozen dollop in dough to form a sealed ball. 6) Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. 7) Cool briefly on the pan before transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work and add texture, but creamy is recommended for the smoothest, melt-in-your-mouth filling contrast.
How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The centers will firm up but remain tasty. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Why is chilling the filling peanut butter necessary? Chilling is crucial! It prevents the filling from immediately melting and leaking out during baking, ensuring a perfect, contained pocket of peanut butter.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
My cookies spread too much. What happened? This is often due to butter that is too warm or over-creamed. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing new dough balls on it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip chilling the peanut butter dollops, as a runny filling will leak. Do not over-mix the dough once the flour is added, as this develops gluten and leads to tough cookies. Do not over-bake; the cookies continue to set on the hot pan. Remove them when the edges are just lightly browned. Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, as scooping directly can pack in too much flour.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Stuffed Peanut Butter Delights are a true treat for any peanut butter lover. The process of creating the surprise molten center is simple with the right technique, especially the critical step of chilling the filling. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common errors, and using our serving tips, you’re guaranteed to create an impressive, decadent cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking!