Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup peanut butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well-combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of milk to help it come together. Once it’s smooth, place it in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped fudge cups. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for holding the filling and keeping the cookies soft.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers, creating a small indentation in the center.
- Take about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling and roll it into a small ball. Place this peanut butter ball in the center of each cookie dough indentation.
- Enclose the peanut butter filling by carefully folding the edges of the cookie dough around it, sealing it inside.
- Gently roll the filled dough back into a ball, being careful not to press too hard on the filling. This will ensure that the center stays intact when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the prepared cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly firm. The cookies may look soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
- If you want to add extra chopped fudge cups to the top for decoration, sprinkle them on the cookies right after they come out of the oven while the cookies are still warm.
Step 5: Let the Cookies Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- As they cool, the peanut butter filling will firm up slightly, and the fudge center will stay gooey, making each bite a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutesto an hour. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Customize the Fudge: If you’re not using fudge cups, you could substitute mini chocolate chips, or even homemade fudge, cut into small pieces. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Watch the Baking Time: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on the cookies while they bake to ensure they don’t overbake. They should be lightly golden at the edges and still soft in the middle when you take them out.
Why These Cookies Are So Special
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate: The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser. The chocolate chips give the cookies richness, while the peanut butter filling inside adds that irresistible creaminess.
- Fudge Center: The chopped fudge cups in the dough and on top give these cookies an extra layer of indulgent chocolate flavor.
- Soft and Gooey: Despite having peanut butter and fudge cups inside, the cookies remain soft and gooey, making each bite a delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies with a glass of milk, or for a more indulgent treat, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
- If you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or gifting them, these cookies will surely be a hit!
Conclusion
Making your own cookies can seem intimidating, but with this Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Cookie recipe, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. The addition of the peanut butter filling and fudge cups will ensure that your cookies are moist, flavorful, and rich—just the kind of treat that will leave everyone asking for more!