Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive and delightful deep-dive into Soft Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Filled with Chocolate—perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. This guide includes everything: an introduction, detailed ingredients and instructions, methods, a bit of history, health benefits, nutrition, and even a loving nod to the people who enjoy them most.
🍪 Soft Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Filled with Chocolate 🍪
🧁 Introduction:
There’s something magical about the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Rich, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter dough encases gooey, fudgy chocolate centers—what could be more satisfying? These Soft Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Filled with Chocolate are indulgent, nostalgic, and perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home.
These cookies are a tribute to old-fashioned baking with a modern surprise inside. Think of them as Reese’s Cups meets Grandma’s cookie jar, baked into one glorious treat.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy for best texture)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (to deepen the chocolate flavor)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Chocolate Filling (Ganache):
- In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, heat the cream until steaming but not boiling.
- Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in espresso powder if using. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until thickened but scoopable.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter together until fluffy (2–3 mins).
- Add both sugars and continue beating until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes (optional but helps with shaping).
3. Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1.5–2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled ganache in the center.
- Fold dough around the ganache and roll into a ball. Make sure chocolate is fully sealed.
- Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Optionally, press the tops gently with a fork for a crisscross design (lightly).
4. Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are set and tops are puffy.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
🥄 Methods & Tips:
- Chill that ganache! This makes it easy to scoop and seal.
- For perfect, thick cookies: chill dough 30 minutes before shaping.
- Want extra gooey centers? Slightly underbake and let rest on tray.
- To make mini versions, use a small cookie scoop and a chocolate chip inside instead.
📜 History of Peanut Butter Cookies:
Peanut butter cookies date back to the 1910s, shortly after peanut butter itself became widely available. The earliest printed recipe appeared in a 1916 cookbook by George Washington Carver. The famous fork marks came later, around the 1930s, thanks to Pillsbury promotions encouraging home bakers to flatten cookies with a fork for even baking.
Adding chocolate to the center (like in these cookies) is a modern upgrade—bringing the classic combo to new heights!
🥜 Benefits of Peanut Butter (Yes, really!):
- Protein-rich: Great for energy and fullness.
- Contains heart-healthy fats.
- Good source of magnesium, niacin, and vitamin E.
- May help manage blood sugar when used moderately.
(Just watch the sugar and portion sizes!)
🧬 Nutrition Information (Approx. per cookie):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–260 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Based on a standard-sized cookie. Values will vary based on size and brand.
💞 Cookie Lovers Unite:
These cookies are adored by:
- Kids, for their gooey chocolatey middles
- Dads, who sneak two at a time with cold milk
- Moms, who love making them with little helpers
- Bakers, who enjoy the satisfying dough and soft-baked texture
- Chocolate-peanut butter fans everywhere (you know who you are!)
🏁 Conclusion:
Soft Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are more than just dessert—they’re a memory in the making, a treat worth sharing, and a joyful bite into the magic of peanut butter and chocolate.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is:
- Simple enough for beginners
- Impressive enough for parties
- Delicious enough to disappear in minutes
💡 Tip for extra love: Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.
Would you like this in a printable format or need help scaling the recipe for a crowd (like 50 cookies)? I’d be happy to help!