These Peanut Butter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Center combine the classic flavors of creamy peanut butter and rich milk chocolate for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible! Each peanut butter cookie is baked to perfection, then topped with a milk chocolate square or chocolate kiss in the center, making every bite a delightful mix of sweet and salty goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its rich peanut butter flavor and the delicious surprise of melted milk chocolate in the center of each cookie. The cookies are easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends. Plus, they can be made in advance and stored for later, making them a convenient go-to recipe for any time you want a sweet snack. With their soft, chewy texture and perfect balance of flavors, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser every time!
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 24 milk chocolate squares (or chocolate kisses)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butters and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Add the chocolate: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a milk chocolate square or chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, the chocolate will set, creating a delicious, creamy center. Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing the chocolate center to melt in your mouth with every bite.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
- If using chocolate kisses, you can freeze them for 10 minutes before pressing them into the cookies. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Feel free to substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate for the milk chocolate to suit your taste!
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies. The bits of peanut will add extra crunch to each bite.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
4. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even mini peanut butter cups for a fun twist.
5. How do I make sure the chocolate doesn’t melt too much?
Press the chocolate into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. Let the cookies cool completely to allow the chocolate to set.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Center are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie tray, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat, and don’t forget to share—if you can!
