As I sifted through my pantry in search of a sweet treat, the remnants of cocoa and a jar of creamy peanut butter caught my eye. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that would not only satisfy my cravings but also spark joy in anyone lucky enough to share them. These cookies feature a luscious peanut butter filling that makes each bite a delightful surprise, while the unique blend of two cocoa powders adds an astonishing depth of flavor. The best part? They come together in under an hour, making them a quick indulgence for busy days. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these rich, chewy cookies are sure to become a beloved staple. Ready to dive into the gooey goodness with me? Why are these cookies so irresistible? Decadent flavors: These Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies offer a delicious twist on a classic treat, featuring a creamy peanut butter filling that elevates the rich chocolate experience. Effortless preparation: With a simple recipe that takes less than an hour, you’ll be indulging in warm cookies without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those on a tight schedule! Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly get-together, these cookies are a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Flavor depth: The combination of two cocoa powders creates a complex flavor profile that makes each bite uniquely satisfying, especially if you love rich desserts. Versatile options: Have fun experimenting! Try these using Peanut Butter Blossoms or explore our 4-ingredient crispy chocolate oat cookies for a different take on cookie delight. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients For the Peanut Butter Filling Peanut Butter – A creamy style like Jif or Skippy provides the richest flavor and texture. Powdered Sugar – Essential for sweetness; no substitutions recommended or it will affect the texture. Whole Milk – Adds moisture to the filling; can be substituted with non-dairy milk alternatives if needed. Vanilla Extract – A good quality vanilla enhances the flavor delightfully. Salt – Balances sweetness in the filling and is essential for flavor. For the Cookie Dough All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute but may alter texture. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides a dark chocolate flavor base; feel free to use regular cocoa if needed. Black Cocoa Powder – Adds deep color and rich flavor; substitute with regular cocoa if necessary. Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and richness to the cookie dough; do not substitute with regular pudding mix. Powdered Milk – Enhances flavor and texture; can be omitted if necessary. Baking Soda – The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in creaming with butter for texture. Salted Butter – Provides fat and flavor; unsalted butter can be used, but you may need to adjust the salt. Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and brings moisture; an extra yolk enhances chewiness. For the Add-ins Reese’s Pieces – Infuse chocolate and peanut butter flavor; can be substituted with any chocolate chips. Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips – Additional peanut butter flavor; swap with more chocolate chips if necessary. Dive into the delicious world of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies with these essential ingredients that promise a creamy, rich, and irresistibly chewy treat! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, resembling a thick frosting. This delicious filling will provide a rich contrast to the chocolate cookie dough. Once blended, set the filling aside to ensure it’s ready for when you assemble your cookies. Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, instant chocolate fudge pudding mix, powdered milk, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened salted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a rich and moist dough base for your Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. Step 3: Combine Dough and Add-Ins Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing. Once you have a thick, chocolatey batter, gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This adds delightful bursts of flavor to every bite of your cookies. Step 4: Form the Cookies Using a 4-ounce cookie scoop, portion out the dough and flatten each scoop slightly in your hand. Place a tablespoon of the prepared peanut butter filling in the center of the dough, then carefully seal the dough around the filling to create a round cookie ball. This step is crucial for achieving the gooey center that makes these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies so special. Step 5: Bake the Cookies Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Keep an eye on them, as removing them while they still appear a little underdone will ensure that they remain chewy and delicious. Step 6: Cool and Serve After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. This will help them firm up while maintaining their soft interior. Once they’ve cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, your Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed, perfect for sharing with family or indulging yourself! Make Ahead Options These Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the peanut butter filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cookie dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead as well. Combine the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, and then refrigerate the dough until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to indulge, scoop the dough, add the filling, and bake as usual for cookies that are just as delicious as when freshly made. Expert Tips for Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for a rich filling; natural varieties may change the texture of your cookies. Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to prevent tough cookies; mix just until everything is incorporated. Enhance Chewiness: For extra chewiness, add an additional egg yolk without the white; this small tweak can make a big difference! Baking Time Matters: Remove cookies while they still look slightly underbaked to maintain that soft, gooey center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Experiment with Cocoa: For deeper flavor, don’t skip the black cocoa powder. If unavailable, use regular cocoa powder, but note that the taste and color may differ. Enjoy making these amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies with these helpful tips! What to Serve with Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies Indulge in the delightful experience of these rich chocolate cookies by pairing them with comforting sides that enhance their flavor. Cold Milk: A classic pairing that complements the creamy peanut butter and chocolate, providing a refreshing contrast with each bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream create a delectable experience, especially when the warm cookies are served together. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a pop of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cookies perfectly. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel over the cookies enhances their sweetness and adds a delightful flavor twist for special occasions. Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate’s deep flavors. Chocolate Milkshake: For extra indulgence, pair these cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake, creating a heavenly combination that no one can resist. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Fridge: If you prefer a colder treat, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but expect a slightly firmer texture. Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or enjoying. Reheating: Reheat cookie leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth and gooey peanut butter center. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists and make this recipe your own! Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sun butter or almond butter for a safe alternative. Mini Cookies: Decrease the scoop size for smaller cookies and adjust baking time to ensure they’re perfectly baked. Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavor profile with a savory kick. Extra Chocolate: Add chocolate or peanut butter chips for an indulgent chocolaty surprise in every bite. Vegan: Use flax eggs, dairy-free butter, and coconut milk for a vegan variant that tastes equally fabulous. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy chewy cookies without gluten. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a playful twist that adds warmth and depth to the cookies. Feeling adventurous? If you’re in the mood for something different but equally delightful, consider trying these Brown Butter Chocolate or our fabulous Honey Cookies Chewy for another creamy inspiration. Enjoy crafting these cookies to suit your taste! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of peanut butter should I use for the creamy filling? I recommend using a smooth, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, as it provides the best texture and richness for the filling. Natural peanut butter might alter the consistency of the filling, making it too oily or too runny. How long can I store these cookies, and what’s the best method? Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days; just note that they may become slightly firmer. Make sure to use a container that preserves their chewiness! Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how? Absolutely! You can freeze either the baked cookies or the unbaked dough. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a sealed bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. For the unbaked dough, scoop the cookie balls onto a parchment paper-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time! What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly? If your cookies come out dry, double-check that you measured your flour and other dry ingredients accurately. Too much flour can yield a crumbly texture. To remedy this, consider adjusting the moisture levels next time by adding an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of milk to the dough to enhance chewiness. Are there any dietary considerations with these cookies? These cookies contain common allergens such as peanuts and gluten from flour. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with sun butter or almond butter, while still enjoying that creamy filling. Always check labels for any allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions. Can I use alternative sweeteners instead of granulated sugar? Using alternative sweeteners is possible, but it can alter the texture and flavor of the cookies significantly. If you prefer to use a substitute like coconut sugar or a sugar replacement, keep in mind that these may not provide the same chewy texture or browning that granulated sugar does. Adjust the quantity according to the sweetener’s packaging instructions, and bake with care! Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies with a Creamy Twist Indulge in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies featuring a creamy filling and rich flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 47 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Peanut Butter Filling1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter Use Jif or Skippy for best flavor.1 cup Powdered Sugar Essential for sweetness.2 tablespoons Whole Milk Can substitute with non-dairy alternatives.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use good quality for better flavor.1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.Cookie Dough2 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free option may change texture.3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Provides dark chocolate flavor.1/4 cup Black Cocoa Powder For deep color and flavor.1 box Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix Do not substitute with regular pudding.1/4 cup Powdered Milk Can be omitted if necessary.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Leavening agent for rising.1 cup Granulated Sugar For sweetness and texture.1/2 cup Salted Butter Can use unsalted, adjust salt accordingly.2 large Eggs One extra yolk enhances chewiness.Add-ins1 cup Reese's Pieces Can use any chocolate chips.1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips Substitute with more chocolate chips if needed. Equipment Mixing Bowlscookie scoopbaking sheetparchment paper Method Peanut Butter FillingIn a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.Cookie DoughIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, instant pudding mix, powdered milk, baking soda, and salt.In another bowl, cream together softened salted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.Combine Dough and Add-InsGently fold in Reese's Pieces and Reese's Peanut Butter Chips until evenly distributed.Form and Bake CookiesUsing a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and flatten slightly. Place a tablespoon of peanut butter filling in the center, sealing the dough around it.Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.Cool and ServeLet cookies cool on the sheets for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
