Peanut Butter Candy Stuffed Cookies

Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet Surprise

What if I told you that you could take your favorite peanut butter cookie and make it even more irresistible? These Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies are about to become your new obsession – and trust me, once you bite into that gooey peanut butter center surrounded by colorful candy pieces, you’ll understand why!

I discovered this recipe during one of those late-night baking sessions when I was craving something extraordinary. Regular peanut butter cookies are amazing, but these take things to a whole new level. Each cookie hides a molten peanut butter surprise that oozes out with every bite, while the candy-coated chocolates on top add the perfect crunch and pop of color.

What makes these peanut butter stuffed cookies so special? It’s all about the technique of creating that hidden center without compromising the cookie’s structure. The result is a treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make – perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something extraordinary.

These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft, with that signature peanut butter flavor amplified by the creamy filling. Plus, they’re completely customizable with your favorite candy pieces!

![Golden peanut butter cookies topped with colorful candy pieces on a cooling rack]

Why This Recipe Works

The genius behind these Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies lies in the double-layer technique that creates a perfect pocket for the molten center. By using two portions of dough to sandwich the peanut butter filling, we ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking without the filling leaking out.

The key is getting the right consistency in your cookie dough – not too wet that it won’t hold the filling, but not so dry that it cracks when you try to seal the edges. The combination of brown and granulated sugars creates the ideal texture: chewy from the brown sugar’s molasses content, with just enough structure from the granulated sugar.

Many home bakers worry about the filling escaping during baking, but this recipe solves that problem by using room temperature peanut butter that’s thick enough to stay put but soft enough to create that gooey center we’re after.

The candy-coated chocolate pieces aren’t just decoration – they add textural contrast and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping maintain that perfect stuffed shape.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling and Topping:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for the gooey center)
  • 1 cup candy-coated chocolates (Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, or mini chocolate chips)

Ingredient Notes:

  • Natural peanut butter works, but may make cookies slightly more fragile
  • Crunchy peanut butter can substitute for added texture
  • Mini peanut butter cups, chopped, make an incredible alternative filling
  • Dark chocolate M&Ms or seasonal candy colors add visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch | Total Time: 45 minutes

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on these peanut butter stuffed cookies.

Step 2: Create the Base Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps the cookies tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Cookies

Here’s where the magic happens! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the filling peanut butter in the center.

Top with another tablespoon of dough and carefully seal the edges, rolling gently into a ball. The key is being gentle but thorough with the sealing.

Step 5: Add the Candy Topping

Place each cookie ball on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press 4-5 candy pieces into the top of each cookie – they’ll help identify these as special treats and add that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked – they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan. Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that gooey center!

Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips and Variations

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Chill your assembled cookies for 15 minutes before baking if the dough feels too soft to handle
  • Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing – this ensures even baking
  • Don’t skip the cooling time on the pan – it prevents the cookies from falling apart

Creative Variations:
Transform these Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies by using different fillings like Nutella, cookie butter, or even a small piece of fudge. For the holidays, use seasonal M&Ms or crushed candy canes for a festive twist.

Try a s’mores version by stuffing with marshmallow fluff and topping with mini chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers. The possibilities are endless!

Troubleshooting Common Issues:
If your filling leaks out during baking, your dough might be too warm or the seal wasn’t tight enough. Chill the dough and be more generous with the sealing next time.

Cookies spreading too much? Your butter might have been too warm, or you need to chill the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies are incredible on their own, but they’re absolutely divine served slightly warm with a cold glass of milk. The temperature contrast makes that gooey center even more spectacular.

For special occasions, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or drizzle with melted chocolate for an over-the-top dessert experience.

They also make fantastic gifts – pack them in clear containers so people can see those beautiful candy-topped treats inside.

Nutritional Information

Per Cookie (makes approximately 24 cookies):

  • Calories: 185
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Sugar: 16g

Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific brands and candy choices used.

Recipe Card

Peanut Butter Candy-Stuffed Cookies

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a surprise gooey center and colorful candy topping that will make everyone smile.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 12 min per batch | Total: 45 min | Makes: 24 cookies

Key Features: Hidden peanut butter center, customizable candy toppings, perfect for gifting

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week, though they rarely last that long! For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Ready to surprise your family with these amazing treats? Share your cookie creations on social media – I love seeing which candy combinations you choose!

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Have questions about technique or substitutions? Leave a comment below – I’m here to help you become the cookie hero of your household!

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