Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup), divided
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Large egg: 1
- alcohol-free vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Creamy peanut butter: 1/2 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the peanut butter filling by combining the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (approximately 12-14) and place them on a parchment-lined plate; freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining butter (6 tablespoons) and the chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Whisk in the granulated sugar, followed by the egg and alcohol-free vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gradually fold the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. The dough will be thick and fudgy.
- Step 4: Take one tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it into a disk. Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center of the disk, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely and forming a smooth ball.
- Step 5: Place the assembled cookies two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft and fudgy.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain maximum fudginess.
- If the centers harden, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to return the filling and brownie base to their soft, gooey state.
- Serve these rich cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- For perfect wrapping and to prevent the filling from melting during assembly, ensure the peanut butter balls are truly frozen solid before you enclose them in the cookie dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American