Peanut Butter Chocolate Centered Cookies
Delight in these rich, chocolate-centered cookies with a peanut butter twist, featuring gooey chocolate kisses at their core. Perfect for peanut butter lovers and those craving a sweet treat, they are crispy on the outside with a soft, indulgent center. Ideal for parties, snacks, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine or butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in sugar.
- Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 11 minutes. Remove quickly from oven.
- Place one chocolate candy kiss into the center of each cookie, pointed side down.
- Bake for exactly one minute longer.
- Remove from oven and immediately spread chocolate over each cookie.
- Optionally, place a butterscotch chip in the center of each cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a healthier option, natural peanut butter can be used, although it may alter the texture slightly. You can also roll the cookie balls in a mixture of sugar and crushed nuts for added crunch. To enhance the chocolate flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect as a sweet treat on their own but can also be served with a glass of cold milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an indulgent dessert experience, consider pairing them with a slice of Blender Chocolate Fudge Pie. They also make for an excellent addition to a dessert platter for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To enjoy them warm again, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Chocolate Centered Cookies contains roughly 1277 calories, with 17g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can definitely use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just be aware that it may change the consistency of the dough slightly. The chunks of peanuts can add a nice crunch to the cookies, making them even more enjoyable.
What if I don't have chocolate candy kisses?
If you don't have chocolate candy kisses, you can substitute with chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. Simply press them into the center of the cookies when they come out of the oven for a similar chocolaty experience.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure. Many gluten-free flour mixes work well in cookie recipes, so you can enjoy this delicious treat without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).