Peanut Butter Middles
Peanut Butter Middles are rich, chocolatey cookies with a smooth peanut butter filling, perfect for peanut butter lovers and ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend well the peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Roll the mixture into 30 (1-inch) balls.
- Refrigerate the balls until firm.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients well.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar, brown sugar, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and margarine until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat well.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until blended.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using natural peanut butter instead of regular smooth peanut butter. If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can replace half of the powdered sugar with almond flour. Make sure to refrigerate the peanut butter balls long enough for them to firm up, as this will make them easier to handle when rolling into cookies. This recipe is similar to Aunt Kathy'S Buckeyes but with a chocolate twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Peanut Butter Middles with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate on top or serving them alongside Rich Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Middles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Middles contains roughly 929 calories, with 23g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% 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 use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the filling. However, keep in mind that it may alter the smoothness of the final cookie. If you enjoy the crunch, it's a great substitution.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with equal parts of unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative. This will maintain the richness of the cookies while making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be slightly firm to the touch and have a dull appearance when baked. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
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).