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If you adore the rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate but want to take it up a notch, the Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are a delightful surprise in every bite, with golden, buttery dough wrapped around a gooey center of Snickers goodness. Each cookie is chewy on the outside and meltingly sweet inside, perfectly balancing salty, sweet, and nutty flavors that will have you reaching for another one before you even finish the first. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your baking arsenal forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is key here. Each component brings something special to the table—whether it’s the creamy texture of peanut butter, the tenderness from softened butter, or the irresistible candy bar hidden inside.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie’s structure, providing just the right chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly and keeps them light.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Richness and tenderness come from this essential ingredient.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness along with a subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Gives the cookies moisture and that lovely caramel undertone.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, delivering that signature nutty, creamy taste.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together with a hint of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- 12 fun-size Snickers bars (halved or whole): The decadent surprise hidden inside each cookie.
- Coarse sea salt for topping (optional): A little sprinkle amps up the flavor with a delightful salty crunch.
How to Make Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the baking soda and salt are distributed evenly for perfect cookie texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is key to those tender, well-aerated cookies.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract into your butter and sugar mixture until everything is fully combined. The peanut butter adds wonderful creaminess and intense flavor that shines through in every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually
Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold carefully until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix, or the cookies could become tough.
Step 5: Stuff and Shape the Cookies
Here’s the fun part: scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it gently in your palm. Nestle a fun-sized Snickers bar piece in the center, then wrap the dough all around it, making sure there are no gaps. Roll into a neat ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden and the centers look set. If you love that little extra punch, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait is worth it, I promise!
How to Serve Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are show-stoppers on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold companion balances the chewy, warm cookie perfectly, making your snack or dessert moment utterly indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, stack your Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in a pretty serving dish or tin lined with parchment. You can also sandwich them with a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for extra decadence. Wrapping individual cookies in colorful parchment makes for lovely gift ideas too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, retaining their chewy texture and gooey center. If they start to firm up, a quick zap in the microwave will bring them back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 months. For the best gooey Snickers center, reheat slightly before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the warm, melty magic again, place cookies on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Alternatively, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will warm them gently without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture in your cookies, giving you delightful little nutty bites alongside the Snickers center.
What if I want to use a different candy bar?
Feel free to experiment! Milky Way, Twix, or even Reese’s can work beautifully in this recipe, just make sure the candy bars fit comfortably inside the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour for a trusty gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.
How do I prevent the Snickers from melting too much?
For a thicker, gooier center, try freezing the Snickers pieces for 15 to 20 minutes before stuffing. This helps them hold their shape better during baking while still melting beautifully inside.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can actually deepen the flavors! Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and stuffing with Snickers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing way to combine peanut butter and chocolate, the Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Every cookie is a comforting hug of chewy dough and melty candy bar that’s impossible to resist. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and savor these little bites of happiness whenever a sweet craving strikes.
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