I know it’s not right to pick favorites. Each one should be loved for it’s different, individual qualities, right? But, I can’t help it. These cookies, with their creamy peanut buttery middle and yummy chocolate cookie coat are definitely my favorite cookies this week. Next week? Well, it might be something else. But for today, definitely these. 
I love how these cookies look a little fancy, but are super simple to make. They really are like magic, the shape that they take, and the way the peanut butter is nicely in the middle It reminds me of the mystery around how the caramel gets inside the Caramilk bar. But, this mystery is easily solved. Just follow these directions, and you’ll be set.
Yields approximately 48 small cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour (see NOTE)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but really, really good)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
NOTE: 4 cups superfine brown rice flour, 1 1/3 cups potato starch (not flour), 2/3 cup tapioca starch. Combine all ingredients in a large zipper-top bag. Shake until well blended.
Directions:
- Mix the confectioners’ sugar and 3/4 cup peanut butter until smooth. Refrigerate for one hour. Form into 48 small balls (about 1/2″ in size).
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line your baking pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, cocoa powder and baking soda until well blended.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the sugars, butter and 1/4 cup peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, mix until well blended. With the mixer running, slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix just until blended. Stir in the mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Form about 1 Tbsp of the chocolate cookie dough around the peanut butter ball, covering completely. I cupped my hand and made a hole in the middle of the chocolate dough, put the peanut butter ball in there, and closed the chocolate dough around the peanut butter ball. Place on prepared baking sheet, about 2-inches apart. Flatten the cookies with a the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar. Repeat until all of the cookies have been formed.
- Bake in preheated oven for 6-7 minutes. When cookies are done, they should be set and slightly cracked. Allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container.
Source: Based on a recipe from AllRecipes.com
This is the perfect dessert for late Friday afternoon. I’ll just pour cup of warn green tea and enjoy my weekend. Thank for sharing
those look awesome – like a little candy bar center in a cookie. what a great holiday treat. you and your elves have been very busy!
Haha, yes, the elves are always working OT this time of year.
Well I know these will be instant favourites with my little daughter for sure! she’ll certainly think its Christmas come early at of house if I make these, yumm…
Oh I’m sure she’ll love them! Merry Christmas to you!
After the above two comments, I feel totally selfish, but, well, it can’t be helped…I’m gonna make these and not share…! Thanks for a really fun recipe! T.
Haha, that’s funny, Tamara. You don’t have to share. Just put them in the freezer and take out whenever you want a nice little PB & chocolate treat.
These are yummy! Mine came out a little bit dry but it was my fault, I thought the chocolate batter looked too loose to roll around the peanut butter middles. Should have left it as is in the recipe. Super tasty though, I’m sure they will be a hit! Thanks for another great recipe!
I am definitely making these today!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! Have a very Merry Christmas!
What a great parade of lovely cookies this week, Jeanine!
Wow Jeanine, these look like my personal dream cookie. I was definitely a peanut butter cup girl, so this recipe reminds me of my favorite childhood flavors. Great idea!
I made these yesterday and they turned out amazing!!!! I used the mini chocolate chips by enjoy life and they added a really really yummy flavor. Thanks for sharing and have a very Merry Christmas!!!
These look so good. Nothing better than the chocolate/peanut butter combo!