Delightful Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling

Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling

A Cozy Comfort Food Favorite

As a busy mom and food blogger, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling. These cookies are the ultimate comfort food – soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Plus, the creamy swirled filling adds an extra indulgent touch that will have your family and friends begging for more.

I first discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something sweet but didn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. I whipped up a batch on a whim, and from the very first bite, I knew I had a new household favorite on my hands. The aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through the air, the satisfying texture of the cookies, and the creamy, swirled filling – it was like a little slice of heaven. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite comfort food recipes!

Why This Recipe Works

What makes these Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling so special? For starters, the cookie dough comes together in a snap, with just a few simple ingredients. The peanut butter flavor is front and center, but it’s balanced by the creamy, sweet filling that’s swirled into the center of each cookie. And the texture is just perfect – soft and chewy, with a satisfying bite.

I’ve made these cookies countless times, and they always turn out beautifully. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a potluck or party, or just because you need a little pick-me-up. Plus, they’re super versatile – you can customize the filling flavors to suit your tastes, or even make them gluten-free or vegan if needed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, be sure to use room-temperature butter and peanut butter. This will help the cookies spread and bake up nice and soft.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

While the classic Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling are delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. Try adding a handful of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra crunch and flavor. You could also swap out the peanut butter filling for something like Nutella, caramel, or even a cream cheese-based filling. And for a festive twist, roll the dough balls in crushed peanuts or sprinkle them with a bit of coarse sugar before baking.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
7. Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center of each dough ball.
9. Fill the wells with a small spoonful of the peanut butter filling (about 1 teaspoon).
10. What I Messed Up At First: Be careful not to overfill the wells, as the filling can bubble over during baking.
11. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While these Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling are pretty straightforward to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven, as they can go from perfectly baked to dry and crumbly in a matter of minutes.
• Overfilling the centers: Be sure not to add too much filling to the cookie dough wells, as it can bubble over and make a mess.
• Undercooking the dough: The centers of the cookies should be just slightly soft when you remove them from the oven. Underbaked cookies will be gooey and difficult to handle.

My Tested Substitutions

One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling recipe is its versatility. I’ve experimented with all kinds of substitutions over the years, and here are a few that work well:

• Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for delicious gluten-free cookies.
• Crunchy peanut butter: Swap out the creamy peanut butter for a crunchy variety for a fun textural contrast.
• Almond butter: Replace the peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread: Try using Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread in place of the peanut butter filling.

How to Customize This Recipe

In addition to the filling and nut butter substitutions, there are plenty of other ways to customize these Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling to your liking. For a holiday twist, try rolling the dough balls in crushed peppermint or drizzling them with melted white chocolate. You could also make them dairy-free by using a plant-based butter alternative and a non-dairy milk in the filling.

Serving Ideas

These Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling are the perfect treat for any occasion. They make a great snack or dessert, and they’re also perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. I love to serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Meal Prep & Storage Instructions

One of the best things about these cookies is that they’re super easy to make ahead and store. The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed.

Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of these Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling contains approximately:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Peanut Butter Cookies with Swirled Filling a try! They’re the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and comforting – a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. And don’t forget to follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration!