If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter and chocolate, then you are going to adore this Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a perfectly soft peanut butter cookie, only to discover a gooey, chocolaty Snickers center hiding inside. This cookie combines the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the irresistible chew and crunch of a classic Snickers bar creating a dessert experience that feels like a nostalgic treat wrapped in pure joy. It’s simple to make, fun to bake, and absolutely delightful to share (or keep all to yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is as straightforward as it gets, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy peanut butter that forms the cookie’s base to the mini Snickers bars that bring the magic inside, every component is essential and easy to find.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Gives the cookie its distinctive nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch on the exterior.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel hint.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cookie dough together and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation of the cookies.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- 16–20 mini Snickers bars, unwrapped: The star surprise that melts inside each cookie.
- Optional: Extra sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkling crust and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature as you finish your dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Buttery Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy, and heavenly-scented base. This step is key to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, which will give your cookies a subtle depth of flavor and help keep them moist.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so be gentle!
Step 5: Stuff Each Cookie with a Mini Snickers
This is the fun part! Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place an unwrapped mini Snickers bar right in the center, then wrap the dough around it completely, sealing the candy inside. Roll it into a smooth ball for even baking.
Step 6: Optional Sugar Rolling and Placement
If you want an extra sparkle and a subtle crunch, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing it on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden color while the centers might still look slightly soft and underdone — this is exactly what you want for a tender bite with a molten Snickers center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period ensures they hold their Snickers-stuffed surprise without falling apart.
How to Serve Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elevated presentation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after baking. The salt complements the sweetness wonderfully and enhances the peanut butter flavor. You could also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk (classic for a reason), a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. The contrasting temperatures and textures make the eating experience even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in a rustic wooden crate lined with parchment paper for gifting. Or try stacking them on a colorful plate with mini Snickers bars scattered around as a thematic decoration — perfect for a party platter or a surprise treat at a get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll maintain their softness and gooey center, making them perfect for a quick indulgent snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw for a few hours in the fridge, then bake as directed. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and gooey Snickers center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized Snickers bars instead of mini ones?
While regular Snickers bars are delicious, they are much larger and may require you to adjust the dough portion or bake time. Mini Snickers are ideal for perfectly sized pockets within the cookie for an even melt and bite.
What if I am allergic to peanuts?
Unfortunately, because peanut butter and Snickers both contain peanuts, this recipe isn’t suitable for those with peanut allergies. You might want to experiment using almond butter and a different candy center, but it will change the final flavor significantly.
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture, giving your cookies a pleasant crunch in addition to the Snickers center’s chewiness.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Yes, definitely! Kids will love getting involved in stuffing the cookies with Snickers and rolling the dough balls. Just make sure to handle the oven-related steps yourself for safety.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better. Also, avoid using softened butter that’s too warm, as it can cause excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a cookie with a surprise twist. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake, yet special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of that chocolatey, peanutty center melting within a tender, delightful cookie. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats!
Print
Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Snickers-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter cookie dough with gooey mini Snickers bars baked right inside. Soft and chewy with a sweet, chocolatey caramel surprise in the center, these cookies are perfect for indulging in a nostalgic candy twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 16–20 mini Snickers bars, unwrapped
Optional
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cream ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form cookie dough balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a mini Snickers bar in the center and wrap the dough securely around it, sealing completely. Roll the dough into a smooth ball.
- Optional sugar coating: Roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar if desired, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but this will ensure a soft, chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use mini Snickers bars for perfect-sized filling; standard bars can be cut into smaller pieces if needed.
- Ensure the butter and peanut butter are softened to make mixing easier.
- Do not overbake; slightly underdone centers create soft, chewy cookies.
- For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts into the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
