The cookie version of a peanut butter cup, these treats feature a fudgy cookie exterior with a smooth peanut butter filling - A combination that is always "moreish".
In a small bowl combine peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth, refrigerate until firm enough to scoop and roll (about an hour).
1 ¼ cup peanut butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract
Roll the mixture into 26 one-inch balls (about 12g each) and place in the freezer while making the cookie dough.
To make the chocolate cookie dough:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt, set aside.
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt
In a separate, large bowl; use an electric mixer to beat together the sugars, butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
½ cup sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
Add the vanilla, egg and egg yolks, continue beating until fully incorporated.
1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 large egg yolks, 1 large egg
Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined, do not overmix.
Scoop 1 tbsp (about 28g) of the chocolate dough and wrap it around 1 ball of filling, ensure the filling is completely covered, then roll gently in your palms to form a smooth sphere.
Roll cookie sphere in sugar and place on the prepared sheets. Repeat with remaining dough and filling, leaving about 2” between cookies.
Using the bottom of a glass, flatten each cookie to about ½” thick (if the glass sticks to the cookies, dip in sugar before continuing)
Bake ~9 minutes or until just set, remove from oven and cool on rack.