Magic in the Middles

Chocolate Dough

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, smooth
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt

Peanut Butter Filling

• 3/4 cup peanut butter, crunchy or smooth
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Making the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugars, butter, and peanut butter, until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla and egg, beating to combine.
3. Stir in the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

Making the Filling

• In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

Shaping the Cookies

1. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough (a lump about the size of a walnut), make an indentation in the center with your finger, and place one of the peanut butter balls into the indentation.
2. Bring the cookie dough up and over the filling, pressing the edges together to cover the center. Roll the cookie in the palms of your hands to smooth it out.
3. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Roll each rounded cookie in granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2” between cookies.
5. Use a drinking glass to flatten each cookie to about 1/2” thick.

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they are set and you can smell chocolate.