The Best Kind of Surprise

If I were to pick four words that define my finely tuned pallet, they would be "peanut butter and chocolate." I have tried so many recipes that incorporate these two ingredients, yet this one sticks out in the mind. Perhaps its the peanut butter filling that tastes identical to the inside of a Reese's cup (for about a week I mixed it up as a quick treat after work), or perhaps its the chewy chocolate cookie, but the pictures still make my mouth water. One tip: add a little more flour to the cookie dough to make it a little easier to work with.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together sugars, butter and 1/4 cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg, beating to combine. Stir in the flour mixture and stir to combine, blending well. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together powdered sugar and remaining 3/4 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
Pull off a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten with your hands. Take about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture and place it in the center of the chocolate dough. Wrap the chocolate dough around the peanut butter center, pressing to seal. Roll the cookie into a ball and roll the cookie in the sugar. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass, flatten each cookie to about a 1/2 inch thickness.

Bake in preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Let stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.