Chocolate-Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

As I'm sure is very apparent by now, I'm a big fan of chocolate. 'Big fan' may be a gross understatement, but I'm reasonably certain it's in my DNA... in fact, whenever someone in my family is jonesing for some chocolate, we're often lovingly teased that our Hellman-side is showing. Obviously it's not shocking at a woman is down with chocolate, but even more than just straight chocolate, I think the person who first decided to combine chocolate and peanut butter should be given as many accolades as possible. It's a magical combination!

In my search for the best chocolate and peanut butter combination, these cookies ranked shockingly high and may be my favorite new cookie recipe from 2010. On the outside, they appear to just be chocolate cookies dusted in sugar, but biting in to them reveals a creamy, peanut butter center. I originally made these in attempt to impress a new romantic interest, and as that's turned into a relationship and they were a huge hit at a Christmas/Festivus party, they come highly recommended!

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies from Pennies on a Platter
Makes ~ 2 dozen cookies, depending on how large you make them

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar (plus more for dipping)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375º.
2. Stir flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together.
3. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, butter and 1/4 cup peanut butter together until smooth.
4. Add vanilla and egg, beat to combine.
5. Gradually stir in flour mixture, then set aside.
6. In a different bowl, cream powdered sugar and 3/4 cup peanut butter together until smooth.
7. To create cookies, flatten a large Tbs of dough into a circle using your hands.
8. Place a small amount of peanut butter filling mixture in the center of the chocolate dough.

9. Wrap the chocolate dough around the peanut butter filling, pinch ends together to seal.

10. Roll the cookie into a smooth ball, roll in sugar and place on a cookie sheet.
11. Using the bottom of a glass, slightly flatten the cookies.
12. Bake for 7-9 minutes (my oven needed closer to 10-12 minutes), do not over bake!
13. Let cool completely on wire rack.