Magic in the Middle Cookies

Okay, so this morning I was doing a little blog hopping and came across these cookies on My Kitchen Cafe . I decided I HAD to make them right away. I was craving some type of cookie and these SCREAMED at me. Peanut Butter and Chocolate are pretty much the best combination EVER, and these cookies are divine!!!

These look like nice unassuming chocolate cookies, but then you bit into it and there is a little "magic" inside!

They have a yummy gooey peanut butter center. It's pretty much like a thick peanut butter frosting inside! Doesn't that look good?!

I gave some to my parents and grandparents and my "little" (6'5") brother said they were the best cookies he had ever eaten! My mom has already asked for the recipe too, so here it is!

Magic in the Middle Cookies

Chocolate Dough:

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. sugar + extra for rolling

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lg. egg + 1 egg yolk

Peanut Butter Filling:

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter

3/4 c. powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper (My cookies always come out better on parchment paper).

2. To make dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

3. In another medium bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, beating to combine. Then add dry ingredients and mix well.

4. To make filling: mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and dough like.

5. With floured hands or teaspoon scoop, roll filling into 1 inch balls (approx. 26).

6. To form cookies: Take 1 Tablespoon chocolate dough and roll into a ball. Then make and indentation with your finger and put a peanut butter ball in the middle. Bring up edges of dough to cover filling and roll again with your hands to create a ball. Repeat with the rest of your cookies.

7. Roll the chocolate balls in sugar and place on lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

8. With a drinking glass, press down on each cookie until approximately 1/2 inch thick.

9. Bake in preheated oven for 7-9 minutes or until set.

10. Cool on wire rack.

11. Enjoy!