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December 9, 2012

Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

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What’s better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

Show of hands – how many are mailing cookies this month for Christmas?

And how many want these Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies to show up on your doorstep?

Looks like I see you have both hands raised.

Every year, I bake all kinds of cookies for the holiday, usually with some sort of chocolate peanut butter combination.

Every December, I go through the big stack of recipes I save in my mom’s recipe box she gave me and determine what will make this year’s holiday baking list.

I try to add one or two new recipes to see how well they stack up with the classics. I knew as soon as I saw the clipping I saved, I wanted to make these Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies.

As the name states, they are soft cookies with double the peanut butter flavor with a fun surprise in the middle.

To make them even more exciting, I drizzled chocolate on top.


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

Chocolate and peanut butter is definitely a favorite of mine, bonus points if it involves a peanut butter cup on top of that.

The surprise isn’t them showing up in the mail but rather biting into a hidden peanut butter cup.

Or a Hershey’s kiss when I ran out, which makes them Inside Out Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

Last year was my first time mailing cookies through the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap with my Maple Gingersnap Cookies.

This year, I decided to skip the official sign up and exchange with a few friends.

Mailing is such a great way for me to share my love with those who don’t live near me.

Even though this is only my second year mailing, I have learned some tips along the way:


Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

1. Choose a recipe that will stay fresh after a few days.

This one is hard to judge, but you want to make sure the cookies still taste good after arriving.

Some that I’ve sent in the mail are Chocolate Gingersnaps, Maple Gingersnaps, Peanut Butter-Stuffed Cookies, Nutty Oatmeal Ginger Sandwich Cookies, and of course my peanut butter cookies.

Make sure they can stand up to the weather too. If it’s going to be warm, you may not want to mail anything that will melt easily, such as chocolate fudge.

2. Use a container for the cookies.

Whether you use a metal tin or a fun cardboard box, you want to put the cookies inside something before putting them into the box used for shipping.

Not only will they help keep the cookies fresher, they will not bounce around as much.

3. Use a sturdy box roughly twice the size of the container used to hold the cookies.

Of course the more snug the container is inside of the box, the better, but you also want to leave space for cushioning, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or even crumpled up newspaper.

Imagine the worst case scenario when shipping. Your box gets shaken, flipped, possibly even tossed around. You want to make sure the container does not shift around when moved.

Even if you write “fragile” or “do not place anything heavy on top,” the lady at the post office told me they cannot always guarantee a human being would be handling the box at all times. There are certain stages where machines handle them.

4. It’s usually cheaper to use a regular box than a flat shipping rate box.

The post office now offers (free) boxes that no matter how much the box weighs or where it is going (in the US), it is one price to ship.

Unless you are mailing something heavy, chances are using your own box is cheaper.

The first time I used a flat rate box for cookies, the lady told me I could have saved $5 if I used an unmarked box.

Now I tend to save boxes throughout the year and rip off any labels and scratch out any writing.

Worst case you can buy a roll of brown mailing paper (near mailing supplies in most stores) and wrap the box if the company printed directly onto it (think Amazon boxes).

You could probably even get away with wrapping paper. Just make sure the address is clearly labeled. If the print is too busy, write the address onto white paper, cut it out, and tape it on.


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

5. Don’t put anything worth keeping at the very top before you seal it up.

When you open a box with a box cutter, you may cut through the first thing in the box. You don’t want the person to cut up the Christmas card or holiday socks.

Usually the bubble wrap is enough, but sometimes you may want to stick a piece of cardboard or paper on top.

6. Buy packing tape.

Seriously, there’s a reason it is called packing tape. Trust me.

7. Always mail on a Monday, no later than Tuesday.

Most of the time, the box will take 3 days to arrive. You don’t want to have it sitting in a warehouse over the weekend!

As you get closer to Christmas, sometimes it’ll take 4 days.

Of course if you are desperate, you can pay the extra for faster shipping, but it’s going to be expensive.

8. Get delivery confirmation.

It’s only a few bucks and worth having if your box takes an unexpected delay. This is not the same as getting insurance.


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking when I agree to do cookie swaps. I love giving and receiving cookies, but I’m the only one in the house with a few extra dozen tempting me every minute…


What's better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

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Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Yield: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

What’s better than a single peanut butter cookie? Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies stuffed with a peanut butter cup and drizzled with chocolate on top.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 18 unwrapped mini peanut butter cups
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a mixing large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until combined. Chill the dough for 1 hour.
  3. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a #40 cookie scoop (roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons) or by hand, scoop one dough ball, flatten the dough, and wrap around one peanut butter cup, sealing the dough completely. Place onto the cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Chill the dough balls 15 minutes.
  4. While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 375F. Once ready, bake 10-12 minutes or until brown and edges are set. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely.
  5. Once the cookies are cool, place the chocolate chips in a small heavy-duty sandwich bag. Microwave for 30 seconds at power 5. Massage the bag a bit then continue heating in 10 second intervals at power 5 until the chocolate is melted. Push all of the chocolate to one corner of the bag and cut a small hole. Pipe on top of cookies. Let the chocolate harden before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

* Use Hershey's Kisses for Inside-Out Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipesAll recipes are tested in a U.S. kitchen with U.S. ingredients at normal elevation using a conventional gas oven. Results may vary.

© Carla Cardello
Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies + Bars

Filed Under: Cookies + Bars Tagged With: baking chocolate, peanut butter, peanut butter cups

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Dembowski says

    December 9, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    Great shipping tips. I never know whether it’s a good idea to ship cookies, but it sounds like it can be successfully done.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM

      Yes I have done it plenty of times!

      Reply
  2. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Mmm, I know first hand that these cookies taste amazing. Why? Because I was lucky enough to receive these in the mail the other day (Carla and I are doing a cookie exchange). These cookies are the BEST peanut butter cookies I’ve ever had. Not only are they stuffed with a pb cup, but the cookie just melts in your mouth. Yum! Make these!

    Carla, your photos are beautiful. I can see a story developing in your photography. Love it!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 9, 2012 at 9:23 PM

      I’m glad they arrived safely! And thank you so much for the advice. I keep thinking about it every time I shoot.

      Reply
  3. kelly @ kellybakes says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    Thank you so much for posting tips about shipping cookies! I’m always so nervous that my cookies are going to break and I heard horror stories from #fbcookieswap folks that they only received a box of crumbs–I didn’t want to be *that blogger.* Now thanks to you, I won’t have to be! And, I guess if by some accident I am, I can always whip up a bath of these pb surprise cookies to drown my sorrows ;)

    Reply
  4. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    PB and chocolate is such a marvelous combination! Wouldn´t mind getting a box of these! They look gorgeous Carla!

    Reply
  5. Jen @JuanitasCocina says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    LOOOOOVE your shipping tips! And while these are full of peanut butter, they sure are purty!

    Reply
  6. Shannon says

    December 9, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    Ohhhh how I love peanut butter and chocolate. Yum! Thanks for the shipping tips too. Very handy this time of year.

    Reply
  7. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    December 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Those tips are SO helpful! OMG thanks Carla!

    Also-um yeah pb & chocolate=Kayle is totally in.

    Reply
  8. Conni Smith says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    Great mailing tips! I have mailed many, many cookies to the dessert over the years. Another tip I have learned, is to place a piece fresh, ordinary bread in with the cookies. The moisture will get sucked out of the bred, and it will be stale as all get-out, but the cookies will stay fresh longer :)

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 9, 2012 at 9:24 PM

      Oh great tip! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
  9. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    Great shipping tips! These cookies look amazing. The classic cup version has always been a favorite, but these are a great twist!

    Reply
  10. Renee says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Do you see me raising my hand that I would love to have these cookies? I’m waving it around big time. Double peanut butter plus chocolate sounds absolutely marvelous to me.

    Reply
  11. Renee says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    Oh, and great mailing tips too. Very timely.

    Reply
  12. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    Oh yes! Please send some to me!!

    Reply
  13. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

    December 9, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thanks for the tips! I’m the worst when it comes to mailing cookies. And these “surprise” cookies are just phenomenal. I have to make this for Jason – he’ll be thrilled!

    Reply
  14. Tara says

    December 9, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    They look so amazing!! I sure like that kind of surprise!!

    Reply
  15. Bea says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I think you still need my address ;) -Seriously, these look amazing. Oh, my….

    Reply
  16. Donna says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    I love this idea. And peanut butter cups are one of my favorites!

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I so want these cookies, I wish I could ship you some of mine! Curse those shipping / customs fees

    Reply
  18. Cindys Recipes says

    December 10, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    I think I’d eat all the peanut butter cups first then go back and eat all the cookies!

    Reply
  19. diabeticFoodie says

    December 11, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    These cookies are gorgeous! Makes me wish I liked peanut butter :) Great shipping tips too.

    Reply
  20. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

    December 11, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    I’m in love with your cookie. Head over heels in love. I mean, there’s a freaking peanut butter Reese’s cup in there, for heaven’s sake! And thanks for the excellent packing tips – I’m going to print this post out for reference.

    Reply
  21. Katie says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    The surprise in these cookies is definitely one I approve of! They look amazing, and I bet taste even better!

    Reply
  22. Megan says

    December 11, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Great mailing tips! Love the cookie. I want one! Want to mail me one?

    Reply
  23. Anita at Hungry Couple says

    December 11, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I don’t have anyone to ship cookies to but these are great tips if I ever do. In the meantime, I appreciate how hard it must be to be alone in the house with all those evil, fattening cookies staring at you constantly and daring you to eat them. As your friend, I’m officially volunteering to take some of that…um…burden?…off your hands. I won’t even complain if they arrive broken. ;)

    Reply
  24. Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite says

    December 12, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Oh my goodness my sister-in-law loves peanut butter cups. I need to remember to bring some back from the US and try making these for her.

    Reply
  25. Lyn @LovelyPantry says

    December 13, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Carla these are execellent tips, thanks for sharing with us. These are wonderful cookies! Such beautiful photography! :-)

    Reply
  26. Wendy says

    December 17, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Excellent mailing tips. If people haven’t done it before, mailing baked goods can be intimidating or disasterous. (Despite clear instructions, one of my cookie swaps arrived in an ENVELOPE). But it isn’t really hard at all. It helps to choose the right cookie and most cookbooks don’t tell you how long a cookie will taste fresh. I am trying to compile as many mail-able cookie recipes as I can (like your Surprise Cookies), one delicious attempt at a time :).

    Reply
  27. Leslie says

    December 20, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    I made these cookies for a cookie exchange, and they were a huge hit! These are really delicious, and I love the surprise inside. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!!

    Reply
  28. Joanne T Ferguson says

    November 30, 2013 at 4:44 AM

    G’day! Your cookies are gorgeous, true!
    Based on your photos, I can imagine enjoying one right now too!
    Cheers! Joanne
    Viewed as part of Helene’s Christmas Cookie Collection 2013

    Reply
    • Carla says

      November 30, 2013 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks Joanne!

      Reply
  29. Wendy says

    December 1, 2013 at 2:57 PM

    I love surprise cookies! They are delicious encased in more delicious! :)These and the other co0kies you mentioned sound like great care package/ gift package goodies.
    These are also great packing tips. Cookies really aren’t hard to mail if you choose a sturdy cookie and pack it so it won’t move. All the stuffing in the world isn’t going to save a cookie if it can jiggle around. Pack cookies in an airtight container or ziplock bag with NO wiggle room (use crumpled wax paper if necessary) then pack in a shipping box. Shake the box gently before sealing it to be sure nothing can move around. One extra tip: Don’t send mint cookies with other flavored cookies. Mint is very strong and all of your cookies will arrive mint flavored. Peanut butter mint is not a good thing. ;)

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 1, 2013 at 7:23 PM

      Great extra tips! And yes, peanut butter mint is a little iffy ;)

      Reply

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I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

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All Rights Reserved. All images are registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Please do not use images without permission. To republish a recipe, please link back to the post.
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