Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies Recipe
These Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate cookies topped with a creamy peanut butter filling and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. Inspired by the classic buckeye candy, these cookies offer an irresistible balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors, perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226g) melted butter
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (95g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (110g) Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
- 1 bag (12oz/340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (264g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ – 2 cups (195g-260g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 bag (12oz/340g) dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (177ml) heavy whipping cream
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Make the cookie dough: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to form. Before the dough thickens completely, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and continue to beat until incorporated.
- Scoop and bake cookies: Using a large cookie scoop, place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the centers are just set but still slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Make the chocolate ganache topping: Combine dark chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 60-90 seconds until melted and smooth, stirring halfway through. If the ganache is too thick, add extra heavy cream in small increments until the desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to dollop peanut butter filling onto each cooled cookie. Spread evenly using a knife or angled spatula.
- Chill the filling: Place the assembled cookies in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up the peanut butter layer.
- Top with chocolate ganache: Spoon a layer of the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter topping and gently spread it with a knife. Allow the ganache to set completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cooled slightly after melting to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing.
- The cookies should be slightly underbaked for a soft center that holds up well to the toppings.
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the peanut butter filling.
- Add heavy cream gradually to ganache to control consistency.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, Buckeye Candy Inspired Cookies, Chocolate Ganache Cookies, Peanut Butter Filling Cookies