Well, we have reached the end of my month of holiday recipes! I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy some of my delicious treats, share them with those you care about or at least get joy out of viewing them. I always love this time of year and I hope I was able to share that excitement with my readers. This will be my last recipe of the year, but don't worry I will be back with new recipes, including a great healthy lunch I'm looking forward to sharing.

These chocolate peanut butter stuffed cookies are dangerously yummy. They are rich and chocolately with a peanut butter filling similar to a peanut butter cup. My husband sighed every time I made a batch because he couldn't resist eating them. In order to achieve my desired fudginess, I had to make the dough a little sticky. This means putting these cookies together is a messy process, but I think it's worth it. Dry chocolate cookies aren't for me.

I'll be baking up a storm this week, wrapping presents and enjoying time with family. Follow Kristin's Kitchen on Snapchat to keep up with my holiday antics. Have a great holiday and happy baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

Rich and chocolately cookies with a peanut butter filling

Makes: 12 large cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (125 grams) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (59 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons milk, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside
Add the chocolate to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and then continue to microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring in between until just melted. Set aside and allow to cool slightly
In a large bowl attached to a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium high until creamed - approximately 4 minutes
Add the egg, vanilla and milk and mix on medium high for approximately 1 minute
Add the melted chocolate and mix to combine
Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined
Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine
To make the peanut butter mixer, add the confectioners sugar and peanut butter to a bowl attached to a stand mixer
Beat until combined - approximately 1 minute
Scoop the peanut butter mixture into two teaspoons sized balls
Take approximately 3 tablespoons of dough and shape it around the peanut butter balls - the dough will be very sticky
Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet with a silicon mat or parchment paper. Lightly press down on the filled balls of dough
Place the cookies in the fridge for 15 minutes. I do this since the dough warms up from our hands during the shaping process
Bake for approximately 11 - 13 minutes. You want the center to still look under done. They fill firm up - overcooking will result in dry cookies
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let cool before enjoying. The peanut butter center will be like a melted frosting if you eat before they set/cool