Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

With my brother-in-law's upcoming birthday, I thought for a while about what to make him. Luckily, he is an equal opportunity sweet-eater so I knew he'd like pretty much anything. I decided on making a new cookie, one that was recommended by my friend, Natalie.

These cookies were a decent amount of work, but they were SO worth it! They are really delicious and peanut buttery. Can't beat that! These were also my final baking product before our big kitchen renovation. For the next few months, I'll be relying on the toaster oven, microwave, and outdoor grill. Wish us luck! "Before" pictures will be posted soon....

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 tsp. baking soda

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/2 cup butter, softened

- 1/4 cup peanut butter

- 1 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1 egg

For Filling:

- 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

- 3/4 cup peanut butter

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, blend flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Mix well until blended.

2. In a large bowl, beat both sugars, butter, and 1/4 cup peanut butter, until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, beat. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Set aside.

3. To make filling: Combine confectioners' sugar and 3/4 cup peanut butter. Blend well.

4. Roll filling into 1" balls. For each cookie, with floured hands, shape about 1 tbsp. of dough around 1 peanut butter ball, completely covering. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes until set and slightly cracked.