Indulgent Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Baking and Mailing for the Holidays
What could possibly be better than a classic, chewy peanut butter cookie? How about an incredibly indulgent Double Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookie, generously filled with a creamy peanut butter cup and elegantly drizzled with rich chocolate on top? These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a decadent experience that will elevate your baking game and delight anyone lucky enough to receive them.
The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious homemade treats. For many of us, baking an assortment of festive cookies is a cherished annual tradition. This year, if you’re looking to send a little extra love to friends and family near and far, then these Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are an absolute must-bake. Imagine the delight on someone’s face when a package arrives on their doorstep, brimming with these exquisite cookies!
Every December, I find myself poring over my cherished collection of recipes, inherited from my mom’s recipe box. It’s a treasure trove of classics, but I always make sure to introduce one or two new contenders to see if they can earn a spot among the holiday favorites. The moment I stumbled upon the idea for these Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies, I knew they were destined for my holiday baking list. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
As their name suggests, these are not your average peanut butter cookies. They boast a soft, tender texture with an intensified peanut butter flavor that truly satisfies. But the real magic lies within: a delightful “surprise” center that transforms them into something truly extraordinary. To elevate them even further, a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate adds a final touch of elegance and irresistible flavor. It’s the ultimate combination for any peanut butter and chocolate lover!
The Unbeatable Duo: Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfection
It’s no secret that chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in culinary heaven. This iconic flavor pairing is a personal favorite, and these cookies take it to the next level. The “surprise” isn’t just about receiving a thoughtful package; it’s the moment you bite into a warm, chewy cookie and discover a perfectly hidden peanut butter cup melting in the center. That soft, gooey surprise is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
And for those times when you might run out of peanut butter cups, a Hershey’s Kiss makes for an equally delightful substitution, transforming them into what I affectionately call “Inside Out Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.” The principle remains the same: a rich, peanut buttery cookie encasing a delightful chocolate core.
Sharing the Love: Expert Tips for Mailing Your Holiday Cookies
Sending homemade cookies through the mail is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones who live far away. It’s a tangible expression of care and affection, especially during the festive season. I first ventured into the world of mailing cookies a few years ago for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap, sending out my delicious Maple Gingersnap Cookies. If you’re planning a springtime treat delivery, my Cadbury Egg Cookies are perfect for Easter! This year, I’ve opted for a more intimate exchange with close friends, but the joy of sharing remains the same.
While the thought of shipping delicate baked goods might seem daunting, it’s entirely manageable with a few smart strategies. Over my few years of mailing experience, I’ve gathered some valuable tips to ensure your cookies arrive as fresh and intact as possible, ready to bring a smile to any recipient. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Choose Your Cookie Recipe Wisely: Durability is Key
The first step to successful cookie mailing is selecting the right recipe. You need cookies that can withstand a few days in transit without sacrificing flavor or texture. Think sturdy, chewy, or crispy cookies that don’t crumble too easily. My Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies are a great candidate because of their robust texture. Other excellent choices include Chocolate Gingersnaps, Maple Gingersnaps, Peanut Butter-Stuffed Cookies, and Nutty Oatmeal Ginger Sandwich Cookies. Avoid very delicate, crumbly cookies or those with soft, perishable fillings.
Also, consider the weather conditions your package will encounter. If shipping to a warm climate, steer clear of anything that melts easily, like soft chocolate fudge or cookies with delicate glaze toppings. Even a solid chocolate drizzle, like on these peanut butter cookies, should be fully set and perhaps individually wrapped for extra protection in warmer conditions.
2. Use a Protective Inner Container for Freshness and Safety
Before placing your precious cargo into the shipping box, always enclose your cookies in a sturdy inner container. This could be a metal tin, a rigid plastic container with an airtight lid, or even a strong cardboard gift box designed for baked goods. This container serves multiple purposes: it helps keep the cookies fresher for longer by sealing out air, and it provides an essential layer of protection against crushing and excessive movement during transit. Consider placing parchment or wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking and offer additional cushioning.
3. Pack in a Sturdy Outer Box with Ample Cushioning
Your outer shipping box should be robust and roughly twice the size of your inner cookie container. While a snug fit is good, you absolutely need space for cushioning materials around all sides of the inner container. Think bubble wrap, packing peanuts, crumpled newspaper, or even crinkled paper shred. The goal is to prevent any shifting of the cookie container within the outer box, even if the box is shaken, flipped, or tossed. Remember, a “fragile” label often doesn’t guarantee manual handling throughout the entire journey; machines frequently play a role in sorting and moving packages, so prepare for the worst-case scenario to ensure your cookies arrive perfectly.
4. Smart Shipping: Regular Box vs. Flat Rate
While the post office offers convenient flat-rate shipping boxes, they aren’t always the most economical choice, especially for lighter items like cookies. Often, using your own unmarked box will result in significant savings. The first time I used a flat-rate box for cookies, I was informed I could have saved around $5 by using a standard box. I now make a habit of saving sturdy shipping boxes throughout the year. Just be sure to remove any old shipping labels and scratch out any previous markings. If the box has company branding (like an Amazon box), you can easily cover it with a roll of brown mailing paper, or even festive wrapping paper, ensuring your address label is clearly visible and securely taped over any busy print.
5. Protect the Top Layer from Box Cutters
When packing your box, think about the unboxing experience. Recipients often use a box cutter to open packages. To prevent accidentally damaging a thoughtful Christmas card, holiday socks, or other precious items, avoid placing anything you value directly at the very top, just beneath the seal. A layer of bubble wrap, a piece of sturdy cardboard, or a thick sheet of paper placed on top of your cookies (and beneath the outermost cushioning) can provide an effective buffer against errant blades, ensuring the surprise remains delightful, not disappointing.
6. Invest in Quality Packing Tape
This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s crucial: use actual packing tape. Seriously. There’s a reason it’s specifically designed for shipping. Standard scotch tape or masking tape simply won’t provide the secure, durable seal needed to keep your package intact during its journey. Packing tape offers superior adhesive strength and resistance to tearing, ensuring your box remains sealed and protected from start to finish. Apply it generously, especially over all seams and edges, to reinforce the box’s integrity.
7. Time Your Shipment: Mail Early in the Week
To give your cookies the best chance of arriving fresh, aim to mail your package on a Monday, or no later than Tuesday. Most standard ground shipments take about 3 business days to arrive. Shipping earlier in the week helps ensure your package isn’t left sitting in a postal warehouse over the weekend, which could compromise the freshness of your baked goods. As Christmas approaches, shipping times can extend to 4 days or more due to increased volume, so planning ahead is key. Of course, faster shipping options are available if you’re desperate, but be prepared for a significantly higher cost.
8. Get Delivery Confirmation for Peace of Mind
For just a few extra dollars, delivery confirmation provides invaluable peace of mind. This service allows you to track your package’s journey and confirms its arrival at the destination. It’s not the same as shipping insurance (which covers the value of the contents if lost or damaged), but it’s incredibly helpful if your box experiences an unexpected delay or if you simply want to ensure it reached its recipient. Knowing your thoughtful gift made it safely is worth the small extra fee.
The Sweet Temptation of Cookie Swaps
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking when I enthusiastically agreed to participate in cookie swaps! While I absolutely adore the thought of giving and receiving delicious cookies, the reality is often a house filled with extra dozens of tempting treats, constantly calling my name. It’s a delightful predicament, but one that certainly tests my willpower! Still, the joy of sharing these Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies, knowing they’ll bring happiness to someone else, makes it all worthwhile.
Essential Baking Tools for Your Cookie Adventure
Ready to bake these incredible cookies? Here are a few items you might find helpful. (Note: These are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.)
Craving more peanut butter goodness? Be sure to check out my delightful Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies and the adorable Peanut Butter Cookie Cups for more peanut butter inspiration!
Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
18 cookies
30 minutes
10 minutes
1 hour 15 minutes
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
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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