Indulge in Double Delight: The Best Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

For every chocolate peanut butter lover out there, prepare to meet your new obsession: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies. This recipe takes the classic thumbprint cookie to an exciting new level, infusing the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter not just once, but twice – in both the rich, tender cookie dough and the creamy, decadent filling. It’s a symphony of flavors that promises to satisfy every craving.

Photos updated 12/27/2013 for improved clarity and appeal.

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, the best way to navigate them is with a little sweetness. Recently, I’ve had my share of minor technical woes – good news, I finally have my laptop back in action! Bad news, I’m currently tethered to an attachable keyboard until I can get the built-in one fixed after my finals. Still, being able to type from the comfort of my own room and stay on top of emails without constant worry is a small victory I’ll gladly celebrate.

Beyond the tech troubles, there’s been some genuinely wonderful news. My best friend, who recently underwent surgery, is making an incredible recovery. I visited her in the hospital last night, and it was heartening to see her sitting up and alert so quickly – even the surgeons were pleasantly surprised by her speedy progress! She was discharged early this afternoon and is now resting comfortably at home.

As a surprise to lift her spirits and celebrate her return, I decided to bake a batch of these glorious Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies. The moment she took a bite, her eyes lit up, and she declared, “This one goes in the book!” – a high compliment meaning this recipe is an absolute keeper and will definitely be made again. Her mom even joked about why I wasn’t majoring in baking! While I adore baking, trust me, I have my fair share of kitchen mishaps. Plus, baking as a hobby, for the joy of it and for moments like these, simply feels more fun and less like work.

What makes these cookies truly special and utterly irresistible is the “double” factor. They are **double chocolate** because the dough itself is rich with cocoa powder, and then studded with delightful semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a deep, complex chocolate base. And of course, they are **double peanut butter** with creamy peanut butter incorporated into the tender cookie dough AND generously dolloped into the thumbprint indentation, ensuring a burst of nutty goodness with every bite. This combination makes for an extraordinary sensory experience that chocolate and peanut butter aficionados will undoubtedly adore.

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can ensure your cookies turn out perfectly. These cookies are prone to spreading, so it’s crucial to keep them in as much of a compact ball as possible before making the thumbprint. This helps maintain their shape and ensures that beautiful indentation for the peanut butter filling. The dough also benefits from a little chilling time, so be sure to factor that into your baking schedule. This step is key for a manageable dough and perfectly textured cookies.

Baking is more than just following steps; it’s about creating moments, sharing joy, and sometimes, even celebrating recovery. These Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies embody all of that. Their rich flavor profile, combining the earthy sweetness of chocolate with the creamy, salty notes of peanut butter, makes them an instant classic. They are substantial enough to feel indulgent, yet perfectly portioned for a delightful treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a gathering with loved ones, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Original photo from 2008 – a classic in the making!

If you’re constantly on the hunt for more peanut butter delights, you’re in luck! Make sure to check out my Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies for a quick fix, and don’t miss the adorable Peanut Butter Cookie Cups for another delightful variation. Each recipe brings its unique charm to the world of peanut butter baking.

For those looking to add a little holiday sparkle to their thumbprints, consider a festive twist with Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies from Ever After In The Woods. It’s a fantastic way to adapt the thumbprint concept for seasonal celebrations!

Now, let’s get down to the delicious details. Here’s the recipe for these incredible Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies, designed to bring double the love and double the flavor to your kitchen.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Yield:
18 cookies

Chocolate thumbprint cookies with peanut butter in both the dough and the filling means double the love for chocolate peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup processed peanut butter (not natural)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until creamy.
4. Beat in the melted chocolate chips then beat in the egg.
5. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for one hour or until firm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Make a 1/2-inch dent with your thumb into each ball. Fill each with roughly 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter. Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

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This delightful recipe is inspired by a classic from the Nestle’s Best-Loved Cookies cookbook. We’ve enhanced it to truly maximize that wonderful double chocolate peanut butter experience. Remember, quality ingredients always make a difference, so opt for your favorite semi-sweet chocolate chips and a good quality processed peanut butter for the best results.

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If these Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies have captured your heart (and your taste buds!), then you’ll absolutely want to explore more of my recipes that celebrate this iconic flavor pairing and other comforting treats:

• Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies: A true treat for serious peanut butter fans.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares: Easy, no-bake, and incredibly satisfying.
• Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies: Another take on the perfect chocolate-peanut butter fusion.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your journey, these Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a rewarding project. They offer a delightful texture, a rich flavor, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures with me, and I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your home as they did to ours!