Imagine biting into a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie, only to find a gooey, chocolatey Snickers surprise waiting inside! These Hidden Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat, combining the creamy texture of peanut butter with the nutty, caramel-filled crunch of a hidden Snickers bar. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy treat at home, these cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth.

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These Hidden Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies are a unique twist on traditional peanut butter cookies. The hidden Snickers center adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful surprise. The cookie dough itself is soft and rich with peanut butter flavor, and the drizzle of chocolate on top adds a finishing touch that’s both decorative and delicious.

Ingredients for Hidden Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Cookie Dough:

1 cup softened butter – provides a rich, creamy texture to the cookie dough
1 cup creamy peanut butter – the star ingredient for that classic peanut butter taste
1 cup brown sugar – adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor
1 cup granulated sugar – balances the brown sugar for a well-rounded sweetness
2 large eggs – bind the ingredients and add structure to the cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavors with a touch of warmth
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become slightly chewy
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
60 mini Snickers bars (or 30 snack-size bars cut in half) – the delicious surprise inside each cookie

Optional Topping:

Chocolate drizzle – I used both white and milk chocolate almond bark melted together, but feel free to use any chocolate of your choice. The drizzle adds a decorative, indulgent finish to each cookie.

Instructions for Making Hidden Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent any lumps. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for creating the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough (if needed): If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This will make it easier to shape the cookies around the Snickers bars. I found that I didn’t need to chill the dough, but feel free to if you prefer a firmer texture.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Cookies

Roll the Dough: Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly with your fingers.
Add the Snickers Center: Place a mini Snickers (or half of a snack-size Snickers) in the center of the flattened dough.
Form the Cookie: Wrap the dough around the Snickers, rolling it back into a ball to completely enclose the candy. Make sure there are no gaps, as you want the Snickers to be a surprise inside!

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Arrange the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-20 minutes. I found that 12-15 minutes was the perfect time for a soft, chewy cookie with a golden edge. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the cookies should be set and slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your choice of chocolate. I used both white and milk chocolate almond bark, which adds a deliciously sweet and creamy finish. Heat in 15-20 second increments, stirring after each interval until smooth.
Drizzle Over the Cookies: Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie. This step is optional but adds a beautiful, decorative touch that makes the cookies look even more enticing.

Tips for Perfect Hidden Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies

Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can make the dough oily and harder to work with.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly and results in a smoother dough.
Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, keep a close eye on them as they bake. They should be slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Experiment with Other Fillings: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different mini candy bars, like Milky Way or Rolos, for a fun twist!

Serving and Storing

Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies warm for an extra gooey Snickers center, or at room temperature for a slightly firmer bite. They’re delicious with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Storing: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months just thaw them at room temperature before serving.