Magic in the Middle Cookies

These took a little bit more effort than most cookies that I make, but they were something different than our normal cookie and a sweet tasting cookie to bite into. I love the combo of chocolate and peanut butter, so that definitely drew me in to this recipe. It was worth the time and effort that it took to make a multiple step cookie!

Magic in the Middle Cookies
(Recipe found at justapinch.com)

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar, plus extra for rolling
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large whole egg
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 and lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugars, butter, and 1/4 cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, beating to combine, then stir in the dry ingredients, blending well. In a small bowl, stir together the 3/4 cup of peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. With floured hands or a teaspoon scoop, roll the filling into 26 one-inch balls. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough. Make an indentation in the center with your finger and place one of the peanut butter balls into the indentation. Bring the cookie dough up and over the filling, pressing the edges together cover the center; roll the cookie in the palms of your hand to smooth it out into ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Roll each rounded cookie in granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Grease the bottom of a drinking glass, and use it to flatten each cookie to about 1/2-inch thick. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they're set and you can smell chocolate. Remove them from the oven, and cool on a rack.