Dark Chocolate Truffle Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies

I am so excited to be participating in the 3rd Annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap! You know how you make cookies for your neighbors at Christmas and you get goodies from your friends?  That's what the Cookie Swap is like except you swap across country with other food bloggers.  

There are so many neat things about this cookie swap.  I had the change to connect with food bloggers I hadn't met yet, the brands that sponsored the swap were awesome, and I got cookies.  But my absolutely favorite part is that we were able to raise $13,000 for Cookies for Kids' Cancer!

When I normally bake it's for family or friends so I will admit I was a little intimidated to think about the fact that other food bloggers would be eating cookies that I made.  I wanted to do something special - not your regular chocolate chip cookie... now don't get me wrong I'm a big chocolate chip cookie fan but this is a special occasion that calls for an extra special cookie.   

So I combined two of my favorite things - dark chocolate and peanut butter to make Dark Chocolate Truffle Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies.  Yep that's right I made dark chocolate truffles and stuffed them in cookies - and let me tell you this cookie does not disappoint!  The sweet peanut butter cookie balances perfect with the dark chocolate truffle center.  The best part about these cookies is they get better after they sit for a little bit which makes them perfect for shipping to friends!  

Dark Chocolate Truffle Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies

Dark Chocolate Truffles

3/4 of a bag of Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

Put your chocolate chips in a dry heat resistant bowl (like glass or metal) and set aside.

In a small sauce pan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer.  Stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Once the heavy whipping cream is simmering, pour it over the chocolate.  Add the vanilla and salt and stir until the chocolate is smooth.

Allow to cool and then refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.

Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2 egg 

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugars, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.

Add 3/4 cup flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch and mix until smooth.  Add other 3/4 cup flour and mix until combined.  Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes (as long as over night).

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.  

Scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dark chocolate truffle batter and gently roll it into a ball.  Scoop 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter cookie dough and cover the truffle with the cookie dough, rolling it into a tight ball.  

Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.  Let the cookies cool before eating since the truffle centers will be hot! 

Enjoy!

I was lucky enough to get cookies from  Colleen, Laura, and Emily - you should go check out their awesome blogs and delicious cookies!  

Tell me - what is your favorite cookie to get or give during the holidays??