Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies or Sugar Cookies?

Instructions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Fill with Peanut Butter: Place about ½ teaspoon of peanut butter into each thumbprint.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. The cookies will puff slightly but should still retain their thumbprint shape.
9. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: While the cookies are baking, make the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.
10. Fill the Thumbprints: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once they’re cool enough to handle, use a spoon to fill each thumbprint with the melted chocolate ganache.
11. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely before serving. The chocolate will set, creating a luscious, fudgy center that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.

Sugar Cookies vs. Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies: Which One to Choose?

Both of these cookies are delicious in their own right, but they each offer something unique.

• Sugar Cookies are the epitome of simplicity and tradition. Their soft, buttery texture and light sweetness make them versatile and perfect for decorating. You can easily adapt them with colored sugar or sprinkles for special occasions or keep them plain for a more classic look.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies take the traditional thumbprint cookie to a whole new level. The creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate ganache filling make these cookies decadent and indulgent. If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter (and who isn’t?), this is the perfect choice.

Conclusion: Why Not Have Both?

Why choose when you can have both? If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, looking for variety, or just want to spoil yourself with delicious baked goods, making both Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies and Sugar Cookies is a winning strategy. Each cookie offers a different flavor experience, and together they’ll satisfy any craving for sweetness, chocolate, or peanut butter. Whether you stick with the classic simplicity of sugar cookies or indulge in the decadent thumbprint version, you can’t go wrong with either choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.