User post: Build Me Up Peanut Butter Cup, Baby

Sometimes when I am taking pictures of my latest recipes, I can't help but take a few nibbles. Today was one of those days ...


O.M.G. These things are out of this world!

Monday was a long day of traveling, so I had plenty of time to hunt down a featured recipe for Day Six of The G-Spot's Gluten-Free with Rachael Ray Challenge. About halfway between lasagna and waffle sandwiches I fell upon these Peanut-Butter Stuffed Milk Chocolate Cookies. All I can say is I didn't care if they were quick or easy or if they left me baking until 3 a.m. -- I had to have them ASAP.

So, when we arrived home and settled in, I set to work on making this recipe gluten-free and vegan. Here's what I came up with (adapted from Rachael Ray):


RR's Ingredients

The G-Spot Used

  • 2 1/2 cups (15 ounces) milk chocolate chips

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted btter, at room temperature

  • 4 tablespoons safflower oil

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 3 teaspoons of baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 2 eggs, at room temperature

  • 1/4 cup flaxseed meal

  • _____________

  • 6 Tablespoons of unsweetened, all-natural applesauce

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

  • 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar


Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a medium, microwavable bowl, melt together 2 cups chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons safflower oil on medium power until almost melted, about 1 1/2 minutes; stir just until smooth. (TIP: You can also warm the chocolate and oil in a small pot, on low heat; it is important that you continuously stir.)

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using an electric mixer, beat together the flaxseed meal, applesauce, granulated sugar and vanilla at high speed until thickened and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the melted chocolate at medium speed; whisk in the flour mixture. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Refrigerate the dough until firm enough to scoop, but still soft, 10 to 15 minutes.

  3. Onto each prepared pan, drop 12 rounded tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart. Bake, switching and rotating the pans halfway through baking, until the cookies appear bubbly and still soft, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

  4. In a medium bowl, beat together the remaining 2 tablespoons safflower oil and the peanut butter. Sift in the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; beat until fluffy. On the flat side of each of 12 cookies, spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture; sandwich with the remaining cookies.

Note: This is a gluten-free, vegan recipe. (If you have allergies or food sensitivities, always check specific manufacturer's products for allergens and/or cross-contamination issues.)

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