FUDGE PUDDLES

I was inspired to make these cookies after trying them at a cafe. I changed a few things when I got home, and the little cups became an instant hit with my family. Any leftover filling goes great with ice cream!

—KIMARIE MAASSEN AVOCA, IA


PREP: 25 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 15 MIN./BATCH + COOLING • MAKES: 4 DOZEN

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

FUDGE FILLING

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chopped peanuts

1. In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter and sugars until blended. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 325°. Shape into forty-eight 1-in. balls. Place in greased mini muffin cups. Bake 14-16 minutes or until light brown. Immediately press a 1/2-in.-deep indentation in center of each cookie with the end of a wooden spoon handle. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

3. For filling, in a microwave, melt the chocolate and semisweet chips; stir until smooth. Whisk in milk and vanilla until smooth. Fill each cookie with filling; sprinkle with peanuts. (If desired, refrigerate remaining filling.)

JUNE 16

NATIONAL FUDGE DAY