What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
The Star of the Show:
- 1 bag (about 10-11 ounces) Rolo candies, unwrapped
Gather Your Gear

Before we dive into the mixing bowl, let’s make sure we’ve got all our tools ready. It makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!
- Mixing bowls (a couple of different sizes)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer works great)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (for easy cleanup!)
- Cookie scoop (optional, but helps with uniform cookies)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step; it’s important for the texture of your cookies!
- Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is nicely incorporated.
Step 3: Dry Ingredients to the Rescue!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for consistent cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 4: Chill Out (It’s Worth It!)
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me on this one!
Step 5: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolo-Stuffed Goodness
- Take a spoonful of cookie dough (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Place one unwrapped Rolo candy in the center of the dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the Rolo, completely sealing it in. Roll it into a smooth ball.
- Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set up a bit before you move them, preventing them from breaking.
- Enjoy the warm, gooey deliciousness!
Tips & Tricks for Rolo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookie Success
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
- Chill the Dough: I know I mentioned this already, but it’s so important! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and helps them hold their shape.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly.
- Press with a Fork (Optional): If you want that classic peanut butter cookie look, you can gently press the dough balls with a fork in a criss-cross pattern before baking. However, I usually skip this step to keep the Rolo hidden inside!
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing, and thaw them at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Want to put your own spin on these Rolo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies? Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
- Different Nut Butters: Experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique flavor.
- Different Candies: While Rolos are the classic choice, you could also try stuffing the cookies with other candies, such as mini Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
More Deliciousness to Explore
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats, you might also enjoy my Peanut Butter Bites. They are a perfect bite-sized treat, no baking required! For another caramel-centric dessert, check out these Caramel Apple Cookie Perfection. And if you’re looking for something truly decadent, the Samoa Cheesecake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or, if you’re short on time, try this Peanut Butter Fudge. It only requires 3 ingredients! These Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are another great option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Lastly, if you love cheesecake you could try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Why These Cookies are My Go-To
Honestly, what’s not to love? These Rolo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to make, require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, that surprise burst of melty caramel in the center of each cookie is just pure magic!
Enjoy Every Bite!
So there you have it – my secret to the most irresistible Rolo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies ever! I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Happy baking!
Why is it important to chill the cookie dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping them hold their shape.
Can I freeze these Rolo-stuffed peanut butter cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough balls. Cool the baked cookies completely before freezing for up to 2 months. To freeze the dough, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if I want to add a little something extra to the cookies?
You can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking, experiment with different nut butters, or try stuffing the cookies with other candies like mini Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
How do I store the Rolo-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

ROLO-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is nicely incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Take a spoonful of cookie dough (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Place one unwrapped ROLO candy in the center of the dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the ROLO, completely sealing it in. Roll it into a smooth ball.
- Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!