Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Rolo Cookies
These soft peanut butter cookies hide a delightful surprise - a gooey Rolo caramel candy center that melts during baking. Made with just five simple ingredients, these cookies combine the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with sweet caramel for an irresistible treat. Perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie exchanges, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. The dough wraps around each candy, creating a tender cookie shell that gives way to molten caramel with every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Combine peanut butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg in a mixing bowl
- 3
Mix until smooth
- 4
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet
- 5
Press a Rolo candy into center of each ball
- 6
Cover candy completely with dough
- 7
Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned
- 8
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes
- 9
Transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Tips
Make sure to completely cover the Rolo with dough to prevent caramel from leaking during baking.
Let cookies cool on the pan before moving to prevent breaking while the caramel is still molten.
Store in airtight container for up to one week - the caramel centers stay soft.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before shaping.
Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or cookies will become hard and caramel will burn.
Ensure Rolo is completely covered to avoid caramel leaking during baking.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
Cut into smaller pieces if needed
FAQ
Can I use different candy centers?
Yes, try chocolate squares, peanut butter cups, or caramel squares. Adjust baking time if candy is larger or smaller than Rolos.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or add 2-3 tablespoons flour to firm up the consistency.
How do I know when they're done?
Look for lightly golden edges. Centers may look slightly underbaked but will finish cooking on the hot pan.