Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect crisp edge.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to ensure that the sugar is well incorporated into the peanut butter.

Step 3

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together, and the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Step 4

Add the baking soda and salt to the dough and mix until fully incorporated. These ingredients help balance the sweetness and provide a little rise to the cookies.

Step 5

Split the dough into two separate bowls. In one bowl, add the cocoa powder and mix it until you have a smooth, chocolatey dough.

Step 6

Take equal portions of the peanut butter dough and chocolate dough. Twist them together lightly to create a beautiful swirl effect. Roll them into cookie shapes and place them onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

For a gooey center, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and add a little creamy caramel filling. If you like, top with chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.

Step 8

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. The center should remain slightly soft, ensuring a chewy, gooey texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.