Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

“`html

If you love peanut butter in all its glorious forms, then this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These cookies combine soft, tender peanut butter-infused biscuits with a luscious, creamy peanut butter filling that melts in your mouth. Baking them is surprisingly simple, and the result is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and rich peanut flavor wrapped up in an irresistible sandwich cookie that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few extra on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s chewy, flavorful, and satisfying. Each component plays a key role in bringing texture, taste, and that classic peanut butter goodness to every bite.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb in both the cookie and the filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the cookie’s surface.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives depth of flavor and extra moisture for chewy cookies.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup total): The star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable nutty, creamy flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds subtle warmth.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base that holds everything together.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the creamy filling.
• Milk (1-2 tablespoons, as needed): Adjusts the filling to the perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets a non-stick surface so your cookies bake evenly and come off cleanly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Beat them together until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and well combined—that airy texture is key for tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step adds a rich base that will ensure your cookies have great structure and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, blending just until incorporated. Overmixing here can toughen the cookies, so mix gently.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently flatten each ball with a fork to create that classic peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so they firm up just right.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

For the luscious peanut butter filling, beat together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with the softened 1/4 cup of butter until creamy and smooth. This forms the rich base of your sandwich spread.

Step 7: Mix in Powdered Sugar and Adjust Consistency

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the peanut butter-butter mixture, continuing to beat until fully combined. If the filling feels too stiff, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, until it spreads easily but is still thick enough to hold between cookies.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Finally, spread a generous dollop of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top, creating a delightful peanut butter sandwich cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

You can add an extra touch of charm by sprinkling chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on the filling before sandwiching or dusting the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. These small touches make the treats look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a special occasion, consider serving with fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes to balance the richness with some natural sweetness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re taking these cookies to a party or gift-giving, wrap each sandwich individually in wax paper tied with a twine bow for a charming presentation. You could also arrange them on a decorative plate or tiered cookie stand to let guests admire and indulge in them easily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for baking ahead of time and enjoying over several days without losing any of that fresh-baked goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze these sandwich cookies if you want to keep them longer. Wrap each sandwich cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months frozen, ready for a peanut buttery pick-me-up whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a warm treat, heat them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to soften the filling without melting it too much.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful nutty texture to both the cookie dough and the filling, making each bite even more interesting and rich with peanut flavor.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, wrapped tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and baking to make shaping easier.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough slightly before rolling if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

What is the best way to get a smooth filling consistency?

Beat the butter and peanut butter thoroughly before adding powdered sugar, and add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy, spreadable texture that isn’t too runny or stiff.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a nostalgic yet fresh take on a classic treat, this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, wonderfully indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you taste these soft, sweet, and creamy delights, I bet they’ll become one of your favorites to bake and share, just like mine.

“`

Print