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A Decadent Treat! 🥜🍪
If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’re in for a delightful experience with these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies! This recipe brings together soft, chewy peanut butter cookies and a rich, creamy peanut butter filling to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a sweet midweek indulgence, these cookies will leave everyone asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The cookies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth, with a slight crunch from the classic criss-cross pattern.
- Double the Peanut Butter Goodness: With peanut butter in both the cookie dough and the filling, each bite is an explosion of flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping you make (and eat) these delightful sandwich cookies!
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cookies:
- Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: These basic dry ingredients provide structure and a balanced texture for the cookies.
- Butter and Peanut Butter: Softened butter and peanut butter create a creamy, rich base with that classic nutty taste.
- Sugars: A combination of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies sweetness and a slightly caramel-like chewiness.
- Egg and Vanilla Extract: These bind the dough and enhance its flavor.
For the Filling:
- Peanut Butter and Butter: The combination makes for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the filling with a subtle warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents lumps.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup peanut butter until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. The dough will be smooth and aromatic.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Use a fork to flatten each ball slightly, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.
7. Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. The centers may look slightly soft—this is perfect for achieving a chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Filling: The Star of the Show
While your cookies cool, it’s time to prepare the luscious peanut butter filling. This step is simple yet transformative, turning plain peanut butter cookies into a delightful sandwich cookie.
- Beat Ingredients Together:
- In a bowl, beat 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the filling feels too stiff, you can add a teaspoon of milk at a time to achieve the desired spreadable consistency.
Assembling the Sandwich Cookies
Now comes the fun part: assembling your cookies into sandwiches!
- Spread the Filling:
- Take one cookie and spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side using a spoon or piping bag.
- Sandwich Together:
- Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the filling. Gently press to create a sandwich.
- Repeat:
- Continue until all cookies are paired.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter:
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth dough and filling. Natural peanut butter can be used but may alter the texture slightly.
- Don’t Overbake:
- The cookies will firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven while they’re still soft in the center.
- Chill the Dough:
- For perfectly shaped cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Get Creative with Fillings:
- Add a swirl of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt to the filling for a twist.
Storing Your Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a versatile treat that works for everything from casual snacking to elegant dessert spreads. Their nostalgic flavor makes them a hit with kids and adults alike, while the creamy filling adds a touch of indulgence. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Share the Love
Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing a treat for friends, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you share your creations!