Introduction:
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of a soft, chewy cookie. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves peanut butter and wants to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of milk, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (you can also use chunky peanut butter for added texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- A pinch of sea salt for sprinkling on top of the filling
- Chocolate chips (for a drizzled topping or mixing into the filling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
- Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the two together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Mix in the granulated sugar and beat until the sugar is fully incorporated. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The dough will be slightly thick but should hold its shape.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape into cookies.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll the Dough into Balls: Take spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten the Balls: Use a fork to flatten each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top. This step will help the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to stay soft and chewy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
- Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a little more powdered sugar to taste.
- Optional Add-ins: If you like, you can stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combination or a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
- Spread the Filling: Once the cookies have cooled completely, turn half of them upside down. Spoon a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of each cookie.
- Sandwich the Cookies: Take the remaining cookies and place them, flat side down, on top of the cookies with the filling. Gently press the cookies together to form a sandwich.
- Optional: Sprinkle with Salt: For a fun twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on the peanut butter filling before sandwiching the cookies. This adds a gourmet touch and enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Cookies: Place the peanut butter sandwich cookies in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, your peanut butter sandwich cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, or pack them up for a delicious homemade gift or treat.
Cook Notes & Tips:
- Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, use creamy peanut butter. If you prefer a bit more crunch in your cookies, opt for chunky peanut butter instead.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy. If you like them a little crispier, bake them for a minute or two longer.
- Storage: Store your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Variations of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies:
Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies for a decadent chocolate-peanut butter combo.
2. Mint Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies:
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the peanut butter filling for a refreshing minty twist. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season!
3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies:
If you’re short on time, you can make no-bake sandwich cookies by mixing the peanut butter filling and rolling the dough into balls. Simply press the balls flat with a fork and refrigerate to set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes! You can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter for a more textured filling. It will add a nice crunch to the cookies and still taste delicious.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough balls for an extra minute or two.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolate-peanut butter combination. Fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips when you mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your peanut butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a simple yet delicious dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because, they are sure to be a hit. With a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie and a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the rich flavor of peanut butter. Try this recipe today and enjoy these irresistible treats with family and friends!