If you have a soft spot for peanut butter sweets, you are going to delight in this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe. It combines the tender, crumbly texture of classic peanut butter cookies with a luscious, creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched inside. Every bite bursts with rich, nutty goodness and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these homemade peanut butter sandwich cookies offer a comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating cookie magic. Each element plays a crucial role, from lending structure and moisture to imparting that unmistakable peanut buttery flavor and silky filling.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances flavor with just the right level of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, giving the dough structure.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moistness and a subtle caramel undertone to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, infusing the dough with deep, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with a warm, fragrant hint.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary foundation to hold the cookies together just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor while balancing sweetness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Creates a luscious, nutty filling to complement the cookies.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes the filling silky and smooth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the filling perfectly.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency): Adjusts the filling’s texture to be creamy and spreadable.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
The adventure begins by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until your mixture is light, fluffy, and full of promise. This step is key for giving the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, which not only bind the dough but also add subtle richness and aroma that you won’t be able to resist sniffing throughout the baking process.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients. This careful incorporation prevents over-mixing and keeps your cookies perfectly tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and press down gently with a fork to create that classic crisscross pattern. Bake for 8–10 minutes until they’re just set with a lightly golden edge. Let these cool completely before moving on, so they don’t crumble when filled.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
Beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the filling reaches a luscious, spreadable consistency that will hold your sandwich together beautifully.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of that heavenly peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie and press gently to form a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired and filled. Now your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is ready to enchant any palate!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder over the sandwich cookies. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and a delightful crunch or chocolaty hint that perfectly complements the creamy peanut butter.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a match made in heaven with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or banana to provide a refreshing balance to their rich, nutty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the sandwiches on a pretty platter with colorful napkins for a party or placing them in decorative boxes for gift-giving. You can also dip half the sandwich in melted chocolate and let it set for an irresistible gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your peanut butter sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps keep the cookies soft and the filling creamy, so every bite tastes freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the cookie sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to two months, and thaw gently at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, heat one or two sandwich cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The peanut butter filling will soften perfectly, enhancing the comforting, freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture to both the cookies and the filling, giving each bite a nice nutty crunch.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
You can substitute with superfine sugar, but make sure to grind it into a powder first for a smooth filling texture. Powdered sugar is preferred because it dissolves easily and creates a creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your cookie dough briefly before baking if it seems too soft. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape and classic fork imprint.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips or mini peanut butter chips into the dough can add extra bursts of flavor, but keep the overall dough texture in mind so it doesn’t get too crumbly.
Is this recipe suitable for making vegan peanut butter sandwich cookies?
This recipe as written contains eggs and butter, but you can substitute vegan butter and a flax egg to make a delicious vegan version. Just remember that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is like creating a masterpiece of comfort and nostalgia all at once. Once you try these tender cookies with their creamy, dreamy filling, you’ll wonder why you didn’t bake them sooner. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and share these little pockets of peanut butter bliss with your favorite people. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, featuring soft and chewy peanut butter cookies sandwiched with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these homemade treats are easy to prepare and ideal for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and consistent batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
- Shape and Flatten: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks to set.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat until evenly combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency for the filling, making it easy to assemble the sandwich cookies.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- For a crunchier cookie, bake an extra 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture in both the dough and filling.
- Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of milk to the dough for extra flavor and softness.
