Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Introduction

If you’re a peanut butter lover, these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a must-try! I can’t tell you how much my family adores them. The combination of soft, peanut butter-flavored cookies paired with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling is truly irresistible. These cookies are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick treat for the family or a special dessert for guests. The balance between the chewy cookies and the smooth filling makes every bite a peanut butter lover’s dream. My kids can’t get enough of these cookies, and I have to admit, I often find myself sneaking one (or two) when no one’s looking. These cookies are simple to make, and once you try them, you’ll have a hard time not making them again and again.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture of the cookies light.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each dough ball slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the filling, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
11. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Calcium: 0%
• Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate peanut butter treat experience.
• Offer these cookies as an after-school snack for kids (or adults who can’t resist!).
• Serve them at your next family gathering or party for a sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Wrap them individually and pack them in lunchboxes for a tasty surprise.
• Make these cookies ahead of time and keep them on hand for when a sweet craving strikes.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that both the butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature for the best texture in the cookies and filling.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft and sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
3. Peanut Butter Texture: Use creamy peanut butter for the filling, as chunky peanut butter can make the filling too thick and uneven.
4. Make Bigger or Smaller Cookies: You can adjust the size of the cookies to your liking. For larger cookies, simply increase the baking time slightly, and for smaller cookies, decrease the time accordingly.
5. Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so be sure to take them out when the edges are golden to ensure a chewy center.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the filling or dip half of each sandwich cookie in chocolate for a decadent twist.
2. Nutty Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Add chopped peanuts to the filling for an extra crunch that complements the smooth texture of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking for an extra burst of chocolate flavor in each bite.
4. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free, ensuring that the cookies maintain their soft, chewy texture.
5. Vegan Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Swap the butter for a plant-based version and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to replace the egg for a vegan-friendly treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Serve as part of a dessert tray at your next holiday or birthday celebration.
• For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to make peanut butter cookie ice cream sandwiches.
• Offer these cookies as a homemade gift wrapped in a cute box or tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful gesture.
• Enjoy with a glass of cold, creamy milk – the classic pairing with any peanut butter treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then store them in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Storage: Once the cookies are assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage.
• Freezing Assembled Cookies: If you want to freeze the finished cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

• Yes, but creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother texture for the filling.

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

• You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture of the cookies.

1. How can I make the cookies less sweet?

• Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling, or use a sugar substitute if desired.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which can help deepen the flavor.

1. Can I use store-bought peanut butter for the filling?

• While you can use store-bought peanut butter, fresh peanut butter tends to make the filling creamier and more flavorful.

1. What if my cookies spread too much while baking?

• Make sure the dough is firm enough before baking. If needed, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to help it hold its shape.

1. Can I use an electric mixer for the filling?

• Yes, an electric mixer can make the filling smoother and fluffier, but it’s not necessary.

1. How can I adjust the recipe to make it gluten-free?

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

1. Can I make the filling without butter?

• Yes, you can omit the butter from the filling, though it might affect the texture slightly.

1. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

• These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, creamy, and nutty flavors. With their soft peanut butter cookies and decadent filling, they’re an irresistible treat that will become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a casual snack, or just because, these cookies never fail to satisfy. Enjoy baking these delightful treats, and prepare to share them with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit!

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