Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you adore the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter and the comforting charm of a classic cookie, then this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, tender peanut butter cookies enveloping a luscious, sweet peanut butter filling that melts in your mouth — a perfect balance of rich flavor and delightful texture. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings a nostalgic yet fresh twist to cookie time, making every bite feel like a warm hug from a close friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, making the final treat irresistible. From the creamy peanut butter that defines the flavor to the combination of sugars that give the cookies their tender crumb and subtle caramel notes, each element is straightforward but essential.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to both the cookie dough and the filling, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Helps achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and structure within the cookies.
- Brown sugar: Packs moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the chewiness and depth.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookies’ overall moisture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, lending that beloved nutty, creamy flavor to both dough and filling.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm and fragrant notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and the perfect soft bite.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, keeping them light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: The sweet, silky base of the filling that makes it irresistibly smooth.
- Milk: Used sparingly in the filling to adjust texture to that perfect creamy spread.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper, so cleanup is a breeze. Then cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have that tender crumb and rich flavor we all crave.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy peanut butter mixture. These ingredients help bind the dough perfectly and add a touch of warmth and depth to the flavors without overpowering the peanut butter star.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and delicate.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on your prepared baking sheets with enough space to spread. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies will be slightly firm around the edges but soft in the center. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the filling won’t melt when you sandwich them.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
Beat together the creamy peanut butter with softened butter until the mixture reaches a smooth and fluffy consistency. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, blending well. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable texture that’s rich and silky—perfect for dolloping onto your cooled cookies.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies
Take one cookie and spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling on its flat side, then top it with another cookie to create the perfect sandwich. The filling is decadently creamy and balances the soft, slightly crumbly cookie base flawlessly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can add a playful twist by lightly dusting the tops with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate over the sandwiches. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top of the filling before sandwiching adds an incredible flavor contrast that makes every bite even more addictive.
Side Dishes
Serve your peanut butter sandwich cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack. For an extra indulgent treat, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to balance the richness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack the sandwiches in a cute tin or tie them together with a festive ribbon. You can also experiment by adding a layer of your favorite jam or a drizzle of chocolate inside the sandwich for an exciting flavor upgrade. These peanut butter sandwich cookies make delightful lunchbox surprises or holiday treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies will stay soft, and the filling creamy without drying out, perfect for enjoying over a few days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the assembled sandwiches by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave before assembling if they were frozen separately. If already assembled, gentle warming can soften the filling slightly, but avoid overheating to keep the sandwich intact.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture and extra nutty flavor. Just keep in mind the filling might be slightly chunkier but equally delicious.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut butter filling keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature or give it a quick whisk before spreading to maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use finely ground granulated sugar or make your own by pulsing granulated sugar in a blender until powdery. This helps keep the filling smooth and creamy.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft before rolling into balls. This will help the cookies hold their shape and have that perfect fork pattern on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a homemade peanut butter cookie sandwich, and this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings that trifecta of ease, flavor, and nostalgia right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a gift, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies deliver every single time. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles that come with sharing them!
Print
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies 1x
Description
Delicious homemade Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a rich, creamy peanut butter filling. These cookies combine classic flavors and are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
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.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well to form the cookie dough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, place on the prepared baking sheets, and flatten each ball gently with a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency for the filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a generous amount of the peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat with all cookies and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother dough.
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can refrigerate the assembled cookies for 30 minutes before serving to firm up the filling.
- For a crunchy variation, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
