Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly combines creamy, sweet, and salty flavors, this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These delightful sandwich cookies boast a tender, peanut buttery cookie exterior hugging a luscious, velvety peanut butter filling. Each bite is a celebration of rich nutty goodness and just the right hint of sweetness, making them perfect for sharing or sneaking as a personal indulgence. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers a delicious experience that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create extraordinary taste and texture. Each component plays a unique role, from bringing creaminess to adding structure, ensuring these cookies turn out soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie crumb.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crispness around the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for a soft texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and enhances chewiness.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the cookies with that unmistakable warm, nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors for a more complex taste profile.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cookie structure without weighing them down.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise slightly and improves texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Creates a luscious, smooth center that’s peanut butter bliss.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the filling to the perfect spreadable consistency.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts the filling texture for easy spreading.

How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep step keeps your baking smooth and your cookies perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars with Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup peanut butter together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This stage is essential for creating a tender cookie texture with a rich peanut buttery base.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely aroma that will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible to wait for the baking to finish!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. This blending ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout your cookies.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet peanut butter mix, stirring gently but thoroughly. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern that hints at the peanut butter goodness inside. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool completely to firm up.

Step 7: Make the Filling

For the delicious sandwich centerpiece, beat together the remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup softened butter until creamy and light. This combination ensures a rich, fluffy filling that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s texture.

Step 8: Sweeten and Adjust Consistency

Mix in the sifted powdered sugar and add milk one tablespoon at a time until your filling reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. This step gives you control over the perfect creaminess to complement the cookies.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous dollop of peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired and ready to enjoy their creamy peanut buttery embrace.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of fun and flavor, sprinkle shredded toasted coconut or finely chopped roasted peanuts on the peanut butter filling before sandwiching. It adds texture and a lovely contrast that will impress your guests or family.

Side Dishes

These peanut butter sandwich cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy drink complements the cookies’ richness and balances the sweetness, making for a comforting snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies on a decorative platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an eye-catching presentation. You can also package them in cute boxes or wrap them in parchment tied with a ribbon for gifting. Everyone will adore receiving these homemade treasures!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your assembled peanut butter sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps the cookies soft and the filling creamy without drying out or becoming stale.

Freezing

To extend their shelf life, freeze the sandwich cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This softens the filling and heightens the comforting peanut butter aroma for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add some delightful texture elements to both the cookie dough and the filling, giving you a bit of a nutty bite.

What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute it?

You can use an equal amount of white granulated sugar or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor that enhances the chewiness of these cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delectably peanut buttery.

How can I keep the filling from being too runny?

Make sure to sift the powdered sugar well and add milk gradually until you reach a spreadable but firm consistency. Too much milk can make it runny, so less is more!

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely! They’re soft, sweet, and packed with flavor that kids love. Plus, this recipe doesn’t use any complicated techniques, so it’s a fun baking project to do together.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something magical about the simplicity and richness of this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe. From the buttery peanut flavored cookies to the creamy, dreamy filling, these treats are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy memories. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making them yourself—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear once you do!

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