If you adore the irresistible combination of rich peanut butter and sweet, soft cookies, then you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These delightful little sandwiches combine perfectly tender peanut butter cookies with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling that’s simply irresistible. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons, packing in lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family—it’s like peanut butter heaven in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, deep peanut flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness for these delectable bite-sized treats.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies, ensuring just the right chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, lending the cookies their signature nutty taste.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crispness to the cookie edges.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with the cookie’s softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a warm, inviting note.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for filling): Creates a smooth, sweet filling perfect for sandwiching.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Gives the filling a creamy texture and richness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfect rise and texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars with Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This step is where the base flavor and texture of your cookies really start to develop—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat well until everything is perfectly incorporated. These ingredients boost moisture and add a lovely depth of flavor that makes the cookies irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mix, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so gently folding the flour mixture in will keep them tender and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten Your Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into neat little balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, then gently flatten each one with a fork, making that classic criss-cross pattern—a signature look for peanut butter cookies and a charming step that adds texture.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until they turn golden around the edges—this timing ensures a soft center with a slight crunch on the outside. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here will help the cookies firm up gently without becoming hard.
Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While your cookies cool, whip together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter until smooth and luscious. This dreamy filling is what transforms simple cookies into decadent sandwiches that melt in your mouth.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all your cookies are paired in delicious harmony. These little sandwiches are perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few for yourself!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a touch of elegance to your peanut butter sandwich cookies. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top or roll the edges of the filling in mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flair.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea elevates the experience. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit slices or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your peanut butter sandwich cookies stand out by arranging them on a pretty platter with colorful napkins or in a decorative tin for gifting. You can even use cookie cutters before baking to create fun shapes for special occasions or holidays, turning a simple recipe into a memorable celebration centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly soft and delicious for up to a week, which means you can enjoy this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe anytime you crave a sweet, nutty bite.
Freezing
Both the cookies and the filling freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, sandwich the cookies first, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, gently microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften the filling and restore that fresh-baked feeling. Be careful not to overheat, or the filling could become too melty and messy!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to both the cookies and the filling, giving you a bit of nutty crunch in every bite.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
You can substitute confectioners’ sugar with finely granulated sugar, but powdered sugar creates the smoothest, creamiest filling, so it’s best if you can get it.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check how the blend behaves in baked goods, as some may require slight adjustments.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies stay fresh and soft for up to a week. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.
Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, use vegan butter, a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and ensure your peanut butter and sugars are vegan-friendly. The texture and taste will still be fantastic!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite for peanut butter lovers everywhere. The balance of flavors and textures, combined with how easy these cookies are to make, make them an irresistible treat to bake and share. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will become one of your treasured classics—so grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to enjoy peanut butter bliss!
Print
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies combine a soft, crumbly peanut butter cookie with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this recipe offers a delightful texture contrast with a buttery cookie exterior and a rich, smooth filling. Ideal for snack time or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Flatten and Pattern: Flatten each cookie slightly using a fork, pressing down to create a classic criss-cross pattern on the top.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies turn golden around the edges. Remove and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie to form pairs.
- Store Properly: Store the peanut butter sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture in the cookie dough and filling.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- For a chunkier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Cookies can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of salt to the filling.
