If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and crave something delightful to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, chewy peanut butter cookies hugging a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting that perfectly balances salty and sweet in every bite. These sandwich cookies are not only a nostalgic treat but also incredibly easy to make, bringing warm smiles to lunchboxes, holiday gatherings, or simple afternoon snack times with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to crafting cookies with perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible peanut butter punch. Each item plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the brown sugar providing a deep caramel sweetness and the right fluffiness from the eggs and butter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender base with a mild richness, essential for soft cookies.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses the dough with its signature flavor and moist texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel undertones and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and make cookies soft and luscious.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, giving the perfect bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to create lift and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- For the filling: ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – together these make a dreamy, silky frosting that complements the cookies beautifully.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until your mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-smooth. This is where the magic starts, as the creamy texture ensures each cookie will be delectably soft.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition so the dough binds evenly. Add the vanilla extract next, which will add a fragrant warmth that pairs beautifully with peanut butter’s nutty depth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures every cookie rises evenly and has the perfect crumb. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough – this keeps cookies tender and soft.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to flatten each ball into a crisscross pattern – a classic trademark of peanut butter cookies and a perfect way to get even baking. Pop them into the oven and bake between 9 and 11 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling a perfect balance between chewy and soft.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the luscious filling by beating together peanut butter and softened butter until perfectly smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable – the ideal creamy contrast to the chewy cookies.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Gently press the remaining cookies on top to create sandwich cookies that are as delightful to behold as they are to eat.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little flair to your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe by dusting the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or finely chopped roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavor further, highlighting the perfect salty-sweet balance.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea, which beautifully complements their rich richness and balances the sweet peanut butter flavors. For a nutritious contrast, try fresh fruit slices or a simple yogurt parfait on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe for special occasions by stacking them on decorative platters or wrapping each sandwich cookie in wax paper tied with rustic twine. You can also cut some cookies into smaller bites for a party platter or add colorful sprinkles to the filling edges for a playful look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps the cookies soft and their peanut butter-rich flavor intact. Refrigeration can extend freshness but allow cookies to come back to room temperature before indulging.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save them for later, they freeze wonderfully. Place the assembled cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months – just thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To revive the soft and chewy texture after refrigeration or freezing, gently warm your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them into a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This refreshes the cookie’s softness and makes the filling delightfully melty.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture to both the dough and the filling, giving your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe an extra nutty crunch that many find irresistible.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute, but keep in mind texture might vary slightly.
How long do the sandwich cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about four days at room temperature. Refrigerating extends their freshness up to a week, and freezing can keep them for several months.
Can I make the filling without heavy cream?
Yes, if you don’t have heavy cream, milk works just fine as a substitute. It might be slightly less rich but still creates a creamy and delicious peanut butter filling.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Ensuring your dough is chilled before baking can help control spreading. Also, spacing cookies well apart on the baking sheet allows them room to bake evenly without merging together.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of all things peanut buttery, chewy, and creamy. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep close for moments when you need a comforting, homemade treat that feels both nostalgic and special. Give it a try and watch your loved ones’ faces light up with every bite – trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies feature soft, chewy peanut butter cookies filled with a rich and creamy peanut butter frosting. They’re the perfect blend of salty and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for peanut butter lovers. Great for lunchboxes, holidays, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a smooth texture for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition for even flavor distribution.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to make sure all dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading while baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Slightly flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern, which creates the classic peanut butter cookie appearance and helps even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare Filling: Beat together peanut butter and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, beating until fluffy for a creamy filling.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich cookies.
Notes
- For extra texture, use crunchy peanut butter in the dough or filling.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
