Name: Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies-Easy Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 54 min
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat, a delightful fusion of two beloved classics that instantly transports you back to simpler times. Who can resist the creamy, nutty allure of peanut butter nestled between two perfectly baked, buttery cookies? This isn’t just any cookie; it’s a celebration of comfort and joy, a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly magical. What makes these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies so incredibly special is their perfect balance – the slight chegrape juicess of the cookie combined with the luscious, rich peanut butter filling creates an explosion of flavor and texture in every single bite. They’re surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect project for a weekend baking session or a delightful surprise for your loved ones. Get ready to fall in love all over again with these irresistible Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies!

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream

Preparing the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

This recipe yields delightful Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, perfect for any occasion. The dough comes together easily, creating a base that’s both tender and flavorful. We’ll start by combining the wet and dry ingredients that form the cookie itself. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and the granulated sugar. Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature, as this will help it incorporate smoothly without any lumps. Creaming these two together well is important for the texture of your cookies. Next, add the large egg and the vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and forms a cohesive dough. It might seem a little sticky at this stage, but that’s perfectly normal. We’re going to chill this dough to make it easier to handle. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the fats to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.

Baking the Peanut Butter Cookie Halves

Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Remove the peanut butter dough from the refrigerator. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for expansion. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie dough ball to flatten it slightly and create the characteristic criss-cross pattern of peanut butter cookies. This pattern not only looks appealing but also helps the cookies bake more evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cookies are entirely cool before you proceed to the filling stage, otherwise, the filling will melt and create a messy, unappealing sandwich.

Creating the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

While the cookie halves are cooling, we’ll prepare the decadent peanut butter filling that makes these cookies so special. This filling is rich, creamy, and perfectly complements the cookie base. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and the packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using softened butter is key here; it should yield slightly to pressure but not be melted. This creates a smooth texture and prevents grainy filling. Next, gradually beat in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. You want to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add the heavy cream slowly, a tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add another teaspoon of cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. For an extra boost of peanut butter flavor, you can also add an extra tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to this filling mixture if desired, though it’s not strictly necessary with the existing flavors. Ensure this filling is well-combined and free of lumps.

Assembling Your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Now comes the most satisfying part: assembling the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies! Once both the cookie halves and the filling are completely cool, it’s time to bring them all together. Select pairs of similarly sized cookie halves. Place one cookie half, flat side up, on a clean work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy peanut butter filling onto the flat side of the cookie. Don’t be shy with the filling – it’s what makes these sandwich cookies truly irresistible! Carefully place the second cookie half, flat side down, on top of the filling. Gently press down the top cookie until the filling is evenly distributed and slightly oozes out the sides. This creates a beautifully layered sandwich cookie. Repeat this process with the remaining cookie halves and filling until all your cookies are assembled. You can then lightly press the edges of the filling to create a smoother finish, or leave it a little rustic.

Optional Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch of elegance or a fun variation, consider adding some finishing touches to your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. You can dip half of each assembled cookie into melted semi-sweet chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving for a delightful flavor combination. Alternatively, you can dust the tops of the assembled cookies with a little extra powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a snowy appearance, especially fitting if you’re making these around the holidays. These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, where the filling is soft and the cookie is tender. They store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer them slightly firmer. However, they rarely last that long! Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family, showcasing your baking prowess and love.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies! This recipe offers a delightful blend of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies encasing a sweet and creamy filling, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are sure to be a hit. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the joy of customization.

For serving suggestions, these cookies are fantastic on their own, paired with a cold glass of milk, or even alongside a cup of coffee for an afternoon indulgence. You can also get creative with variations! Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookie dough before baking for a delightful sweet and salty contrast. Or, experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence. Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and make these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking for best results.

How should I store these cookies?

Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them to last longer, they can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.