Pin it
My son's bake sale inspired these Chewy Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies that quickly turned into our family's go-to sweet. When you pair soft peanut butter cookies with smooth peanut butter cream filling, you get something truly wonderful. They're just the thing when you need to tackle those strong peanut butter cravings nothing else can handle.
Why You'll Fall For These Cookies
If you love peanut butter, these cookies won't disappoint. The way the chewy texture works with that smooth filling inside makes them impossible to resist. I'm so glad they only take about 30 minutes to make, so we can whip them up even when life gets crazy. Beginners can nail this recipe, but seasoned bakers can't stop making them either.
Ingredients You'll Need
Grab these items for your cookie adventure:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For that dreamy filling:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Using good peanut butter really changes the game here.
The Baking Process
Mix your butter, peanut butter and sugars until they look pale and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then slowly blend in your dry stuff. You want a soft dough that doesn't stick to your fingers.
Shape small one inch balls and press them with a fork to make that traditional pattern I always look forward to. Pop them in a 350°F oven until golden around the edges, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. While they cool down, mix up your filling and sandwich it between cookie pairs. They're absolutely delightful.
Pin it
Fun Customization Ideas
I sometimes toss chocolate chips into the filling or add crushed pretzels for a bit of crunch. You can swap the milk for honey in the filling for a slightly healthier twist. My friends who can't eat gluten love them with their alternative flour mixes and say they taste just as good.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container and they'll stay yummy for about 3 days on your counter or up to a week if you put them in the fridge. Want to plan ahead? The unfilled cookies freeze well for up to 3 months, then you can just whip up fresh filling when you're ready to eat them.
Gifting These Treats
These sandwich cookies work so well as presents. I often pack them in cute tins or see-through bags with pretty ribbons. Whenever I bring them to parties or bake sales, everyone wants to know how I made them.
Tricks I've Learned
After making these cookies tons of times, I've picked up some useful tips. If your dough gets too soft, just chill it briefly. Use butter that's soft but not melted to keep cookies from spreading too much. And always be exact with measurements to get the same great results every time.
Tasty Twists
I'll use almond or cashew butter now and then for something fresh. A tiny bit of cinnamon or cocoa in the filling really changes things up. My children enjoy helping me think of new flavor combos to try.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use a fork on top?
The fork pattern lets the cookies bake evenly and gives them their classic look. It’s also perfect for shaping them right for filling.
- → Is crunchy peanut butter okay?
You can use crunchy peanut butter in the cookie mix for a bit of crunch. But creamy works better inside the filling.
- → Why is sifting important?
Sifting powdered sugar gets rid of lumps so the filling spreads smooth. This makes sandwiching the cookies a lot easier.
- → How should I keep these?
Store these cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for about 3 days. Refrigerate them for up to a week if needed, but bring them to room temperature for the best flavor.
- → Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze them either filled or unfilled. Just wrap them well and use them within 3 months. Let them thaw completely before enjoying.