Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
There are few things more satisfying than biting into a tender, buttery cookie sandwiched with sweet, creamy filling, and these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies will absolutely win your heart. Imagine a soft peanut butter cookie that melts in your mouth, paired with a rich peanut butter filling that’s just the right balance of salty and sweet—it’s comfort food in cookie form, and perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights at home. Whether you’re making these for a crowd or just to treat yourself, you’ll find joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies comes from a handful of simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building a soft texture, deep nutty flavor, and the best melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a tender crumb and creamy mouthfeel, and is essential for the luscious filling.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Use your favorite brand for max peanut flavor in both cookie and filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread properly during baking.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar brings a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep cookies soft.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and adds a warm note to both cookies and filling.
- All-purpose flour: The key to structure—measure correctly for the perfect, tender texture.
- Baking powder + baking soda: This powerhouse combo helps the cookies rise while keeping the crumb soft.
- Salt: Highlights the nutty flavor and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the filling for pillowy texture and just-right sweetness.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the filling and lets you control spreadability; start with less and add more as needed.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for super easy cleanup later—no scraping required!
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step really helps create that classic soft texture in our Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies! Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract for a couple of minutes until everything is beautifully blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cookies bake up perfectly every time. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—over-mixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, gently press down the tops in a crosshatch pattern. This not only looks cute, but helps the cookies bake evenly. Slide into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Dreamy Peanut Butter Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up the filling. Beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until totally smooth. Add the powdered sugar and keep beating until everything becomes light and fluffy—this is when that irresistible filling texture forms. Add the milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, just until you reach a spreadable consistency. If you want a sweeter twist, sneak in a touch of honey here!
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once your cookies are completely cool (trust me, patience is rewarded here!), spread or pipe a generous layer of the peanut butter filling onto the bottom of half of them. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to create the perfect Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. They’re instantly ready for munching or sharing!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies with a playful sprinkling of chopped roasted peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra color and crunch. These touches add fun and a touch of personalization.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk—classic and unbeatable! They also pair beautifully with hot coffee, a cozy mug of cocoa, or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For dessert platters, serve them with fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream to balance richness with a bit of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a tiered cake stand for a party-ready look, or tuck a few into mini gift bags tied with ribbon for super cute edible favors. For a special occasion, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for an amazing homemade ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The cookies stay wonderfully soft and the filling keeps its creamy texture, making them just as enjoyable on day four as on day one!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste like you just made them.
Reheating
While you don’t really need to “reheat” these treats, you can pop them in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds to bring back a hint of that oven-fresh softness. If you’ve frozen them, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you love a bit more texture, crunchy peanut butter brings an extra pop of peanutty flavor and some bite. The cookies will be just as delicious, with tiny bursts of crunch in every nibble.
What’s the best way to get neat, uniform Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies?
Rolling the dough into evenly sized balls using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop ensures all your cookies bake up the same size. Piping or spreading the filling with an offset spatula makes sandwiching tidy and picture-perfect.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can whip up the peanut butter filling a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature or give it a quick stir before assembling your sandwiches for the best spreadability.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Storing them in an airtight container is key. You can also add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies absorb its moisture and stay tender. Just don’t forget to take out the bread after a couple of days!
My filling is too runny—how do I fix it?
If your peanut butter filling seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up. Letting it chill for a bit in the fridge before assembling the cookies also helps it firm up nicely.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking with friends, sharing with family, or simply treating yourself, you won’t regret making these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. They’re wonderfully nostalgic and easy to customize, and once you’ve had that first sweet, nutty, melty bite, you’ll be itching to bake another batch. Go ahead—make a little cookie magic in your kitchen!
Print
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling. These homemade treats are a delightful snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: Cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
- Bake the cookies: Roll dough into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the filling: Beat together peanut butter and butter. Add powdered sugar and milk as needed.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread or pipe filling onto half the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Chill the filling slightly for easier spreading.
- Add honey to the filling for a sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
