If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat! Think crisp-on-the-edges, chewy-in-the-center peanut butter cookies joined together with a creamy, nutty, just-sweet-enough filling. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and buttery—making them absolutely impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, these homemade gems are guaranteed to spark joy for both kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these pantry-friendly staples to create Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies that truly taste like home. Each item plays an important role—bringing that signature texture, rich peanut flavor, and beautiful cookie color to life.
- Unsalted Butter (for cookies and filling): Softened butter is essential for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a smooth, spreadable filling.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, it delivers that classic peanutty richness in both the cookies and the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Packs in moisture and a subtle caramel note for chewier cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Brightens up the flavor and helps with that perfect golden color.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies nice and soft.
- Vanilla Extract: A little bit goes a long way to round out the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone that gives structure without making the cookies too dense.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: This dynamic duo ensures the cookies puff up ever so slightly but stay tender.
- Salt: A touch is all it takes to make the peanut butter flavor pop.
- Powdered Sugar (for the filling): Creates a lusciously smooth, fluffy texture in the creamy center.
- Milk or Cream: Just a splash helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency in your filling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Start by beating together your softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where all that luscious texture begins—creaming means air is whipped in, creating a dough that’s soft and easy to scoop. Make sure to scrape down the sides to get everything evenly combined!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Now, add the large egg and vanilla extract to your creamy mixture. Continue beating until everything is smooth and well-blended. This adds both flavor and structure, making your cookies stay tender even after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed, which keeps the cookies rising just right.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be gentle—overmixing can toughen your cookies. The dough should come together quickly and smell incredibly peanutty at this stage!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form 1-inch dough balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. If you want extra crunch and sparkle, roll each ball in granulated sugar before flattening. Use the back of a fork to press each ball gently, creating that iconic criss-cross pattern.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Don’t overbake! The cookies should look a bit underdone in the center when you take them out. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While your cookies cool, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until it turns fluffy. Add a bit of milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the filling is smooth and easy to spread—think somewhere between buttercream and thick frosting.
Step 8: Assemble Your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to sandwich! Spread a generous amount of the peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie, then gently top with a second cookie, pressing just enough so the filling reaches the edges. Repeat until all your delicious creations are complete.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are fantastic just as they are, but a few finishing touches never hurt! Try drizzling a bit of melted chocolate across the tops, sprinkling some flaky sea salt, or even rolling the edges in finely chopped roasted peanuts for an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk is the perfect classic pairing, letting those deep peanut butter flavors shine. If you want to get a bit more decadent, serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a fun textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dessert platters for parties by stacking your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in a tiered arrangement, or package them in pretty boxes as edible gifts. They look especially delightful tied up in cellophane, with a ribbon and a handwritten tag—they make every recipient smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. A sheet of parchment between layers helps keep them from sticking together and preserves that creamy center.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the cookies and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
If you crave that fresh-baked warmth, pop a sandwich cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. It’ll soften the filling and gently warm up the cookies for a just-made feel—perfect for a chilly afternoon treat.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you love a little extra crunch and texture in your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, chunky peanut butter will add a lovely, nutty bite both to the cookies and the filling.
What’s the best way to get uniform cookies?
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough will help keep your cookies even in size, making them easier to sandwich neatly. If some are bigger than others, feel free to “pair up” similarly sized cookies for assembly.
Can I make the cookies gluten free?
Yes, a good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend will work in place of all-purpose flour. Just watch the baking time as gluten-free cookies can sometimes bake a little faster.
Will natural peanut butter work in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and less stable, which can make the cookies spread more. For best results, use a shelf-stable creamy peanut butter, but if you really want to use natural, stir it well and consider chilling the dough before baking.
Are there any fun add-ins I can try?
You bet! Mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even finely chopped pretzels stirred into the filling or pressed onto the edges will take your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies to a whole new level of fun and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you dive in and bake a batch of these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies soon. There’s something so joyful about sharing homemade cookies—especially when they’re this fun, flavorful, and easy to love. Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies that combine rich, creamy peanut butter flavors in a delightful cookie filled with a luscious peanut butter cream. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream, as needed for spreading consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare cookie dough: Cream together butter, peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Bake cookies: Scoop dough into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the filling: Beat peanut butter and butter, add powdered sugar and milk until fluffy.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread filling on one cookie and sandwich with another. Repeat to make all sandwiches.
Notes
- You can roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking for extra crunch.
- For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
