Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you love the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy in a hand-held treat, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together rich peanut butter cookie rounds with a luscious, dreamy cream cheese and maple syrup filling that melts in your mouth. Every bite floods your taste buds with comforting flavors and just the right amount of crunch and softness, making them an irresistible snack or dessert to share or savor solo. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe, it will become your new favorite go-to recipe for gatherings, lunchboxes, or those sweet-tooth emergencies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is easy and rewarding because each one plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and that perfect cookie structure. From the creamy peanut butter to the touch of maple syrup in the filling, every ingredient is simple yet crucial to making these cookies shine.

• Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter (1 cup, smooth or crunchy): The star ingredient delivering that iconic nutty flavor and moistness.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and lightly caramelizes during baking for golden edges.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, firmly packed): Adds depth and moisture with its hint of molasses.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
• Flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the dough that gives the cookies their shape and body.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft but still sturdy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Baking Soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Works alongside baking powder for the perfect crumb.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Used in the filling for a creamy, silky texture.
• Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides tanginess and richness to the filling.
• Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a natural sweetness and subtle, warm flavor to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the filling for that perfect spreadability.

How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Eggs

Start by placing the softened butter, both sugars, and eggs into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step is the foundation of your cookie dough, where creaminess translates into that soft, tender texture you crave.

Step 2: Incorporate the Peanut Butter

Add the peanut butter to the bowl and mix it in until it’s fully combined and creamy. This step infuses the dough with that unmistakable peanut flavor and ensures every bite has that satisfying nutty richness.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Dry ingredients must be thoroughly mixed to distribute the leavening agents evenly, which helps your cookies bake evenly and develop the perfect crumb.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients into the Wet

Slowly add the flour mixture to your peanut butter mixture, a little at a time, blending well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated. The dough should be easy to shape but firm enough to hold its form.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Cookies

Remove the dough from the bowl and roll it into small 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls evenly spaced on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and perfect non-stick results.

Step 6: Press the Signature Criss-Cross Pattern

Dip the tines of a fork in sugar and gently press a criss-cross pattern onto the top of each cookie dough ball. This classic peanut butter cookie look also slightly flattens them for even baking and adds an inviting texture.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a crunchy bottom while keeping the center slightly chewy. Every minute counts here to achieve that ideal texture contrast.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important so the filling doesn’t melt when you sandwich the cookies together.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While your cookies cool down, whip together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the maple syrup for a natural sweetness, then slowly add the powdered sugar until the filling is thick but spreadable. This filling brings a luscious, tangy complement to the rich peanut butter cookies.

Step 10: Assemble Your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired up and filled. Voilà! Your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is ready to delight.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to amp up the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of coarsely chopped peanuts on the filling before sandwiching the cookies together. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the finished sandwiches adds a pretty, delicate touch that makes them look as sweet as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their rich peanut butter and sweet cream cheese flavors offset the warmth and slight bitterness of your beverage, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try dipping one end of your sandwich cookie in melted dark chocolate, then sprinkle with sea salt or crushed peanuts before the chocolate sets. Alternatively, arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert tray for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate to preserve the cream cheese filling’s freshness, which will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze the sandwiches for up to 2 months. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain their delightful texture.

Reheating

These cookies are most delicious enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you like them softer, briefly microwave a sandwich cookie for 10 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat or the filling could melt out.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture contrast to the cookies. Just be sure to mix it thoroughly so it blends evenly into the dough.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese gives the filling that tangy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully, but if you prefer, you can substitute with butter or a soft mascarpone for a creamier, milder alternative.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be mindful that the texture might slightly differ but will still be delicious.

What is the best way to ensure cookies don’t stick to the pan?

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is your best bet for non-stick baking and easy cleanup. Avoid greasing the pan directly to maintain the cookie’s crispness on the bottom.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough?

Feel free! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavor profile. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough to keep the balance right.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe enough—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgic comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these sandwiches will bring smiles and warm hearts. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the joyful process of making these delightful cookies today!

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