Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

I am a huge fan of peanut butter.  I’ve loved it ever since I was a little kid, and I love making peanut butter desserts.  I was looking for a peanut butter cookie dessert to make, and I saw these on the Joy of Baking website and thought they looked perfect, especially since I’ve been loving the sandwich cookies lately.  These cookies are definitely for the peanut butter lover, since it is two peanut butter cookies with a rich peanut butter frosting sandwiched in between.

The cookies were nice and soft, which was perfect for a sandwich cookie.  You could choose any peanut butter cookie recipe to make this (I also really enjoy Dorie’s recipe).  The filling was good, although I think the peanut butter frosting from this cake would be even better).  I sometimes have aversions to cream cheese, and it was a bit too strong in this, so I think a sweeter frosting like this one would be delicious.  I always think of my dad when I make peanut butter desserts, and I wish I lived closer to my parents so I could pass on some of these peanut butter goodies to them!  These were a great dessert for the peanut butter lover!

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup (185 grams) peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

1/2 cup (105 grams) light brown sugar

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup (140 grams) all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Peanut Butter Filling:

6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup (125 grams) smooth peanut butter

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup (45 grams) confectioners sugar (powdered or icing)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Peanut Butter Cookies: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 – 3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the peanut butter mixture and beat until incorporated.

Take about one tablespoon of the batter and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between the mounds of cookie dough. Press the dough flat with the back of a fork that has been dipped in granulated white sugar. Bake the cookies for about 10- 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Peanut Butter Filling: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth.

Assemble: Take one peanut butter cookie and spread about 1 tablespoon of the filling on the flat side of the cookie. Top with a second cookie, flat side down, to make a sandwich. If not serving right away, cover and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Makes about 18 sandwich cookies.

Source: Joy of Baking