Description
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Dough:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Shape Cookies:
Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
3. Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool completely.
4. Assemble Sandwiches:
Spread a layer of peanut butter on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
5. Dust and Serve:
Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until a uniform, soft dough forms.
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the tines of a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating the classic crisscross pattern. This also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will look soft and puffy; they will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, spread about 1 teaspoon of the creamy peanut butter filling onto the flat side of a cookie and gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
These rich cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a festive touch, roll the assembled cookie edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed peanuts. They also make a delightful dessert when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely, then sandwich with extra peanut butter and dust with powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
We recommend using conventional, shelf-stable peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can separate and often contains more oil, which can lead to a greasy, spread-out cookie.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Always double-check your peanut butter labels to ensure no cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or a severe allergy.
How should I store the cookies?
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store the unfilled cookies and filling separately, assembling just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
My cookies are too crumbly. What happened?
This is often due to over-measuring the peanut butter or over-baking. Use the “spoon and level” method for peanut butter and ensure you remove the cookies from the oven while they still look soft in the center.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Using hot cookie sheets: Always allow your baking sheet to cool between batches or use a fresh sheet.
- Assembling while warm: Filling cookies before they are completely cool will cause the peanut butter to melt and the cookies to break.
- Over-flattening: Press just enough to create the pattern; pressing too hard makes the cookies thin and brittle.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that requires minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfect batch of these nostalgic, delicious cookies. Their rich, peanut buttery taste is sure to make them a staple in your recipe collection.