Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible charm of chocolate? Look no further than these Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with flavor and is filled with luscious peanut butter cups. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a cozy night in, these delightful cookies are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone begging for the recipe. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciously decadent adventure!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 37 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 peanut butter cups, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the tines of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will be soft when first removed from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cookies are fully cooled, prepare to assemble the sandwich cookies. Take one cookie and place a halved peanut butter cup in the center.
- Gently press another cookie on top of the peanut butter cup, creating a sandwich. The warmth of the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, helping them stick together.
- Let the sandwich cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best texture, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. This helps create a light and fluffy cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Spacing is Key: Leave enough space between the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet. They will spread while baking, so give them room to breathe!
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
- Assembly Tip: For the best sandwich cookies, wait until the cookies are completely cooled before adding the peanut butter cups. This prevents the chocolate from melting too much and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Storage Secrets: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding parchment paper between layers can help prevent them from sticking together.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for an extra flavor boost, or swap out the peanut butter cups for your favorite candy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
