Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe

Welcome to a world where peanut butter reigns supreme! If you’re a devoted fan of this creamy, dreamy spread, prepare to have your taste buds completely revolutionized. Our Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies are not just cookies; they’re an experience. Imagine a perfectly chewy peanut butter cookie, studded with delightful chunks of real peanut butter cups, then taken to an entirely new level by being lovingly sandwiched around a generous swirl of luscious, homemade peanut butter frosting. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of all things peanut butter. Grab a tall glass of cold milk, because you’re going to need it!

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Indulgence

Every bite of these sensational cookies delivers a symphony of textures and flavors. You get the soft, yielding chewiness of the cookie base, the delightful crunch and rich chocolatey notes from the peanut butter cup pieces, and finally, the incredibly smooth, sweet, and intensely peanut buttery frosting that ties it all together. This recipe takes a classic treat and elevates it to gourmet status, making it perfect for impressing guests, delighting your family, or simply treating yourself to something truly extraordinary. It’s a triple threat of peanut butter goodness that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense cravings.

From Inspiration to Irresistible Reality

The idea for these incredible sandwich cookies has been swirling around for quite some time, ever since the success of our Peanut Butter Cup Bars, where mini peanut butter cups brilliantly replaced traditional chocolate chips. It was a revelation! The natural progression, of course, was to amplify that peanut butter goodness even further. Why just have a cookie with peanut butter cups when you can sandwich two of them together with even *more* peanut butter in the form of a luxurious frosting? For true peanut butter aficionados, the answer is always “more peanut butter!” Even if it means needing a glass of milk by your side to fully enjoy every decadent moment, it’s a small price to pay for such immense pleasure.

Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies aren’t just for eating; they’re designed for sharing joy. I can easily envision these beautifully wrapped in elegant boxes, ready to be presented as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays. They’d be the star of any Christmas cookie exchange, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Moreover, their sturdy nature makes them excellent candidates for mailing to loved ones near and far. What better way to spread cheer than with a box of these delightful sandwich cookies?

Need proof of their widespread appeal? The very batch you see pictured here was taken to work and disappeared almost instantly. It wasn’t long before coworkers were enthusiastically directing others to my desk, proclaiming, “You HAVE to try one of those cookies!” That’s the kind of endorsement that speaks volumes – a true testament to their irresistible deliciousness. Baking these is an act of generosity, and seeing the smiles they bring is incredibly rewarding.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

While we wholeheartedly recommend embracing the full peanut butter experience with the creamy frosting, you always have options to customize! If you prefer a simpler peanut butter cookie, you can certainly enjoy the chewy, peanut butter cup-filled cookies on their own. They are fantastic even without the filling. However, for those looking to truly indulge, the frosting is a game-changer.

Feeling adventurous? Instead of peanut butter frosting, consider filling these with a rich chocolate ganache or a decadent chocolate buttercream for a delightful peanut butter and chocolate sandwich cookie. The possibilities are endless when you start with such a fantastic cookie base. Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate comforting treat.

More Peanut Butter Cookie Delights

Can’t get enough peanut butter cookies? We understand completely! If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy this beloved flavor, be sure to explore some of our other popular recipes. Our Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for when you need a quick fix without making a huge batch, and our Peanut Butter Cookie Cups offer another delightful twist on the classic. Each recipe brings its unique charm, but all promise that unmistakable, comforting peanut butter flavor we all adore.

Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies

Yield:
1 dozen

Chewy peanut butter cookies with delicious peanut butter cup pieces, lovingly sandwiched together with a rich and creamy peanut butter frosting. An absolute must-try for any peanut butter enthusiast!

(Rated 4.3/5 stars by 4 reviewers)

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (mini or regular, chopped to chip-size)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and consistent baking.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently stir in the chopped peanut butter cups by hand.
Bake the Cookies: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a chewy cookie. Let the cookies stand on the baking sheets for 4 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is crucial before frosting.
Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. On low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing until just combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, take one cookie and spread a generous amount of the peanut butter frosting onto its flat bottom side. Take another cookie and place it on top, flat side down, gently pressing to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies until all are assembled.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

Dough Consistency: If your cookie dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, particularly in warmer kitchens, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes before scooping. This will help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Softened Butter is Key: For both the cookies and the frosting, ensuring your butter is properly softened (but not melted!) will make a huge difference in the texture and creaminess. It should yield easily when pressed but still hold its shape.
Don’t Overbake: For the chewiest cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting ensures a silky-smooth, lump-free texture. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
Storage: Store the finished Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes. We love seeing your creations!

Source: Adapted from Nestle Toll House Best Loved Cookies.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If these Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies have captured your heart, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen. Expand your baking repertoire with more peanut butter goodness and other tempting treats.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars: A delightful no-bake treat packed with peanut butter flavor and crunchy chocolate.
Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies (and tips for mailing cookies): For when you crave even more peanut butter in every bite, plus handy tips for sending baked goods.
Peanut Butter-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies: A decadent combination of rich chocolate cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling.

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies as much as we do. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!